Frequently Asked Questions

  • Frequently Asked Questions

+ What is IPW?

IPW is the travel industry’s premier international marketplace, bringing together U.S. travel suppliers, global buyers and media to build relationships, conduct business and drive future travel to the United States.

+ How many business appointments will I have at IPW?

IPW is designed to maximize your time and business potential. Qualified buyers can participate in up to 44 pre-scheduled appointments with destinations, hotels, attractions, transportation providers and other U.S. travel suppliers, helping you build an entire year of business in one week. Hosted buyers must attend a minimum of 38 appointments.

+ When and where will IPW 2027 take place?

IPW 2027 will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, May 2-6, 2027.

+ Who attends IPW?

IPW brings together U.S. destinations, attractions, accommodations, transportation providers and other travel suppliers, along with international and domestic buyers, travel trade professionals and media from around the world.

+ Why should I attend IPW?

IPW offers unparalleled opportunities to build partnerships, generate qualified leads, meet with key decision-makers and gain valuable exposure through a robust schedule of business appointments, networking events and media opportunities. 

As the travel industry's premier international marketplace, IPW is also a highly cost-effective way to market and sell your destination, attraction or travel product to buyers and media from more than 60 countries in just three days, helping you maximize your reach and return on investment in a single event.

+ Are business appointments pre-scheduled?

Yes, attendees use an appointment matching system to request and manage one-on-one business meetings ahead of the event. These pre-scheduled appointments help maximize time onsite and create meaningful business connections.

+ Is IPW only for international business?

While IPW is focused on increasing travel to the United States from international markets, it also provides valuable opportunities to connect with domestic travel organizations, industry partners and media.

+ What networking opportunities are available?

In addition to business appointments, IPW offers receptions, special events and industry gatherings designed to help attendees build relationships and expand their professional networks.

+ What does the IPW schedule look like?

IPW is designed to maximize business opportunities while providing time to build meaningful industry relationships. Attendees participate in a mix of pre-scheduled business appointments, networking events and destination experiences throughout the week. Every element of the schedule is thoughtfully designed to help attendees generate leads, strengthen partnerships and discover new opportunities. Review the full schedule.

+ What is IPW Beyond the Booth?

New for 2027! IPW Beyond the Booth is a dedicated afternoon designed to help attendees maximize the value of their IPW investment. By taking business beyond the convention center and into the heart of New Orleans, attendees will have an opportunity to strengthen key relationships, continue important conversations and uncover new opportunities, all while experiencing the unique culture and charm of New Orleans.

+ Are lunches included?

Yes! Three lunches (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) are included with your registration and are more than just a break in your appointment schedule. Each lunch creates opportunities to connect with industry peers, strengthen relationships and continue business conversations in engaging settings. Throughout the week, you'll experience a variety of lunch formats, including opportunities to explore New Orleans while connecting with clients, partners and colleagues, helping you maximize the value of your time at IPW.

Buyer and Media Frequently Asked Questions

+ What is included in Buyer registration?

Buyer registration provides access to pre-scheduled business appointments with U.S. travel suppliers, official networking events, exhibitor directories and the tools you need to connect before, during and after the show. Eligible hosted buyers may also receive hotel accommodations (Sunday, May 2 through Thursday, May 6, with check out on Friday, May 7; room and tax only) as part of the hosted buyer program (minimum appointment requirements apply).

+ How many business appointments will I have at IPW?

IPW is designed to maximize your time and business potential. Qualified buyers can participate in up to 44 pre-scheduled appointments with destinations, hotels, attractions, transportation providers and other U.S. travel suppliers, helping you build an entire year of business in one week. Hosted buyers must attend a minimum of 38 appointments.

+ As a Buyer, how do I schedule appointments at IPW?

In mid-February, registered buyers receive access to the My IPW appointment system. You'll be able to browse exhibitor profiles, identify potential business partners and submit appointment requests before scheduling deadlines. Mutual interest and availability help determine final appointment schedules.

+ Who qualifies to attend IPW as a Buyer?

IPW welcomes qualified international and domestic leisure buyers, receptive tour operators, online travel agencies, other B2B distribution partners, and meeting and incentive buyers. All buyer registrations are reviewed to ensure attendees meet IPW's eligibility requirements and actively promote travel to U.S. destinations. Buyer Qualification

+ Why should travel Buyers attend IPW?

IPW is the travel industry's leading inbound marketplace, bringing together U.S. travel suppliers and qualified buyers from around the world. Through productive appointments, networking events and destination experiences, buyers can discover new products, strengthen partnerships and create future travel business more efficiently than through individual sales visits.

+ Can first-time Buyers attend IPW?

Absolutely. Whether you're attending for the first time or returning to expand your network, IPW offers an efficient way to meet key U.S. travel suppliers, discover new destinations and build valuable business relationships. Many buyers use IPW to find new products and partners they may not have otherwise encountered.

+ What is included in Media registration?

Media registration provides access to IPW’s dedicated media program, including up to 36 prescheduled appointments across the Media Marketplace and the main Exhibit Hall, press conferences, the exclusive press brunch, destination experiences (press tours), networking opportunities and other media-focused events. Registered media are expected to actively participate in the media program, which is designed to connect journalists with U.S. destinations, travel brands and industry leaders. Additional opportunities, such as post-IPW familiarization tours, may be offered on a limited basis and are subject to a separate application and selection process. Eligible international media may also receive hotel accommodations (Sunday, May 2 through Thursday, May 6 with check out on Friday, May 7; room and tax only).

+ Who qualifies to attend IPW as Media?

Qualified domestic and international media are invited to apply for consideration to attend IPW. Applicants should regularly produce travel-related editorial content for recognized publications, broadcast outlets, digital platforms or other media organizations. All applications are reviewed to determine whether applicants meet IPW’s established media eligibility requirements and editorial standards. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval.

+ What is the Media Marketplace?

Media Marketplace is IPW's dedicated appointment program where accredited journalists meet one-on-one with U.S. destinations, attractions, hotels and other travel organizations. These prescheduled meetings provide opportunities to discover new story ideas, connect with valuable sources and build relationships with travel industry representatives.

+ As a Media attendee, how do I schedule appointments at IPW?

Registered media receive access to IPW's appointment scheduling tools before the event. From there, you can review exhibitor profiles, identify organizations relevant to your coverage and request appointments to maximize your time onsite.

+ Why should travel media attend IPW?

IPW gives travel journalists direct access to U.S. destinations, attractions, travel brands and industry leaders from across the country. Through prescheduled appointments, press conferences, Media Marketplace and destination press tours, journalists can find new story ideas, learn about emerging travel trends, connect with key sources and develop relationships that support their future coverage.

+ Can first-time media attend IPW?

Absolutely! IPW welcomes both first-time and returning journalists. You don't need to have attended IPW previously to apply, and approved first-time media have access to the same media programming, appointments and events as returning attendees. All applications are reviewed based on IPW's media eligibility requirements.