WASHINGTON, D.C. December 3, 2024 (Biz Republic) — U.S. Travel Association hosted its fourth annual Future of Travel Mobility conference at Washington’s Union Station on Wednesday, November 20, uniting travel industry executives, government officials, business leaders and public policy experts for critical discussions on the future of travel and transportation as the United States embarks on a mega decade of sports, thrusting our nation into the spotlight on a global stage.
“It’s the opportunity right in front of us, a decade of sporting events that will make the U.S. the most sought-after destination,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of U.S. Travel Association. “It’s more important than ever for our systems and processes to keep pace with demand and to do that, we don’t just need ideas, we need urgency and action.”
Discussions focused on the imperative need to create a frictionless travel experience, by improving security to be more efficient and, ultimately, improve customer experience— from solutions in biometrics to AI-driven systems and advanced screening technologies.
Click to watch the full event video.
In an exclusive preview, U.S. Travel’s Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel teased their upcoming report of recommendations to transform the future of travel. Commission members, Jeff Bleich, Former U.S. Ambassador to Australia, Patty Cogswell, Former Deputy Administrator, Transportation Security Administration, and Kevin McAleenan, Former Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and Commissioner, Customs and Border Protection, spoke on the importance of our mission to modernize, streamline and improve how travelers move from Point A to Point B–all while bolstering national security.
“Growing travel and enhancing the experience should be a national priority,” said Tori Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and Policy, of U.S. Travel Association as she took the stage. “We have an opportunity to become the most visited nation in the world and government partnership – with President Trump and the new Congress — is essential for realizing the vision to create the greatest traveler experience worldwide.”
Attendees engaged firsthand with emerging travel technologies at the Future of Travel Mobility Innovation Hub. This dynamic, interactive showcase highlighted groundbreaking technologies, products and services that are revolutionizing travel today and shaping the transformative journeys of tomorrow. More than two dozen speakers from both the private and public sectors included:
● Denver International Airport — Phillip A. Washington, Chief Executive Officer
● Enterprise — Mike Filomena, Vice President, Global Government & Public Affairs
● Expedia — Greg Schulze, Chief Commercial Officer
● FIFA World Cup 2026 — Amy Hopfinger, Chief Strategy and Planning Officer
● Former Acting Secretary of Homeland Security — The Hon. Kevin McAleenan
● Former Deputy Administrator, Transportation Security Administration — The Hon. Patricia Cogswell
● Former U.S. Ambassador to Australia — The Hon. Jeff Bleich
● House Committee on Energy and Commerce — Congresswoman Kat Cammack, FL-03
● Miami-Dade Aviation Department — Ralph Cutié, Director and Chief Executive Officer
● Michigan Economic Development Corporation — Justine Johnson, Chief Mobility Officer, Office of Future Mobility and Electrification
● Transportation Security Administration — The Hon. David Pekoske, Administrator
● Uber — Dara Khosrowshahi, Chief Executive Officer
● United Airlines — Linda Jojo, Chief Customer Officer
● U.S. Department of State — The Hon. Richard R. Verma, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources
● U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee — David Francis, Senior Government Affairs Director
● Visit Phoenix — Ron Price, President and Chief Executive Officer
● Visit Seattle — Tammy Blount-Canavan, President and Chief Executive Officer
● Waymo — David Quinalty, Head of Federal Policy and Government Affairs
“This outstanding lineup of speakers showcased some of the most brilliant minds in policy and innovation,” said Freeman. “U.S. Travel was honored to convene this group to advance our vision of shaping the future of travel and creating a call to action for the sense of urgency we need to make the U.S. as competitive as we need to be.” American Express is the official card of U.S. Travel Association and title sponsor of the 2024 event.
ABOUT U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION
U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing the $1.3 trillion travel industry, an essential contributor to our nation’s economy and success. U.S. Travel produces programs and insights and advocates for policies to increase travel to and within the United States. Visit ustravel.org for more information.
