Reasons to attend FTE Global

There are endless opportunities waiting for you at FTE Global - here are 11 highlights that showcase why this is the region's leading event for passenger experience and innovation.

1

Celebrate 20 years of aviation innovation

FTE Global returns to Dallas for its landmark 20th anniversary, bringing together the world's leading airline, airport and technology innovators for three days dedicated to shaping the future of air transport. Join the industry as we celebrate two decades of collaboration, breakthrough ideas and industry transformation while looking ahead to the next era of aviation innovation.

This special anniversary edition will feature an enhanced programme, exciting new event experiences, and celebrations recognising the people, organisations and partnerships that have helped make FTE Global the industry's leading innovation event.

Register to Attend
2

Hear from aviation's most influential leaders

Gain exclusive insights from more than 100 expert speakers representing the world's leading airlines, airports, technology companies and innovators.

Hear keynote presentations from Chris McLaughlin, CEO, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW); Christina Cassotis, CEO, Pittsburgh International Airport; and Nicole Huang, SVP Fleet Experience, Virgin Voyages, alongside senior executives from organisations including Southwest Airlines, Dallas Love Field Airport, Munich Airport and many more.

Expect honest discussions, practical case studies and forward-looking strategies covering everything from AI and digital transformation to customer experience, airport operations and commercial innovation.

View Speakers & Agenda
Scott Kirby, CEO, United Airlines
Christina Cassotis, CEO, Pittsburgh International Airport
David Decker at FTE Global
Keynote speaker presenting at FTE Global
3

Access three conferences with one ticket

Whether your focus is digital transformation, airport operations, customer experience or future trends, FTE Global gives you access to three dedicated conference programmes under one roof.

Explore the Digital & Innovation Conference, Future Airports Conference and Future Trends & Customer Journeys Conference, allowing you to build a personalised agenda tailored to your organisation's priorities while moving freely between sessions across all three programmes.

Explore Conferences
4

Discover the technologies shaping the future of aviation

Experience one of the industry's most exciting exhibitions, where leading technology providers, established innovators and emerging startups showcase the latest solutions transforming aviation.

From AI and automation to biometrics, robotics, baggage handling, accessibility, retail technology, sustainability and digital transformation, you'll discover the innovations and partnerships driving the industry's next chapter through live demonstrations, product launches and hands-on discussions with the companies developing tomorrow's solutions.

Explore Exhibition
Technologies shaping the future of aviation - FTE Global Exhibition Floor
5

Make meaningful connections through unrivalled networking

Networking has always been at the heart of FTE Global. Alongside three days of receptions, coffee breaks, social events and informal networking, delegates will have countless opportunities to meet industry peers, strengthen existing relationships and build valuable new partnerships.

Discover Networking Events
Delegates networking at FTE Global
Networking reception at FTE Global
Attendees engaging at social event
Industry connections at FTE Global
6
NEW for 2026

FTE Speed Networking Forum

Following its hugely successful debut at APEX FTE EMEA and Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin, the FTE Speed Networking Forum arrives in Dallas bigger than ever, with two dedicated one-hour sessions connecting suppliers with leading airlines and airports. Participants will receive a personalised meeting schedule featuring a series of five-minute meetings, carefully matched around business objectives, technology interests and partnership opportunities.

Confirmed hosts include Alaska Airlines, Finnair, Munich Airport, Metropolitan Airports Commission (MSP Airport), Tampa International Airport, Miami International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, with more to be announced. Participation is included at no additional cost with your FTE Global registration, although places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Learn About Speed Networking
7

Tech & Innovation Briefings

Beyond the exhibition itself, FTE Global helps you discover the innovations most relevant to your organisation through a series of curated experiences designed to maximise your visit.

Our popular Tech & Innovation Briefings on the exhibition floor allow attendees to join guided tours and meet exhibitors with relevant products, services and concepts to learn more about the subjects they are most interested in.

Choose from tailored briefings covering:

  • Baggage
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) & Extended Reality (XR)
  • Digital Identity, Biometrics & Security
  • Accessibility
  • Self-Service & Automation
  • Robotics & Autonomous Vehicles

All Tech & Innovation Briefings are conveniently scheduled before or after related conference sessions, allowing attendees to move seamlessly between thought leadership and real-world technology demonstrations.

Sign Up for Tech Briefings
Tech & Innovation Briefings at FTE Global
Exhibition floor tour and tech demos
Robotics and autonomous technology briefing
Biometrics and self-service demonstration
8

Interactive workshops

Go beyond traditional conference sessions by taking part in a series of interactive workshops tackling some of aviation's biggest challenges. Share ideas, collaborate with industry peers, and gain practical insights from expert facilitators in an engaging, discussion-led environment.

Workshops include:

  • Successful Change Management Approaches – exploring how airports and airlines can successfully introduce AI, robotics, autonomous vehicles and other emerging technologies while bringing their workforce on the journey. Facilitated by Kevin Kleist, Head of Emerging Trends, Southwest Airlines.
  • Balancing Business Innovation & Cybersecurity – practical guidance on strengthening cyber resilience while embracing digital transformation, AI and smart technologies. Led by Theresa Blackwell-Frank, President & Chief Information Security Officer, Virtuo Group Corporation.
  • Passenger Accessibility Workshop – an interactive discussion exploring how the industry can move beyond compliance and deliver truly accessible passenger experiences.
View Workshop Schedule
Interactive workshops at FTE Global
Collaborative roundtable discussion
Industry peers participating in workshop
Facilitated innovation workshop session
9
NEW

FTE Global Moonshot Competition – See tomorrow's breakthrough ideas before anyone else

Innovation takes centre stage at FTE Global. Watch aviation's boldest thinkers compete in the FTE Global Moonshot Competition, where breakthrough ideas with the potential to reshape air transport are pitched live to an expert judging panel.

Alongside the competition, discover exclusive product launches, startup showcases and live demonstrations across the exhibition floor, giving you a first look at the technologies and concepts that will define the future of aviation.

Finalists will be announced soon.
Learn About Moonshot Competition
FTE Global Moonshot Competition
10

Celebrate the people transforming our industry

As part of FTE Global's 20th anniversary celebrations, attend the inaugural FTE Hall of Fame Ceremony, recognising the outstanding individuals whose vision, leadership and commitment have helped drive innovation, foster collaboration and support FTE's mission to reimagine the future of the air transport industry.

This special celebration will honour the pioneers whose contributions continue to inspire the next generation of aviation leaders.

Learn About Hall of Fame
FTE Global Hall of Fame Badge
11

Be where the future of aviation takes shape

FTE Global has earned its reputation as the "CES of Aviation" because it's where the industry's biggest ideas become reality.

From exclusive product launches and major technology announcements to thought-provoking discussions, strategic partnerships and unrivalled networking opportunities, this is where airlines, airports, technology providers, startups and industry leaders come together to shape the future of air transport.

Whether you're looking to discover new technologies, build strategic partnerships or gain fresh inspiration, FTE Global is the industry's essential annual meeting place.

Register Today
Transforming Travel Together - FTE Global 2026 Theme
FTE GLOBAL 2026

Ready to join the industry's most influential innovation event?

Join airlines, airports, vendors, startups and industry leaders in Dallas for three days of networking, learning and business opportunities.

Created with the support of the FTE Advisory Board

Event Partners and Sponsors

Vital Event Information

Future Travel Experience Global 2026 will bring together airlines, airports, government agencies, vendors, startups, terminal designers, architects, ground handlers, destination partners, and other key travel industry stakeholders to collaborate and be inspired to transform passenger experience, business performance, and sustainability strategies.

FTE Global 2026 Logo
Event:
Future Travel Experience Global 2026
Date:
September 2026
Location:
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas, United States