What happened at the Phocuswright Conference 2017 – via TravelMedia.ie

Michael Collins runs TravelMedia.ie – a travel specialist PR and content agency. Based in Dublin, he’s member of Dublin Travel Massive and been a part of our community for a number of years.

(Intro from Ian: I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Michael and his team all over the world – including bumping into him at a pub in Ireland! I invited TravelMedia.ie to share some of the highlights from last year’s Phocuswright conference in Fort Lauderdale. I’m still recovering from the after-after party!)

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How is TravelMedia.ie involved with Phocuswright?

We have worked with Phocuswright for 3 years, producing video content for them at their conferences in the US, Europe and India. As well as producing video content we also manage PR in Europe in and around their Europe conference in May, specifically the travel trade and travel tech media.

The next Phocuswright conference takes place in Amsterdam, May 15-17th.

What were the highlights from the Phocuswright 2017?

The highlight for me is always the innovators and start-ups presenting as part of Battleground and Summit. The quality of the presentations is incredible, especially considering the size and peer level of the audience. The audience is packed with investors and CEOs. It doesn’t get tougher than presenting at Phocuswright.

What was your favorite presenter and why?

Maximilian from Conichi and Ethan from Freebird (two, I know). I have watched both present over a number of conferences. They have continued to innovate, never stopping, even pivoting. They are both assured, practiced and know their niches.

What’s one thing you can’t miss if you go to Miami?

One doesn’t get much free-time during the conference, but nothing beats a good Amercian burger and a pale-ale. Of course a dip in the sea, which I did manage this year at 6am pre day 2. Two years ago I did stay on for the weekend and parties at the National and all the bars and restaurants along Collins Ave.