How to Prepare to Exhibit at IPW 2026: Tips for Exhibitors

The travel industry is poised for continued growth in 2026, with domestic leisure spending projected to reach approximately $912 billion and international visits to the U.S. expected to rebound to around 70.4 million arrivals. Amidst this optimistic outlook, IPW (International Pow Wow) 2026 emerges as a pivotal event for travel professionals seeking to connect, collaborate, and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Notably, Fort Lauderdale, the host city for IPW 2026, has been ranked #3 among “Best U.S. Cities for Families” by Travel + Leisure, adding to the allure of this international travel trade show. This year, travelers are increasingly seeking alternative destinations to avoid overcrowding and are gravitating toward authentic, meaningful experiences over flashy excess, making IPW an ideal platform for showcasing unique travel experiences. IPW is the travel industry’s premier international marketplace and provides an unmatched platform to conduct business and build relationships.

About IPW 2026

IPW is the leading international inbound travel trade show, renowned for its role in connecting travel professionals and promoting tourism in the United States. It serves as a national showcase of America, where U.S. travel exhibitors connect with travel buyers and media from over 70 countries to promote their products, negotiate future business, and build relationships. IPW reinforces America’s position as a leading global travel destination by boosting international visitation and showcasing the best of what the U.S. offers. IPW 2025 was projected to generate $26.1 billion in U.S. visitor spending over three years, and Fort Lauderdale expects IPW 2026 to produce approximately $14.2 billion in economic impact over the same period.

IPW 2026 Facts and Statistics:

Fact	Detail
Date	May 17-21, 2026
Venue	Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center
City/State	Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Estimated Number of Exhibitors	1,000+
Sponsor	U.S. Travel Association

Why Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale, nicknamed the “Yachting Capital of the World,” offers 300+ miles of navigable waterways and 24 miles of sandy beaches. The city provides a compelling mix of coastal charm and urban amenities, including world-class dining, nightlife, and shopping. It’s also home to Port Everglades, one of the busiest cruise ports, and features a newly expanded $1.3 billion convention center. These attributes make it an attractive destination for international travel professionals seeking both leisure and business appeal.

Who Attends IPW?

IPW 2026 is expected to draw approximately 5,000 total attendees, including around 1,000 U.S. exhibitors and 1,800 hosted buyers and media from over 70 countries. About 500-600 international travel journalists are expected, along with hundreds of domestic journalists.

Attendee Type	Description
U.S. Travel Organizations	Representing all industry categories, including accommodations, destinations, attractions, transportation, and more.
International and Domestic Leisure Buyers	Tour operators, wholesalers, and receptive operators seeking to discover and purchase U.S. travel products.
International Meeting and Incentive Buyers	Professionals planning meetings, conferences, and incentive travel programs in the U.S.
International and Domestic Journalists	Media representatives covering the travel industry and seeking stories about U.S. destinations and experiences.
Marketing and Technology Providers	Companies offering solutions to enhance travel businesses and connect with potential clients.
Distribution Partners	Online travel agencies and bedbanks participating in the Distribution Pavilion.

New for 2026

IPW 2026 spotlights several new buyer programs:

• A Distribution Pavilion for online travel agencies and bedbanks
• A Domestic Buyer Direct marketplace connecting U.S. travel businesses with domestic tour operators
• An Indigenous tourism delegation led by the American Indigenous Tourism Association (AITA), highlighting Indigenous-led travel experiences to international buyers

How to Exhibit at IPW?

To exhibit at IPW 2026, interested companies need to register through the official IPW website. Companies apply for booth space through the IPW online platform (MapYourShow), where a booking code (emailed to prior-year contacts) is required to access the portal. Once a booth application is accepted (25% deposit due on application, balance by January 2026), the exhibitor’s key contacts get login access to register booth staff and set up meetings.

To find more information and register for IPW 2026, visit the official website: https://www.ipw.com/

Appointment System

IPW 2026 continues the pre-scheduled appointment system. Exhibitors and buyers schedule up to 42 face-to-face appointments each over the three main business days. The online scheduling typically opens in early March 2026.

Why Exhibit at IPW?

Exhibiting at IPW 2026 offers numerous benefits for travel industry businesses:

• Face-to-face interaction: IPW provides a unique opportunity to meet with top travel professionals and vendors in person, fostering valuable relationships and promoting products or services directly to key prospects.
• Industry insights: Attending IPW allows businesses to stay abreast of the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in the travel industry by observing competitors, attending educational sessions, and networking with peers.
• Brand visibility: Exhibiting at IPW enhances brand visibility and awareness among a highly targeted audience of travel buyers, media, and industry influencers.
• Business growth: IPW facilitates business development and lead generation through pre-scheduled appointments, networking events, and organic interactions with potential clients.
• Proven Value: 99% of exhibitors find IPW valuable to their organization, highlighting the event’s effectiveness in driving business success.
• Massive Economic Impact: IPW consistently generates billions in future travel bookings. Previous IPW events have produced over $26 billion in projected travel bookings.

Event Schedule

The detailed schedule for IPW 2026 is as follows:

Sunday, May 17, 2026

• 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Exhibitor Move-In and Registration
• 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Press Room and Buyer Tours
• 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Golf Tournament

Monday, May 18, 2026

• 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Final Move-In
• 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Registration and Press Room
• 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Buyer and Press Tours, Domestic Buyer Direct Sessions
• 5:00-7:30 p.m. Opening Reception

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

• 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Business Appointments
• 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Media Marketplace
• 12:00-2:00 p.m. Lunch Break
• 2:00-5:00 p.m. Business Appointments
• 5:00 p.m.+ Open Networking Evening

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

• 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Business Appointments and Press Conferences
• 12:00-2:00 p.m. Lunch
• 2:00-4:00 p.m. Business Appointments
• 4:30-5:30 p.m. General Session (Keynote)
• 5:30 p.m.+ Networking Evening

Thursday, May 21, 2026

• 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Registration
• 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Business Appointments and Press Conferences
• 12:00-2:00 p.m. Lunch
• 2:00-4:00 p.m. Business Appointments
• 4:15 p.m. American Express Prize Drawing
• 4:30-7:00 p.m. Closing Event

Friday, May 22, 2026

• 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Exhibitor Move-Out
• 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Post-Show FAM Tours

Preparing to Exhibit at IPW 2026

Trade show exhibits require significant investment, and careful preparation is crucial for maximizing returns. Here’s what you need to make your time at IPW 2026 successful:

Booth Options and Design

Standard booth sizes remain 10×10 or 10×20 (pipe-and-drape) with complimentary furnishings. New for 2026 is a fully-custom Island Booth option with no fixed size limit—exhibitors pay a $12,000 island variance fee to expand beyond a 10×10 footprint. Also available is an Express Booth (6.67’×6.67′) for a lower cost and smaller footprint. Shared booths and turnkey décor packages (basic or upgraded) can also be purchased.

A well-designed booth is essential for attracting attention and effectively showcasing your brand. Consider incorporating interactive elements, high-quality visuals, and comfortable spaces for meetings and demonstrations.

Exhibitor Services and Deadlines

The official exhibitor services contractor is Freeman. Exhibitors receive a complimentary furniture package (table, chairs, etc.) for linear booths. The deadline to confirm or modify the complimentary furniture package is typically about one month before IPW. For a May show, expect a mid-April 2026 deadline. Any changes after that incur extra charges.

Marketing and Media Opportunities

IPW offers numerous visibility options:

• Media Marketplace Packages: Brand USA-sponsored press events plus press room access
• Press Conferences: 20-minute presentation slots to reach 500+ travel journalists
• IPW Online Marketplace: Digital brochures and press kit platform
• Reserved Tables: Table for 10 at IPW luncheons (Monday-Wednesday)
• Additional Options: Website advertising, hanging banners, and turnkey graphics

Lead Generation and ROI

Develop a strategy for capturing leads and engaging with potential clients. This may involve interactive displays, contests, giveaways, and a system for collecting contact information. Set clear goals and objectives for your participation in IPW 2026. Track your progress, measure your results, and analyze your return on investment to optimize future trade show strategies.

Tips for Exhibiting at IPW 2026

• Engage attendees: Create an inviting and interactive booth experience to draw attendees in. Use engaging visuals, product demonstrations, and knowledgeable staff to spark conversations and generate interest.
• Align with 2026 trends: Travelers in 2026 are seeking “decision-free” vacations with curated itineraries, authentic “quiet luxury” experiences, and sustainable travel options. Showcase how your offerings align with these emerging preferences.
• Promote your brand: Leverage IPW’s marketing and promotional opportunities to increase your brand visibility. Consider sponsoring events, participating in press conferences, and utilizing social media to connect with attendees.
• Media Engagement: IPW offers valuable opportunities to connect with international and domestic media through pre-scheduled appointments and the Media Marketplace. Utilize these opportunities to gain exposure and promote your brand to a wider audience.
• Maximize appointments: With up to 42 face-to-face appointments available, prepare thoroughly for each meeting. Research your scheduled buyers and tailor your presentations to their specific markets and interests.

Planning on Exhibiting at IPW 2026?

With approximately 5,000 travel professionals and vendors in attendance, IPW 2026 offers unparalleled networking opportunities within the travel industry. This event not only provides endless avenues for networking and building business relationships but also features top-tier educational sessions in the field.

If you plan to attend, ensure you maximize your experience and investment with a captivating booth design that effectively showcases your brand. Choose a booth design and logistics provider that aligns with your brand image and budget. Prioritize professional presentation and efficient logistics for a successful IPW experience.

Contact Xibit Solutions today to learn more about our trade show booth design services and see what we can do to make your IPW a success.