ITB China has officially launched its Global Call for Speaker Program, inviting travel industry experts, pioneering business leaders, innovators, and cross-sector thought leaders from around the world to contribute to its conference program. The ITB China Conference will take place in Shanghai from 26–28 May 2026, held in parallel with ITB China, the leading B2B travel trade show dedicated to the Chinese travel market.
ITB China has officially launched its Global Call for Speaker Program. © ITB China
In 2026, ITB China will further elevate its role as a center of global travel knowledge and trends—embracing an open, diverse, and forward-looking approach. The event invites visionary voices with insight and impact to help shape the future of the travel industry.
Traditionally, ITB China conferences have been primarily invitation-based. For the first time ITB China launches an open speaker application program. Building on its current conference structure, the 2026 edition will feature 60+ sessions and welcome approximately 150 industry speakers for keynotes and panels.
Six Key Themes Open for Global Contributions
ITB China 2026 Conference will center around six core themes that reflect the industry’s most relevant topics and emerging trends, including:
⦁ China Outbound Travel
⦁ China Inbound Travel
⦁ Travel Technology
⦁ MICE
⦁ Themed & Customized Travel
⦁ Hospitality
ITB China aims to bring together visionaries, thought leaders, and storytellers—creating an annual platform for meaningful industry exchange. Front-edge insights, case studies, innovative solutions, and actionable methodologies across any of these areas will be highly valued.
Who We Are Looking For
We welcome speaker applications from:
⦁ Travel industry leaders, government representatives, and destination authorities
⦁ Corporate executives, founders, and innovators in travel and technology
⦁ Cross-domain experts in data, AI, sustainability, culture & tourism, or marketing
⦁ Industry media and journalists
⦁ Researchers and consultants with deep expertise in specialized sectors
ITB China invites all contributors with sharp insights and groundbreaking perspectives to take the ITB China conference stage.
ITB China Conference 2026 will feature 60+ sessions and welcome approximately 150 industry speakers for keynotes and panels. © ITB China
Application Timeline & Process
The Call for Speakers will unfold in two phases:
Phase 1: December 11, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Open global call for speakers.
Applicants only need to submit a preliminary topic direction, aligned with one of the six ITB China main themes.
Phase 2 (Optional): From March 2026
A supplemental recruitment round possible, depending on specific topic needs.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through the ITB China Call for Speaker Program
Click here to access the application page.
Applicants will be asked to provide:
⦁ Speaker biography, background, and areas of expertise
⦁ Previous speaking experience (if applicable)
⦁ Contact details
Confirmed speakers will be notified starting March 2026.
About the ITB China Conference
The ITB China Conference is one of the most influential knowledge-sharing and trend-setting platforms in China’s travel industry. Each year, it brings together global leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to deliver holistic market insights, cutting-edge practices, and high-quality exchange opportunities.
Press & Partnership Contact
About ITB China
ITB China 2026 will take place from 26 to 28 May in the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. ITB China is the B2B exclusive travel trade show focusing on the Chinese travel market, bringing together hand-selected top buyers with industry professionals from all over the world. The show provides various networking events and a unique state-of-the-art matchmaking system to maximize business opportunities. The ITB China Conference takes place in parallel with the show and is co-organized by the leading conference organizer TravelDaily.
About ITB Global Brand Family
For more than 50 years the name ITB has stood worldwide for the travel industry knowledge 365 days a year, networking and trendsetting events - in a virtual, in-person, or hybrid format alike. ITB Berlin, the world’s leading B2B trade show for the travel industry, will take place in Berlin from March 3 to 5, 2026. ITB China, the premier marketplace for China’s travel industry, is scheduled for 26 to 28 May 2026, in Shanghai. ITB India will take place in Mumbai from September 2 to 4, 2026. ITB Asia will be held in Singapore from 21 to 23 October 2026, covering the APAC market. The inaugural ITB Americas will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 10 to 12 November 2026, covering the American market.
Messe Berlin China
Management:
David Axiotis
President China
Messe Berlin GmbH
Messe Berlin GmbH Management board:
Dr. Mario Tobias (CEO), Dirk Hoffmann (COO)
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Dr. Eric Schweitzer
Companies register: Amtsgericht Charlottenburg, HRB 5484 B (Commercial Code)
