Arabian Travel Market has announced the full conference programme for its 2026 edition, setting out a four-day agenda focused on how innovation and technology are reshaping global travel and tourism.
The event will run from May 4 to 7 at Dubai World Trade Centre and will feature discussions across three main stages, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and technology experts.
ATM conference overview
ATM 2026 will be held under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology”. Sessions will take place on the Global Stage, the Future Stage and the Experience Stage, which has been rebranded from the former Business Events Stage at IBTM @ ATM.
The programme will cover major travel sectors, with a focus on research-backed insights, industry data and practical discussions aimed at long-term growth and resilience in travel and tourism.
Industry leadership
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “At ATM, we want to raise the bar in how we guide the global travel and tourism industry. Our 2026 conference programme has been carefully curated to provide strategic direction through informed, industry-led insight, ensuring that decision-makers leave with the knowledge they need to act with confidence.
“We want ATM to be a platform where thought leaders share expertise that supports global growth, improves standards and strengthens the future of travel and tourism worldwide. By covering every major vertical within the industry, and by grounding our agenda in research, innovation and real-world scenarios, we are empowering the sector to make smarter, more sustainable decisions.”
Global stage focus
The Global Stage will serve as the main strategic forum, examining the forces shaping international travel. Topics will include sustainability, accessibility, transport, accommodation, luxury travel, destination marketing, investment and emerging travel trends.
Research-led sessions will feature new data from organisations such as Tourism Economics, Euromonitor and GSIQ. The final day on this stage will host the Women in Travel Forum, delivered in partnership with Women in Travel CIC, focusing on inclusion, equity and leadership across the industry.
Technology and innovation
The Future Stage will be located within the Tech and Innovation Hub, reflecting the expanded role of ATM Travel Tech as a co-located show. Over four days, sessions will explore artificial intelligence, automation, digital transformation, fintech, robotics and new business models.
Companies including Dragon Trail and Videc will lead discussions on how technology is changing the way travel is planned and delivered, with sessions held in a dedicated 250-seat theatre.
Business events growth
New for 2026, the Experience Stage will focus on business events, corporate travel and experiential design. The programme will highlight the Middle East’s growing role as a global meetings and events hub, with support from the International Congress and Convention Association, returning as Official Business Events Partner.
Topics will include event technology, leadership, new formats and sustainable event planning, aimed at planners, destinations and suppliers.
Across all stages, ATM 2026 will also introduce more interactive formats, including roundtable discussions, Lunch ‘n Learn sessions, Meet the Speaker opportunities and real-time translation technology provided through a partnership with Vox Technologies.
