2026 Annual Conference – Travelers Aid International

A Welcoming Culture, a World of Difference

The Travelers Aid International Annual Conference is more than an event—it’s where airport, accessibility, and social service leaders come together to share solutions, strengthen connections, and explore how welcoming cultures can create a world of difference in traveler assistance.

Conference Dates: November 3-6, 2026

Annual Conference Reception: Wednesday, November 4, 7:05-9:00 p.m. | Hosted by Travelers Aid Society of Greater New Orleans at the legendary Dooky Chase Restaurant, 2301 Orleans Ave., New Orleans, LA

Early Bird Savings Until September 9th!

Featured Highlights

Annual Reception at Legendary Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Celebrate with colleagues and partners at one of New Orleans’ most iconic destinations.

Conference Keynote: A Welcoming Culture, A World of Difference
Exploring how hospitality, accessibility, and human connection shape the traveler experience.

Major Events Panel: Lessons from FIFA, the Super Bowl & Beyond
Real-world insights on crisis response, large-scale events, and community coordination.

Celebrate Good Times, Come On!
Building a culture of gratitude, recognition, and resilience within organizations.

Mind the Gap
Innovative approaches to filling community needs through mobility services, accessibility initiatives, and diversion programs.

Setting Healthy Boundaries in Helping Environments
Practical strategies for navigating difficult interactions while supporting staff wellness and sustainability.

All About TNCs and Passenger Mobility Trends
Understanding evolving transportation patterns and how they impact traveler assistance.

Facilitated Accessibility Workshop
Interactive training focused on accessibility services and inclusive customer experience.

Storytelling with Impact
Harnessing storytelling to strengthen engagement, impact, and organizational connection.

Travel, History and New Orleans Trivia Networking Event
A fun, interactive networking experience with local flavor and jazzy prize giveaways.

Optional Tours and Community Experiences
Explore New Orleans through curated airport, accessibility, and social service tours.

Who Should Attend?

This Event is Designed for Volunteer Program Professionals Airport Customer Experience Professionals Social Services Professionals Nonprofit Executives and Frontline Service Providers

Take advantage of discounted Early Bird registration through September 9. Members save $100 with rates starting at $450, while non-members can register for $550. Eligible member organizations may also request travel grant assistance to help offset conference expenses.

Agenda

Explore the Agenda

The TAI 2026 Agenda features timely topics, practical solutions, and inspiring ideas designed for both social service and airport transportation professionals.

Meet the Speakers

TAI 2026 brings together a dynamic lineup of leaders, innovators, advocates, and practitioners from across the airport, accessibility, mobility, and social service communities. Through engaging conversations and real-world experiences, speakers will share fresh ideas, practical solutions, and inspiring perspectives designed to help you strengthen partnerships, support travelers and communities, and lead with greater impact.

Member Conference Grants

See Grant Details

Eligibility

Member organizations only
Maximum of two grant requests per organization

Grant Amounts

Up to $600 for organizations traveling up to 800 miles
Up to $1,100 for organizations traveling more than 800 miles

Grant Covers

Transportation
Hotel
Meals

Registration

Conference registration is waived for approved grant recipients.

How to Request

Email Kathleen Baldwin explaining why grant assistance is needed.

Grant awards are reimbursed following the conference upon submission of eligible receipts.

TAI offers travel grants of up to $1,100 to help eligible member organizations attend the Annual Conference.

Hotel Reservations

Book Now

TAI 2026 attendees will enjoy a special conference rate at the iconic Hyatt Centric French Quarter — located in the center of the action just steps from Bourbon Street, world-famous dining, live music, and historic New Orleans attractions.

Our discounted group rate is $229/night (plus taxes and fees) and will be available for stays Tuesday, November 3 through Sunday, November 8, 2026.

What’s Nearby

Hotel Details

Located in the heart of New Orleans’ iconic French Quarter, the hotel blends classic New Orleans charm with modern style and features spacious guest rooms, an outdoor courtyard pool, on-site dining, and a 24-hour fitness center — making it the perfect home base for TAI 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to attend TAI 2026?

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION – ENDS September 9, 2026:

Member rate = $450, with one free registration fee available
Non-Member rate = $550

REGULAR REGISTRATION (After September 9, 2026)

Member rate = $550
Non-Member rate = $700

Why should I attend TAI 2026?

TAI 2026: A Welcoming Culture, A World of Difference is more than a conference—it’s a gathering place for leaders, innovators, and frontline professionals committed to improving the traveler experience and strengthening communities. Connect with peers from across the airport, accessibility, mobility, and social service sectors as you exchange ideas, explore practical solutions, and build partnerships that extend far beyond the conference itself. Through TAI’s network of member organizations and industry collaborators, attendees gain access to ongoing conversations, shared learning, and meaningful opportunities to create lasting impact throughout the year.

What speakers are confirmed for TAI 2026?

Our speaker lineup for TAI 2026 is currently being finalized and will be announced soon. Attendees can expect a diverse group of thought leaders from both the social services and aviation sectors, bringing valuable insights and real-world experience to the conversation. Stay tuned for updates!

Do you offer discounted hotel rates for TAI 2026 attendees?

Yes! We’re pleased to partner with the Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans to offer TAI 2026 attendees a special discounted room rate. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the hotel places guests steps from renowned restaurants, live music, and many of New Orleans’ most iconic attractions. A limited number of rooms are available at the conference rate of $229 per night (plus taxes and fees) for stays between Monday, November 2, and Saturday, November 7, 2026. Additional reservation details and booking information will be shared soon, and attendees are encouraged to reserve early once the room block opens.

What kind of session topics can I expect?

TAI 2026 will feature timely, practical, and forward-thinking sessions designed to explore the evolving needs of travelers, communities, and the professionals who support them. Attendees will gain fresh perspectives, actionable strategies, and real-world insights through interactive workshops, collaborative discussions, and engaging presentations from leaders across the airport, accessibility, mobility, and social service sectors.

Topics and experiences will include:
• Building welcoming cultures and inclusive traveler experiences
• Accessibility, mobility, and passenger support innovations
• Lessons learned from major events and community response efforts
• Healthy boundaries, staff wellness, and sustainable helping environments
• Transportation trends, TNCs, and community mobility solutions
• Storytelling, leadership, and organizational culture
• Interactive workshops, networking activities, and peer learning sessions
• Collaborative discussions for airport professionals, nonprofit leaders, and community partners

Do you provide any financial resources to assist in the cost of attendance?

Yes. Travelers Aid International is pleased to offer Member Conference Grants. There is no form to submit, rather those requesting a grant should email Kathleen directly and explain why it is needed. Kathleen@travelersaid.org.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

During on-site registration and check-in, attendees will have the opportunity to indicate special dietary restrictions.

What if I have a question that is not answered here?

Please contact us at conference@travelersaid.org