NEW YORK CITY — All eyes were on Connections Luxury Americas, the international show for decision-makers in the luxury travel industry. Held March 9-12 at a number of venues and in partnership with NYC Tourism + Conventions, it made its mark as the city’s first-ever luxury travel trade show.
More than 160 senior luxury travel professionals from 33 countries — travel agents, concierges, destination wedding planners, incentive houses, and adventure and wellness specialists — took part in 1,226 one-to-one meetings, with the organizers reporting an 88.6% increase in both buyers and suppliers, compared to their initial targets.
“We launched in November for a March show — an incredible result in such a short lead time,” Greg Reeves, Managing Director International for Jacobs Media Group, said. “Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: 100% of attendees left with new business connections, and we’re predicting over $30.3 million in business to be generated over the next 12 months as a result of meetings that took place. Satisfaction scores were equally strong, with 98% saying the event was a valuable use of their time and near-perfect ratings across the board for the quality of buyers, suppliers, and experiences.”
The city showed off its luxe venues for attendees, starting off at the Harmonie Club, the second-oldest members’ club in New York City, and included a reception at Bar SixtyFive atop Rockefeller Center. The show concluded with a viewing of the Metropolitan Opera’s premiere of Moby Dick.
The luxury market continues to show resilience, even during these times of economic uncertainty, said Reeves. “Affluent travelers tend to prioritize premium experiences over other discretionary spending and we’re seeing that reflected in both demand and confidence across the industry. All signs suggest that this appetite for high-end, meaningful travel will continue through this year and well into the next.”
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That also bodes well for the show’s supplier partners — boutique and chain hotels, DMCs, trains and yacht charters, cruise lines, spas and practitioners, and event services companies.
Unlike other appointment-based shows, Connections Luxury takes a unique approach to its appointments based on behavioral science, and is designed so every meeting slot gives participants the option to share an experience together, “whether that’s tasting a New York hot dog, strolling through Central Park or meeting a Broadway star,” Reeves said. “These activities act as a natural icebreaker, help build trust faster and turn a standard business meeting into something far more memorable and meaningful. It’s a more thoughtful way of networking — and it works.”
Reach Greg Reeves at greg@weareconnections.com
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