Signature Events

Honors Night Celebration

Sunday, December 1, 2024 | 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Presented by Miles Partnership
Entertainment Hosted by Tennessee Tourism
Recommended Dress: Semi-Formal
Invitation Only

Celebrating the contributions that top-tier Travel South Ambassadors around the globe make that support inbound tourism as a leading sector of the Southern USA’s economy and the South as a top-tier global destination, join us for a night of celebration. This invitation-only event is exclusively for International Tour Operators, Trade Journalists, Receptive Tour Companies, State Tourism offices, and sponsor DMO/attractions. Each destination will have a special hosted table with authentic décor to welcome VIP guests. 

Global All-Star Line Up
Monday, December 2, 2024 

Global Tourism Insights for the South

10:00 am – 11:00 am 
Presented by Travis Napper, Tourism Economics & Esra Calvert, Esra Calvert Consulting, LLC
This informative session will break down key trends and data tailored for our region. Discover practical insights and strategies to boost your tourism initiatives and stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape. This is your chance to get valuable, actionable information to enhance your travel efforts.

Social Media Go Global! – Localized, Personalized and Community-Building

11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Presented by Renata Tilkian, Sr Account Director, Sparkloft  & Savannah Powell, Account Supervisor
Social Media on a Global Scale               
 In today’s digital landscape, the demand for authentic and relatable content is revolutionizing how we approach storytelling and content partnerships. Social media isn’t just about broadcasting messages—it’s about building meaningful connections and fostering community engagement on a global scale. Are you ready to master the art of reaching the right audience with the right message at the right time? Join us for an insightful session where the Sparkloft team will unveil strategies for leveraging social media to engage international audiences and build vibrant communities to drive impactful interactions.
What You’ll Learn
In this session, you’ll learn how to craft compelling content that truly resonates with your audiences. Discover how the new paradigm of storytelling emphasizes authenticity and relatability and how these elements are crucial for creating compelling social media narratives.

Next, we’ll turn our focus to the strategic use of Travel South-owned social media channels. Gain valuable insights into how these platforms can be harnessed for community building and global engagement. We’ll review real-world case studies showcasing how these channels have successfully driven international awareness and connection. Finally, we’ll delve into the essentials of building and nurturing vibrant global communities. Learn strategies for fostering meaningful interactions that lead to lasting relationships with your audience. You’ll also receive practical tips for managing the rich diversity of a global community, ensuring your approach is inclusive and effective.

Don’t miss this chance to elevate your social media strategy and build a global community that resonates.

Tourism Exchange USA Workshop

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Presented by Nate Huff, President Tourism Exchange USA & Andria Wood, General Manager
Are You Available? Make sure your destination businesses are bookable in the global marketplace. Join us for an interactive Tourism Exchange Workshop. Get practical tips and hands-on guidance to boost your global presence and connect with travelers more effectively.

Atlanta City Tours

Hosted by Discover Atlanta
Monday, December 2, 2024 

Atlanta keeps visitors active and inspired with its dynamic personality and engaging attractions. With a hit-list itinerary and a hotel that feels like home but better, your visit can become an epic tale. Plan your Atlanta itinerary with a multitude of attractions and activities that can soothe the soul or push the envelope on adventure — it’s all yours for the taking.

Click here to view all Atlanta City tours.

Opening Night Celebration at Georgia Aquarium

Opening Night Reception 
Hosted by Discover Atlanta & Explore Georgia
Monday, December 2, 2024 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Georgia Aquarium 
Recommended Dress: Business Casual

Grab a bite & beverage, then explore the magic of more than 41 million liters of water! From beluga whales to small blacktip reef sharks, to massive whale sharks, and everything in between, Georgia Aquarium not only promotes the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world, but it also offers one of the largest and most dynamic aquatic experiences in North America. Let’s dive in!

Taste of Atlanta

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

No matter what your taste buds are screaming for, there’s no doubt you can find it in Atlanta. Atlanta’s dining scene is on a different level, but don’t take our word for it. In its inaugural year, the Michelin Guide Atlanta has recognized 45 restaurants you must try. 

Y’all Ball

Final Night Reception
Hosted by Discover Atlanta & Explore Georgia
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Terminal West

Are you ready to enjoy an amazing International Showcase send-off? Then we look forward to welcoming you to West Midtown. Terminal West was once an iron smelting room that was transformed into one of Atlanta’s hottest live music venues. Get ready to dance the night away with some of your closest Industry peers to amazing tunes, while enjoying incredible cocktails and culinary delights. Now let’s toast to what is sure to have been an incredible International Showcase 2024!

Signature Meal Functions

Triumph Ballroom – Signia
Tuesday, December 3 – Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Recommended Dress: Business Casual Attire

International Networking Breakfast 
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 | 8:00 am – 9:00 am

Opening Ceremonies
Sponsored by Discover Atlanta & Explore Georgia
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 | 9:00 am – 9:45 am

Luncheon: Rhythms of the South 
Sponsored by Rhythms of the South: Atlanta, Nashville & New Orleans
Tuesday, December 4, 2024 | 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm
Join Atlanta, Nashville, and New Orleans for the annual luncheon hosted by Rhythms of the South celebrating the rich cultural and musical heritage of the South. Enjoy a delicious meal while listening to two-time GRAMMY Award-winning hip-hop group Arrested Development, hailing from Atlanta and bringing their iconic Southern sound to life. Come and enjoy fabulous food and a Southern musical treat!


Going to Kansas City
Sponsored by Visit Missouri
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 | 12:30 pm – 1:45 pm 
Join us for a special luncheon showcasing Missouri tourism, including captivating videos about the state’s attractions and Kansas City highlights, along with a live jazz performance by Eboni Fondren. Enjoy a taste of Missouri with a delicious lunch as you experience the best of what our state has to offer. We are excited to host this gathering and look forward to welcoming everyone next year in Kansas City