Customer Connect Expo 2026 is scheduled for 9–10 September 2026 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence, customer experience, and digital innovation on the global travel, aviation, and hospitality industries.
Atlanta as a Premier MICE and Aviation Hub
Atlanta hosts the event at one of the largest convention venues in the United States, the Georgia World Congress Center, located downtown. The city’s infrastructure supports thousands of international delegates, with convenient access to hotels, entertainment, and cultural attractions. Home to one of North America’s busiest airports, Atlanta leverages its connectivity to attract major meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, contributing to
the city’s business tourism economy.
AI Technologies Reshape Customer Service in Travel
Artificial intelligence will dominate discussions at Customer Connect Expo 2026, including applications of generative AI, intelligent automation, and predictive analytics. Airlines increasingly deploy AI for automated flight notifications, disruption management, and customer communication, while hotels implement intelligent virtual assistants for reservation handling and guest services. These AI tools aim to deliver faster, personalised services across airlines, hotels, airports, and travel technology providers as global travel demand rises.
Confirmed Speakers Address Tourism and Aviation Sectors
Christine Maguire, Global Vice President at Tripadvisor, is a confirmed speaker representing global tourism interests, focusing on traveller trust and online reputation management. Vanessa Hardy Bowen, Director of
Guest Care and Contact Centers at Spirit Airlines, will provide insights on customer communication during operational disruptions. Their participation emphasizes the importance of digital engagement and disruption management in travel customer experience.
Exhibitors Showcase AI-Driven Customer Engagement Solutions
Exhibitors at the expo include companies specializing in artificial intelligence, workforce management, multilingual communication, contact center technology, and enterprise customer engagement platforms. Solutions highlighted include AI-powered virtual agents, multilingual support systems for international travellers, predictive service recovery, and automated customer support across several communication channels. These technologies address the needs of airlines, hotels, airports, and tourism operators in managing high volumes of global customer interactions.
Post-pandemic shifts have
raised traveller expectations for instant responses, personalised recommendations, and seamless digital experiences. Customer Connect Expo 2026 reflects this with a focus on innovations that place customer experience at the core of travel operations, addressing challenges such as irregular airline operations, personalised guest services in hotels, and effective communication for tourism organisations.
Hosting this expo generates significant business tourism demand in Atlanta, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, transport services, and visitor attractions. The event facilitates networking and collaboration among airlines, hospitality brands, and travel technology companies aimed at developing future traveller solutions.
Customer Connect Expo 2026 demonstrates that digital transformation and customer-centric
innovation have become strategic priorities, influencing interactions across airlines, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and destination marketing organisations. The event underscores Atlanta’s role as a key destination for international conventions focused on travel industry advancement.
