by Paul Heney
Last updated: 1:00 PM ET, Sun March 16, 2025
Registration opened last month for the 2025 IGLTA Global Convention, and this year’s event will be held in Palm Springs, Calif. for the first time. Considered one of the most iconic queer destinations—as well as a popular retirement community for the LGBTQ community—Palm Springs will host the event from October 21-25, 2025, and will offer attendees networking, education, and immersive local experiences.
Travel Pulse spoke with John Tanzella, IGLTA’s President/CEO on what to expect from this year’s convention.
TP: Has IGLTA ever had its convention in Palm Springs before?
JT: This is our first time to host our premier event in Palm Springs! We have a strong membership base in California and specifically in Palm Springs, and they are very engaged. For those that have been many times, we’re working closely with the local community to incorporate new elements of the destination, and we are proud to introduce it to those in our global network who have yet to experience this welcoming desert oasis.
TP: Palm Springs is such an iconic destination for LGBTQ travelers. Why did you feel this was a good time to hold the convention in this location?
JT: It’s been 10 years since our convention was held on the West Coast of the U.S. The last time was Los Angeles in 2015, so we were overdue to return to one of the most welcoming states in the country. Palm Springs is truly an iconic queer destination, one that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone. Its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, combined with its stunning landscapes and world-class amenities, make it the perfect setting for the convention dedicated to LGBTQ+ tourism.
TP: Are there any new aspects to the convention planned for 2025?
JT: We’re expanding our successful Buyer/Supplier Marketplace to two days this year, to maximize opportunities for direct business connections. The marketplace has grown substantially over the past decade and is now one of the most buzzed-about elements of the Global Convention, attracting travel advisors who sell more than $680 million in travel annually. Our strong relationships with Virtuoso and Signature Travel Network also have elevated our marketplace engagement. We’ll also be tackling the very timely issues surrounding the changing climate for the LGBTQ community and how that impacts travel.
TP: What excites you about this year’s convention?
JT: I’m so excited to be in a location that truly welcomes and celebrates our community. Palm Springs is very advanced in its support from its history to its present, where so many LGBTQ-owned businesses shape the destination’s character.
TP: Why should someone who’s never attended before make this their first convention?
JT: The 2025 IGLTA Global Convention is on track to be the largest in our association’s 42-year history, which means amplified networking opportunities for businesses of all sizes and across all travel sectors. We combine that with inspirational speakers from around the world, in-depth workshops exploring the latest trends and best practices, and the expanded marketplace for business development. For travel professionals interested in this valuable sector and who believe that inclusivity is essential for our global industry to thrive, this is the event for you!
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