The travel industry's biggest innovation conference is coming to Broward County next month, and the $3,999 standard ticket ended Oct. 30. The Phocuswright Conference runs Nov. 17 to 19, 2026, at the Diplomat Beach Resort, which the organizer describes as "now fully renovated," and the standard ticket price rose from $3,999 to $4,199 after Friday, Oct. 30.
Every price and policy below comes from the official Phocuswright Conference website, including its pricing page, startup ticket page, group page and frequently asked questions. Local hotels, restaurants, tour operators, travel tech founders and hospitality suppliers in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami Dade have a rare chance to meet the travel industry's decision makers without boarding a plane.
Why This Conference Matters to South Florida Owners
Phocuswright is built around travel, tourism and hospitality, the same industries that carry a large share of South Florida's economy. The conference brings together executives from travel brands, distribution companies, technology providers, investors and startups for three days of sessions, product demonstrations and networking.
For a local business owner, the value is proximity. Companies that usually require a flight to meet are a short drive away for three days. A hotel group can hear how distribution is changing. A tour operator can see which booking tools are gaining ground. A software founder can stand in front of buyers and investors who focus on travel. A caterer, transportation company or event supplier can learn how large hospitality buyers think about vendors.
The organizer lists the conference location as Ft. Lauderdale and names the Diplomat Beach Resort as the venue. Owners planning their week should confirm the exact address and parking details in their registration confirmation, since the official site does not list a street address on its main pages.
The Oct. 30 Price Change
The official pricing page states plainly: "Price increases after October 30." The standard conference ticket was $3,999 through that date. After it, the price became $4,199, a difference the site describes as a $200 savings for registering early.
The organizer's FAQ notes that early bird pricing is already discounted, so owners should not expect a further reduction stacked on top of it. Onsite registration is accepted, according to the FAQ, but the event may sell out, and waiting until arrival means paying the higher rate if space remains.
For a small company sending one person, the decision is simple: if the trip is likely, registering by Friday saves $200. For a company sending several people, the group option below may change the math.
What the Standard Ticket Includes
According to the pricing page, a full conference ticket includes access to:
- All main stage sessions
- Innovator Demonstrations
- Happy hours, receptions and parties
- Breakout sessions and roundtables
- The Young Leaders Summit, by acceptance
- The Startup Program, by acceptance
- The Networking Showcase
- Breakfasts and lunches
- The networking platform and app
- Access to the Phocuswright hotel room block rate
The FAQ adds that there is no exhibit hall only ticket. Every attendee buys full access. The FAQ also says the attendee networking platform opens about three weeks before the event, which puts its launch around late October. Owners who register early get more time to review the attendee list and request meetings before the doors open.
The $2,299 Startup Ticket
Young travel companies have their own path in. The startup company ticket costs US$2,299, well below the standard rate, and it includes an invitation to the conference Startup Program.
The startup ticket page lists four eligibility requirements:
- The company is six years old or younger
- The company has raised less than $10 million in funding
- No one from the company has ever attended the conference
- The company completes the application
The ticket is not bought on the spot. Founders apply, and if the company is accepted, it has two weeks to register and pay. The page states that the startup ticket is non refundable and cannot be combined with other discounts.
For South Florida founders building booking tools, hospitality software, travel fintech or guest experience products, this is a direct way into a room full of potential customers and investors. Because the review and payment window adds time, founders interested in this ticket should apply soon. Questions about eligibility should go through the contact options on the official startup ticket page.
Group Rates for Three or More
The conference offers a group discount when three or more people from the same company register at the same time. The groups page explains how to claim it. The groups page lists the Group Ticket at $3,499, compared with the $4,199 full price, and owners should confirm current terms on the official groups page before registering their team.
A few points from the FAQ matter for teams. Tickets can be transferred to another person within the same company, and the request must be made in writing. That gives a local company some flexibility if a team member's schedule changes before Nov. 17.
The FAQ also lists special rates for several other groups: Open Access subscribers, hoteliers, airlines, Young Leaders and startups. A hotel owner or airline employee should check whether one of those rates applies before paying the standard price.
The Media Ticket
The pricing page lists a media ticket described as "the ticket for editorial media covering The Phocuswright Conference." The pricing page lists it at $0, subject to approval. Local publishers, podcasters and trade writers who cover travel, hospitality or tourism should review the media ticket terms on the official site and apply through the organizer.
Hotel Block and Travel
The FAQ is clear that conference registration does not include travel or hotel. A host hotel room block is available, and the booking link arrives in the registration confirmation email. The pricing page lists access to the Phocuswright hotel room block rate as part of the ticket.
Local attendees may skip the hotel entirely and commute each day. Those who want to stay onsite for the evening receptions should book through the block link once registered, since block rates usually come with their own deadlines and availability limits.
Planning Your Three Days
The FAQ lists the dress code as business casual. With sessions, demonstrations, meals and evening events on the schedule, a full day at the conference can run long. Owners who plan to attend can make the most of it with a short checklist:
- Register soon; the standard ticket is now $4,199
- Check whether a hotelier, airline, startup or group rate applies first
- Watch for the networking platform launch about three weeks before the event
- Book meetings early through the platform, before the schedule fills
- Bring a short, clear description of what your business offers or needs
- Book the host hotel through the confirmation email link if staying overnight
Who Should Consider Going
Not every South Florida business needs a $4,000 conference pass. The event is best suited to companies that sell to or partner with the travel industry, such as hotel owners and operators, vacation rental managers, tour and attraction operators, travel agencies, hospitality software companies and travel startups. Investors and advisers who focus on travel will also find their audience there.
For a business whose customers are local residents, the cost may be hard to justify. For one whose customers are travel brands, hotels or visitors, a conference that comes to Broward County is a chance to meet buyers at a fraction of the usual travel cost.
Checking Current Terms
Prices and policies can change, so readers should confirm the current terms on the official site before paying.
Sources
- The Phocuswright Conference official site
- Phocuswright Conference pricing
- Phocuswright startup company ticket
- Phocuswright group pricing
- Phocuswright frequently asked questions
Related
- Florida Live Events Infrastructure for South Florida Owners
- South Florida VC, Brand Studios and Live Events Map
- Broward Entrepreneur Summit Guide
Key Facts
When and where is the Phocuswright Conference 2026?
The Phocuswright Conference runs Nov. 17 to 19, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale. The official site names the Diplomat Beach Resort as the venue and describes it as now fully renovated. The site does not list a street address on its main pages, so attendees should confirm location details in their registration confirmation email.
How much does a Phocuswright 2026 ticket cost?
The standard ticket costs $3,999 through Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. After that date, the official pricing page says the price rose to $4,199, a $200 increase. The FAQ notes early bird pricing is already discounted, onsite registration is accepted, and the event may sell out before the conference begins on Nov. 17.
Who qualifies for the $2,299 startup ticket?
A startup must be six years old or younger, have raised less than $10 million, have never sent anyone to the conference, and complete an application. Accepted companies get two weeks to register and pay. The ticket is non refundable, cannot be combined with other discounts, and includes an invitation to the Startup Program.
Is there a group discount for Phocuswright?
Yes. The official groups page offers a discount when three or more people from the same company register at the same time. The page lists the Group Ticket at $3,499, so teams should confirm current terms on the official site. Tickets may also be transferred within the same company if the request is made in writing.
Does the ticket include a hotel room?
No. The FAQ says registration does not include travel or hotel. Ticket holders get access to the Phocuswright hotel room block rate at the host hotel, and the booking link arrives in the registration confirmation email. Local attendees can commute instead. The FAQ lists the dress code for all three days as business casual.
