The U.S. Travel Association hosted its fourth annual Future of Travel Mobility Conference at Union Station in Washington, D.C., gathering top executives, policymakers, and thought leaders to address transformative solutions for travel and transportation. The event underscored the importance of infrastructure investments and innovative technologies to enhance security and improve the travel experience, particularly as the U.S. prepares for a decade of global sporting events.

Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of U.S. Travel Association, emphasized the urgency of action, stating, “It’s the opportunity right in front of us, a decade of sporting events that will make the U.S. the most sought-after destination. It’s more important than ever for our systems and processes to keep pace with demand, and to do that, we don’t just need ideas—we need urgency and action.”

Focus on Seamless Travel and Advanced Technology

Attendees explored a wide range of topics, including the integration of AI-driven systems, biometric solutions, and advanced screening technologies designed to create a frictionless and secure travel experience for inbound visitors. The Innovation Hub, an interactive showcase at the conference, highlighted cutting-edge travel technologies poised to redefine mobility and enhance the traveler journey.

The conference also previewed recommendations from an upcoming report by the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel, led by prominent figures such as Jeff Bleich, former U.S. Ambassador to Australia, and Kevin McAleenan, former Acting Secretary of Homeland Security. Discussions revolved around modernizing travel systems while maintaining robust security measures.

Tori Emerson Barnes, U.S. Travel Association’s Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy, highlighted the global opportunity for the U.S., stating, “We have an opportunity to become the most visited nation in the world, and government partnership is essential for realizing the vision to create the greatest traveler experience worldwide.”

A Star-Studded Lineup of Speakers

The event featured over two dozen influential speakers, including leaders from Uber, United Airlines, Expedia, and major government agencies like the TSA and State Department. High-profile speakers such as Dara Khosrowshahi (CEO, Uber) and Linda Jojo (Chief Customer Officer, United Airlines) joined discussions, offering insights into the role of private and public sectors in advancing mobility.

“This outstanding lineup of speakers showcased some of the most brilliant minds in policy and innovation,” Freeman remarked. “U.S. Travel was honored to convene this group to advance our vision of shaping the future of travel and creating a call to action for the urgency we need to make the U.S. competitive on the global stage.”

Positioning the U.S. as a Global Leader in Travel

With major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Olympics on the horizon, the U.S. is positioned as a top global destination. The Future of Travel Mobility Conference not only highlighted the opportunities but also emphasized the critical need for swift action to modernize infrastructure and embrace innovation.