Call for Papers – ITB Berlin eTravel Stage 2026: Apply now as a speaker

Technological innovations are shaping the future of the tourism industry and are crucial to its competitiveness. As the World's Leading Travel Trade Show, ITB Berlin offers a central stage to present these developments to an international audience of professionals. The eTravel Stage, an integral part of the ITB Berlin Convention, will focus on digital transformation, new technologies and forward-looking applications from 3 to 5 March 2026. In five thematic tracks, experts can share their knowledge and experience on current trends and best practices in the industry.

Tourism and travel technology professionals have the opportunity to actively shape the content of the convention programme: expert contributions from the international travel industry are once again being requested for the eTravel Stage as part of the ITB Berlin Convention 2026. From 3 to 5 March 2026, the stage will feature keynote speeches, best practice examples, case studies, experience reports, lessons learned and failures, and panel discussions with experts who will shed light on digitalisation and the influence of travel technology on the future of the travel industry. The industry audience includes: travel industry executives, decision-makers from a wide range of fields from e-commerce to IT, international industry professionals, media professionals and content creators, as well as young professionals and students.

Every year, the eTravel Stage presents the latest trends and developments in the digital travel industry. For 2026, contributions on the following topics will be given particular consideration:

• Artificial intelligence and generative AI: current use cases and future prospects
• Travel technology: innovations and use cases for tour operators and distributors
• Green technology: digital solutions for a sustainable future
• Mixed reality and virtual reality: use cases of immersive applications and perspectives
• Travel start-ups & funding: innovations and investment strategies
• Destination services and technology: use cases, strategies and innovations
• Web3, decentralised networks and blockchain: use cases and best practices for tourism and the personalisation of offerings
• Hospitality and hotel tech: trends, alternative accommodation, guest experience technology, etc.
• Digital marketing and social media: Specific use cases for tourism

Requirements for participation

Submitted contributions should be practical, up-to-date and relevant to the industry. Presentations are limited to a maximum of 20 minutes; promotional presentations of products or services will not be considered. Best practice examples and case studies with clear learnings are preferred. The submitted summary or abstract should clearly describe the content and lessons learned from the contribution. Submission of an application does not guarantee inclusion in the programme; Messe Berlin's decision is final. Further information can be found at Call for Papers – ITB Berlin eTravel Stage

Conference language: English
Free ITB tickets for speakers
No remuneration or reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs

The application deadline is 31 October 2025. Proposals can be submitted via the online form: www.itb.com/en/events/itb-convention/call-for-papers-etravel-world

Voices from the tourism industry in the Travel Hero Podcast

ITB Berlin also provides a platform for voices from the industry throughout the year. Among other formats, ITB 360° features the Travel Hero Podcast. Experts, industry pioneers and inspiring personalities share trends, insights and best practices in formats such as 300 Seconds With..., Deep Dives and Blind Date Editions. All episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Podigee. Listen now!