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Desert oasis Marfa, Texas, is synonymous with creative counterculture: and it’ll soon be ushering in a bold new era in hospitality innovation, as the home of the world’s first 3D printed hotel. Hotelier and contemporary icon Liz Lambert will be gracing the stage for a rare conversation on her most audacious project to date.

In this conversation with Skift columnist Colin Nagy, the two will focus on the near future and the opportunities to build for it. Covering the innovation and necessary evolution needed in boutique hotels; Liz’s constant reinvention over the years; 3D printing; and some never changing, eternal truths when it comes to designing for humans and their needs.

Travel is entering a new era. As a crisis mentality risks sending us into hermit mode, a new creative class of travel tastemakers are arriving on the scene.

Seeking vibes over bucket lists, supper clubs over Michelin stars and self-knowledge over self-care, discover how a collective yearning for knowledge, hedonism and clarity will reimagine the way we travel. Don’t miss this insight-packed session from trend forecaster Holly Friend, who’ll examine the emerging behaviours, trends and stories that contemporary hospitality brands can help to shape – and take advantage of – in order to delight this new generation.

Bringing together an elite squad of prolific hospitality tastemakers, this thought-provoking panel will make you question everything you thought you knew about creativity in the travel biz.

Whether artists or fashion houses, musicians or other creators, the past decade has seen a slew of hotels and travel brands debut creative collaborations, to varying degrees of success. But in a world where creative convergence is increasing, and our influences increasingly homogenous, how can you create collaborations that feel thoughtful, considered and (quite literally) adds value to your property or brand? And – most critically – how do you integrate culture into your brand in a way that feels authentic to your brand DNA?

We assume that innovation means technology; that what’s new is what’s next – and what’s next is superior. But what is the impact of AI on human experience? Are we in danger of ‘optimising to death’?

Despite the AI hype dominating headlines, we’re seeing a return to craft, and the presence of a human touch, in every facet of luxury travel. As Anant will attest in this enlightening talk, you can still be an unwavering advocate for the human side of travel while embracing tech. In fact, by blending both, you can build what he calls ‘healthy friction’ into the guest experience. Because ultimately, people are people: the tech might change, but human behaviour, desire, and joy remain unchanged.

Real talk: the business of being a travel buyer is changing. From constant tech innovations; to data sharing; to new types of ICs (independent contractors) – the role is ever-evolving, and with it, the complex relationship between agents and hoteliers.

This session will explore the implications of these changes and challenges – and how we can reimagine the relationship between buyers and hoteliers in 2024 (and beyond). Think of this as an ‘ask the agents anything’ ahead of the L.E/Miami showfloor, enabling you to reassess and reevaluate your biz relationships.

Not using local SEO, TikTok Search or email segmentation in your marketing mix? You will after taking part in David Azar’s travel tech masterclass, which will outline – step-by-step – how freely available tools can optimise your digital marketing efforts.

You’ll discover everything from why fixing your ‘local SEO’ rank should be your first port-of-call, how TikTok Search – Gen Z’s most-used platform – can transform your online biz presence, how to reimagine your content output and tailor it to specific platforms, and much, much more.

Helping your guests relax for five days vs helping them to live longer, healthier lives long after they’ve returned home? It’s a no-brainer. As CEO of Sensei, creators of world-leading wellness retreats, Alexandra Walterspiel knows a thing or two about making a lasting impression on guests. And in an increasingly competitive landscape, wellness is currency: the more deeply personalised and holistic your programme, the more attractive your property to today’s discerning travellers.

The key to crafting such a programme? Data. It might not be sexy, but as Alexandra will demonstrate, an evidence-based approach – less woo, more scientific – is the future of wellness.

If you weren’t taking LGBTQ+ travellers seriously before, this session will make you (rightfully) sit up and pay attention. LGBTQ+ travel spending is expected to reach $500bn by 2030 – double its pre-pandemic levels. And not only are this growing demographic following trends, they’re setting them, too – influencing and informing the very fabric of destinations while creating new hotspots around the world.

It’s no surprise, then, that resorts and hotel brands are curating experiences specifically for the LGBTQ+ traveller. But tapping into this largely untapped market is no easy feat – and doing it with sensitivity and understanding even less so. Enter our curated panel, who will explore how to cater to this diverse and ever-evolving market.