The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) today announced The Summit, a new premier event bringing together the travel industry’s most influential leaders for high-level business discussions, peer connection and strategic insight. The Summit will take place October 14–16, 2026, at the Sheraton Downtown Denver in Denver, Colorado.
Set against the backdrop of Denver’s vibrant business and tourism environment, this brand-new, can’t-miss industry event will feature two distinct Ascents designed to deliver targeted value for its audiences: the Corporate Ascent and the Leisure & Luxury Ascent.
The Corporate Ascent, formerly ASTA’s Corporate Travel Executive Forum, is where the future of managed travel gets decided. Bringing together top corporate travel buyers, Travel Management Company (TMC) leaders and industry power players, this high-energy forum delivers bold insights, candid conversations and real-world strategies on the issues reshaping corporate travel, from airline strategy and distribution disruption to evolving commercial models and traveler expectations. Designed for decision-makers, it is where leaders connect, challenge the status quo and leave ready to drive smarter, more competitive travel programs in a rapidly changing landscape.
Among the confirmed speakers is Bob Somers, Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Delta Air Lines, who brings more than 40 years of industry experience and valuable perspective on the evolving corporate travel landscape.
The Leisure & Luxury Ascent, formerly ASTA’s Premium Business Summit, is where the future of leisure travel advising takes shape. Bringing together agency owners, advisors and industry leaders from across the leisure travel marketplace, this dynamic forum delivers fresh ideas, real conversations and practical strategies on the topics transforming the consumer travel space, from evolving client expectations and emerging travel trends to business growth, innovation and the changing advisor value proposition. Designed for leaders looking to elevate their businesses and expand their impact, it is where travel professionals connect, exchange ideas and leave better equipped to compete and thrive in a fast-changing marketplace.
Together, the two Ascents will also create opportunities for corporate and leisure leaders to come together around shared challenges, emerging trends and the big conversations shaping the future of travel in today’s increasingly complex world.
“The Summit is designed for travel leaders who understand the value of being in the right room with the right people,” said Zane Kerby, President and CEO of ASTA. “This event brings together the executives, agency leaders and partners driving the industry forward. When your peers are here, when the conversations shaping what comes next are happening here, this becomes a gathering you simply cannot afford to miss.”
In addition to Somers, other confirmed speakers include Jennifer Steinke, Director of Travel at Moderna; Michael Linenberg, Managing Director at Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.; Sam Gilliland, Chief Executive Officer of Accelya; and Denby Bruzas, Vice President of Implementations at Spotnana. Together, these leaders bring expertise spanning corporate travel management, financial analysis, travel technology and airline retailing, further strengthening The Summit’s lineup of voices shaping the future of travel. The event will also offer attendees opportunities to connect with leading companies and partners from across the industry. Participating companies and sponsors are featured on the event website.
Beyond its business sessions, The Summit will incorporate Rocky Mountain experiences designed to deepen engagement and strengthen executive connections. Special excursions will include Red Rocks Reset, an experience centered on clarity, connection and renewal, as well as The Summit Classic, offering attendees the opportunity to enjoy golf at one of Colorado’s most exclusive courses. From the welcome reception to thoughtfully designed networking gatherings and shared dining experiences, every element of the event is intended to create a more meaningful environment for candid dialogue, relationship-building and high-value peer exchange.
Registration for The Summit is now open, with limited spots available. Attendees are encouraged to book soon to secure registration.
For attendee questions, contact the ASTA Events Team at Meetings@asta.org. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Erin Hulscher, Director, Business Development, at ehulscher@asta.org. For information on becoming an ASTA Premium Member, contact Jaci Miller, Senior Manager, Membership Sales, at jmiller@asta.org.
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