Future Travel Experience (FTE) is preparing to welcome the global aviation industry to Dallas for a landmark edition of FTE Global, taking place 8-10 September 2026 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, FTE Global 2026 will bring together airline, airport, government and technology leaders for three days of collaboration, inspiration and innovation. Delivered in partnership with Headline Partners American Airlines, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Southwest Airlines and Dallas Love Field Airport, the event promises to be the biggest and most ambitious in FTE’s history.

Widely regarded as the “CES of Aviation”, FTE Global has become the industry’s leading forum for exploring the technologies, partnerships and strategies shaping the future of air transport. This year’s milestone edition will feature an expanded conference programme, world-class exhibition, major networking initiatives and exciting new experiences created especially for the event’s 20th anniversary.

Among the highlights are inspiring keynote presentations from Sean Donohue, CEO, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW); Christina Cassotis, CEO, Pittsburgh International Airport; Nicole Huang, SVP Fleet Experience, Virgin Voyages, who will deliver outside-industry inspiration on reimagining the guest journey, and many more to be confirmed soon.

The programme will also feature senior aviation leaders including Andrew Watterson, COO, Southwest Airlines; Patrick Carreno, Director of Aviation, Dallas Love Field Airport; John Thomas, CEO, Connect Airlines; Thomas Hoff Andersson, Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer, Munich Airport; and more than 100 speakers representing the world’s leading airlines, airports and technology partners.

Across three dedicated conference programmes – the Digital & Innovation Conference, Future Airports Conference, and Future Trends & Customer Journeys Conference – attendees will explore the latest thinking on digital transformation, AI, airport operations, customer experience, commercial innovation and emerging technologies.

The 20th anniversary edition will also introduce 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.

Innovation will take centre stage through the FTE Global Moonshot Competition, showcasing bold ideas and breakthrough concepts with the potential to transform aviation, while a world-class exhibition featuring companies including Synect, Samsung Electronics America, Motorola Solutions, SITA, AWS, Publicis Sapient, Assaia, iboardings, Airware, TravelX and many more will showcase the latest technologies spanning AI, automation, biometrics, baggage, retail technology, robotics and sustainability.

Attendees will also benefit from exceptional networking opportunities, including the new Speed Networking Forum, providing curated one-to-one meetings between airlines, airports and technology providers alongside three days of high-value networking.

Paul Puopolo, EVP, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), said:

“DFW is proud to partner with FTE Global 2026. As one of the world’s busiest and most forward-looking airports, we are deeply committed to innovation, sustainability and creating seamless travel experiences. Hosting this milestone event in Dallas allows us to showcase our vision while collaborating with industry peers to accelerate the future of aviation.”

Kevin Kleist, Head of Emerging Trends, Southwest Airlines, said:

“At Southwest, we’ve always believed that people and partnerships drive progress. That’s why we’re delighted to welcome FTE Global to our hometown. The event brings together leaders who are pushing boundaries across technology, customer experience and operations, creating a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with industry stakeholders while celebrating 20 years of innovation at FTE Global.”

Patrick Carreno, Director of Aviation, Dallas Love Field Airport, said:

“Dallas Love Field is honoured to partner with Future Travel Experience as it brings its flagship event to Dallas for the very first time. Our airport has a proud history of innovation and customer service, and we look forward to sharing our story while engaging with global peers to explore the next chapter of air transport.”

FTE Global 2026 will once again offer complimentary exhibition access for airline and airport executives and will be co-located with the IFSA Global EXPO, creating one of the aviation industry’s most influential gatherings for innovation, collaboration and business development.

Find out more and register your interest at: https://www.futuretravelexperience.com/events/fte-global/dallas-2026/