1000MTG community had come together at the 2026 Annual Nashville Conference for a few days of connection, collaboration, and inspiration from 23 to 26 April at the W Nashville.
This year’s gathering welcomed approximately 140 attendees, including 74 travel advisors, 45 travel partner representatives, and over 20 Marriott Luxury Sales Managers from across the United States.
With the theme ‘Finding Your Rhythm,’ the conference focused on helping advisors gain confidence, clarity, and consistency in their travel businesses while strengthening their relationships across the industry.
“1000MTG in Nashville was unforgettable,” 1000MTG founder and CEO Nic Veltman said. “With the theme ‘Finding Your Rhythm’, this year elevated the conference to new heights – Karen and the entire team planned every minute with care, creating a flawless flow.
“The program struck a perfect balance of meaningful time with our incredible network and valued partners, while showcasing the vibrant spaces of the W and the spirit of Music City. As always, the greatest value came from being together face-to-face in the room. I can’t wait for next year.”
A community in motion
From the moment attendees arrived, the energy was undeniable. The Welcome Cocktail Party at Butterfly at the W set the tone with vibrant Nashville flair, featuring Chef Jose Andres’ menu, handcrafted cocktails, and live music from Damien Horne, sponsored by Nashville Music City. Interactive activations, a Nashville-style costume contest, and partner-sponsored experiences created an engaging and memorable kickoff.
“The energy in the room was electric,” 1000MTG senior vice president/general manager North America Christy Shafer said. “The conversations were meaningful, and the connections made will carry our advisors forward in a big way.”
Meaningful conversations and real insights
Throughout the conference, advisors engaged in thoughtful discussions designed to deliver real value. The ‘Chat with the Chief’ session offered candid insights into the questions advisors are asking most, while panels and fireside chats encouraged open dialogue between peers and partners.
“Connecting with our advisors and supplier partners, diving into great content, and having the chance to host panels made it all the more memorable,” 1000MTG executive director of sales & customer success North America Ben Johnson said.
Human connection in an AI world
Keynote speaker Frankie Russo delivered a standout session exploring the role of AI in the travel industry. His message was clear: technology can enhance efficiency, but it cannot replace human connection, lived experience, and trust.
“AI can generate options, but it has never been anywhere,” Russo said. “It doesn’t know what something feels like. And it can’t look a client in the eye and say, ‘This is the one’.”
Celebrating excellence
The conference also celebrated top-performing advisors during the Top Achievers Ceremony, recognizing standout achievements across the network and honoring those who continue to raise the bar within the industry in the 1000 Mile Travel Group Community. Eight top achiever award winners in addition to the Rising Star and Most Engaged Award Winners were revealed. The winners have been awarded a Danube Dreams Westward 8–Day River Cruise Budapest to Vilshofen this November aboard the Avalon Visionary as an award for their achievements.
“Since this was my first time attending and not exactly knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly impressed,” 1000MTG and Travel Journeys Inc affiliate Elena Yorio said.
Looking ahead to 2027
Marriott Luxury Group revealed the St. Regis Deer Valley as the host location for the 2027 Annual Conference in Park City, Utah by flying in over 20 of their Sales Managers representing some of Marriott’s most prominent STARS and Luminous properties across the country.
The farewell celebration at Glowbird at the W Nashville brought attendees together for one final night of connection, featuring rooftop views, curated cuisine, and unforgettable moments.
Collaboration that drives growth
Round robin appointments gave advisors and partners valuable face time, while sessions focused on sharing what is working across businesses today. From luxury travel strategies to leveraging tools like Virtuoso, the emphasis remained on practical insights and peer-to-peer learning.
“Connecting with luxury suppliers, learning from a top performer, and gaining new ideas on using AI gave me clear, actionable steps to continue growing my business,” 1000MTG and Lake Champlain Travel LLC affiliate said.
A network that shows up
The strength of the 1000 Mile Travel Group network was evident throughout the event. Advisors, partners, and internal teams came together with a shared purpose: to support one another and elevate the industry.
“This was a great opportunity to build relationships, learn, and help each other become the best we can be,” 1000MTG and The Travel Concierge affiliate Lisa Salloum said.
As the conference came to a close, one thing was clear: this community continues to grow stronger, more connected, and more forward-thinking each year. Nashville delivered the perfect backdrop for finding our rhythm and setting the pace for what’s next.
