MILAN — The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association has opened registration for its 38th Global Convention, an event that will unite LGBTQ+ welcoming tourism businesses 26-29 October in Milan, Italy. The convention combines education with numerous networking opportunities to help brands enhance understanding of LGBTQ+ travel and create new business opportunities.
Presented in collaboration with ENIT (Italian National Tourist Board), Comune di Milano, Yes Milano and AITGL (Italian National LGBTQ+ Tourism Association) at the UNAHOTEL Expo Fiera Milano, this will be IGLTA’s first Global Convention in Italy. Bringing IGLTA’s premier global business event to the country supports Italy’s recent progress toward greater acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ people.
“The cosmopolitan city of Milan is the ideal place to showcase the advancements of our host country and provide a welcoming space for tourism professionals from all over the world to share best practices and make connections for business success,” says IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella.
“The global partnership between the Italian Tourism Board and IGLTA has been very strong for a few years, and we are thrilled to welcome the Global Convention this year in Milan,” says Maria Elena Rossi, Marketing and Promotion Director for ENIT (Italian National Tourism Board). “As a leading world destination, Italy has developed inclusive and LGBTQ+ friendly visitor management policies throughout the country.”
IGLTA Global Convention registration includes:
- Opening reception at the world-renowned Sforza Castle, a 15th-century medieval fortification in the city center that is one of Milan’s most famous historical sites
- Education sessions focused on diversity and marketing strategies, including highlights from the new IGLTA Foundation report on ways to make LGBTQ+ travel transformational
- Two days of LGBTQ+ Tourism Expo networking lunches to unite all attendees
- Media Networking Event connecting delegates with global media outlets and influencers that promote LGBTQ+ welcoming travel
- CAP Medical and Security Assist Plan (20-31 October) at no additional charge.
On 26 October, to kick off the networking, IGLTA, in collaboration with Jacobs Media Group, will present a Buyer/Supplier Marketplace with 1-to-1 appointments to enhance business connections throughout the conference. On 27 October, Voyage, the IGLTA Foundation’s annual fundraiser, will unfold with a masquerade theme to support LGBTQ+ research and educational initiatives.
The 38th IGLTA Global Convention would not be possible without the generous support of our convention sponsors. Presenting Level – AITGL; Comune di Milano; Discover Puerto Rico; Italian National Tourist Board; Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau; Tourist Board of Spain - Turespaña; YesMilano. Official Level – CAP Travel Assistance by FocusPoint International; Visit Lauderdale; Israel Ministry of Tourism; The Florida Keys & Key West; Malta Tourism Authority; Simpleview. Conference Level – Cvent; SXM Media. Breakout Session Sponsors – WeTravel. Community Partners - Allumeuse; Arcigay; Community Marketing & Insights; EDGE: LGBTI+ Leaders for Change; Mantra Communications; myGwork; NEBE; Pink Media; Sonders and Beach; World Food Travel Association.