The San Diego Summer Summit is more than just an event; it’s a journey of connection and growth. From July 29 to August 1, industry leaders and professionals will gather to share insights, forge new relationships, and engage in meaningful conversations. This year’s summit promises to be a transformative experience, with a focus on building connections and sparking innovative ideas.
Whether you’re arriving early to settle in or staying late to enjoy San Diego’s offerings, the Summer Summit is designed to maximize your time and provide a comprehensive experience. From the welcoming reception to the closing dinner, every moment is an opportunity to engage and learn.
Arrival and Departure: Making the Most of Your Time
To fully immerse yourself in the Summer Summit experience, it’s recommended to arrive by early afternoon on Wednesday, July 29. This gives you ample time to check in and prepare for the Welcome Reception where you can begin networking with fellow attendees. For those involved in the Nominating and Membership Committee and the DMO CEO Roundtable arriving in the morning is advised to ensure you’re ready for your respective meetings.
The summit concludes on Friday, July 31, with a half day of programming, followed by a casual and fun family-friendly dinner. For those who wish to extend their stay, Saturday, August 1, offers additional time to explore San Diego’s attractions, whether it’s a round of golf or other leisure activities.
Engaging Activities and Workshops: Building Connections
The Summer Summit is not just about listening to industry speakers; it’s about engaging in curated afternoon experiences designed to build connections and spark meaningful conversations. This year, the summit introduces peer-to-peer roundtables woven into the Thursday afternoon lineup. These small group conversations are built around the topics that matter most to you. Participants will be asked to share their biggest challenges or opportunities, and discussions will be shaped around those themes.
Designed to be both energizing and impactful, these roundtables offer a chance to dive deeper into key themes, pressure-test ideas, and find insights you won’t find in traditional settings. Each experience is an opportunity to engage more meaningfully and make the most of your time at the summit. These moments are about more than activity; they’re where relationships develop and ideas take shape.
The Summer Auction: A Highlight of the Event
A Summer Summit highlight, the auction is a lively night featuring industry-curated packages that fuels U.S. Travel’s advocacy efforts. For more information on how to participate, review the Frequently Asked Questions.
Schedule at a Glance: Planning Your Summit Experience
To help you plan and arrange travel, the program will begin on Wednesday afternoon and conclude after dinner on Friday. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:
Wednesday, July 29
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Event Check In
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Nominating & Membership Committee Meeting (invitation only)
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. | DMO CEO Roundtable (invitation only)
5:30 – 7:00 p.m. | Welcome Reception
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Chief Commercial Officer Dinner (Invitation Only)
Thursday, July 30
7:00 – 7:45 a.m. | Chief Commercial Officer Breakfast (Invitation Only)
7:00 – 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast (Extended duration for guests)
8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Program
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Golf Shotgun Start (optional)
1:30 – 4:00 p.m. | Chief Commercial Officer Program (Invitation Only)
1:30 – 5:00 p.m. | Organized Activities & Programming (optional)
2:00 – 4:30 p.m. | Executive Board Meeting (invitation only)
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Wine Tasting**
6:00 – 10:00 p.m. | Summer Auction Reception & Dinner
Friday, July 31
7:30 – 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast (Extended duration for guests)
8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Program
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch
1:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Golf Shotgun Start (optional)
1:30 – 5:00 p.m. | Organized Activities & Programming (optional)
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Closing Dinner
* Please note the agenda is subject to change.
**Tickets to the wine tasting will be available to purchase in 2026. All proceeds benefit U.S. Travel’s advocacy efforts.
