Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Black Travel Summit FAQ page! Below are answers to the most common questions about our events, membership, sponsorships, and more.
General Questions
The Black Travel Summit (BTS) is a global platform, created in 2019, dedicated to empowering Black travelers, creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the travel industry. We host annual summits, networking events, and educational workshops to foster collaboration, celebrate Black travel culture, and drive industry innovation.
The Black Travel Film Festival (BTFF), a subsidiary of BTS created in 2023, is a pioneering event dedicated to amplifying the voices and perspectives of Black travel creators and visionaries. Committed to showcasing stories from the African diaspora that have often been overlooked or marginalized, this festival celebrates the richness, diversity, and resilience of Black travel culture.
Black Travel Alliance (BTA) is a professional 501(c)(3), created in 2020 to encourage, educate, equip and excel Black travel professionals in education, media, and corporate positions. In 2024, BTA became a partner organization of BTS to continue strengthening the community through their three pillars–alliance, amplification, and accountability.
BTS is for Black travel enthusiasts, content creators, entrepreneurs, influencers, tourism professionals, and brands looking to connect, learn, and grow with the Black travel community and within the travel industry. Whether you're an experienced traveler or travel professional, a budding content creator, or a business owner in travel and hospitality, there's a space for you at BTS.
The 2026 Black Travel Summit will take place from October 15-18 and the Black Travel Film Festival on October 15th. Both will take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stay tuned for official agenda updates and event details by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on social media.
While BTS centers Black travelers and professionals, we welcome allies and supporters who share our mission to uplift Black travel culture, who wish to connect with our community, and advocate for diversity in the industry.
Passes, Registration & Schedule
This year, we are excited not only to celebrate 5 years, but to offer six tracks of focus to foster community, spark meaningful conversation, and drive thought leadership. The tracks are:
Creator: Designed for content creators and influencers to explore strategies for growing their personal brands, collaborating with industry leaders, and amplifying diverse travel narratives.
Corporate: Focusing on professionals and organizations, this track will delve into the importance of diversity in travel marketing, corporate social responsibility, and building inclusive travel products and services.
Entrepreneur: Designed for business owners, founders, and aspiring entrepreneurs to gain insights into launching, scaling, and sustaining travel-related ventures. This track explores strategies for brand building, funding opportunities, global market expansion, and forming impactful partnerships within the ecosystem.
Hoteliers & Investors: This track brings together hoteliers and investors to discuss opportunities for creating innovative, culturally inclusive hospitality experiences and securing investment for diverse travel ventures.
Trip Advisors & Tour Operators: Designed for travel advisors and operators, this track focuses on enhancing the guest experience, curating culturally relevant tours, and fostering partnerships with destinations that cater to the Black travel community.
Passes are available for purchase on our official website. Keep an eye on our Global Summit page for discounts and exclusive packages.
Yes! We offer discounts for groups, travel clubs, and organizations. If you’re interested in group rates, please contact us at [email protected]
Your pass provides access to panels, workshops, networking events, and cultural experiences. VIP access, granted through speakership, exhibiting, or sponsorship, may include additional perks such as exclusive receptions, priority seating, and premium networking opportunities.
Your pass provides access to our partner, Black Travel Alliance's Wavelength for Creators (must be a creator to register), our Expo, Opening Reception, a Wellness Class, Breakfast, the Speaker Series, Lunch, Practitioner Breakouts, Black Travel Awards Gala, our LaunchPad Accelerator Pitch Competition, appointments, and Closing Reception.
Your Saturday pass provides access to a Wellness Class, Breakfast, the Speaker Series, Lunch, Practitioner Breakouts, and Black Travel Awards Gala.
Your pass provides access to our Expo, Opening Reception, a Wellness Class, Breakfast, the Speaker Series, Lunch, Corporate and Practitioner Breakouts, Black Travel Awards Gala, our LaunchPad Accelerator Pitch Competition, appointments, and Closing Reception.
Your pass provides access to an Afro-Brazilian Wellness Class, Breakfast, the Speaker Series, Lunch, Corporate and Practitioner Breakouts, and Black Travel Awards Gala.
As a Speaker you receive access to our VIP Reception, our Expo, Opening Reception, a wellness class, Breakfast, the Speaker Series, Lunch, Corporate and Practitioner Breakouts, Black Travel Awards Gala, LaunchPad Accelerator Pitch Competition, appointments, and Closing Reception.
As a Speaker Plus-One, you receive the same access as the Speaker you attend with!
Passes are non-refundable, but they may be transferable depending on the type of pass purchased until September 15, 2026. Please review our terms and conditions carefully prior to purchase, or reach out to us for assistance at [email protected].
Sponsorship, Partnerships, and Exhibiting
We offer multiple sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities for brands and businesses looking to engage with the Black travel community. For more information on sponsoring, email [email protected]. For more information on exhibiting, click here or email [email protected].
Absolutely! We work with brands to curate meaningful activations that align with our audience. Contact us at [email protected] to discuss opportunities.
We thrive in creating partnerships with destinations that are passionate and intentional about creating products, services, and experiences for diverse audiences. For more information on what it takes to host a BTS in your city/region/country, reach out to our Partnerships team at [email protected]!
For Speakers
We welcome dynamic speakers, industry experts, and travel content creators to share insights at our events. Our application for speakers will reopen soon—subscribe to our newsletter to be notified.
Apply for a Media Pass
Yes! If you’re a journalist, influencer, or content creator covering the travel industry, you can apply for a media pass. We have a limited number of passes available, so apply soon. More details can be found on our Press & Media page.
Travel & Accommodation is not included, but admission to the entire summit is included.
Travel & Accommodations
In 2026, we will be at the Baird Center, with partnerships at several local hotels within walking distance. Click here to book your room today.
We strive to make travel convenient for our guests. Depending on the location, we may offer shuttles, ride-share discounts, or transportation recommendations. More details to be provided as they become available.
Black Travel Summit Community
Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn for the latest updates.
We love having dedicated volunteers help make our events successful! If you’re interested in volunteering, check out our volunteer application form for details.
Miscellaneous
If you have any other inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected], and our team will be happy to assist you!