26 September - 27 September 2025
Washington DC - USA
36th IFTTA Annual Conference
Where
The Dupont Circle Hotel ***** - Washington DC (USA)
When
Friday 26 September 2025
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Saturday 27 September 2025
Washington DC
Washington D.C., the dynamic capital of the United States, is a city built on history, global influence, and monumental ambition. Renowned for its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and vibrant political pulse, D.C. seamlessly blends the weight of its past with the forward momentum of the present. Visitors can explore essential sites such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian museums, and the U.S. Capitol Building. The city’s rich cultural tapestry is complemented by its diverse culinary scene, bustling neighbourhoods, and serene green spaces like the National Mall. As a nexus of policy, innovation, and diverse thought, Washington D.C., offers an inspiring backdrop for our conference, inviting attendees to experience the unique power and intellectual spirit that define this remarkable capital.
Dupont Circle Hotel ****
The Dupont Circle Hotel, located in one of Washington D.C.'s most vibrant and accessible neighborhoods, offers an exceptional setting for our conference. This stylish and sophisticated venue provides a blend of modern design and warm hospitality, ensuring a comfortable and productive experience for all attendees. With its array of versatile meeting spaces, state-of-the-art technology, and dedicated event planning services, the hotel is perfectly equipped to facilitate engaging discussions and seamless presentations. Its prime location allows participants easy access to the city's diplomatic quarter, cultural institutions, and diverse dining options, making it an ideal choice that combines professional convenience with the opportunity to explore the unique charm of Dupont Circle.
Conference brochure
You can download the conference brochure here:
Attending the conference?
IFTTA invites legal professionals, academics, and industry experts specialising in travel and tourism law to attend its Worldwide Annual Conference for an opportunity to share expertise and stay abreast of the latest legal developments.
Ask your travel agent or check your requirements on the IATA webpage: IATA Travel Centre
Conference organizers
This conference is organised by members of the North America branch of IFTTA.
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| Mr Jeff Ment, BS, J.D. Ment Law Group, |
Mr. Thomas R. Carpenter Carpenter Law Group |
Registration
You can register online using the dedicated registration form available here. If you have other questions or want to make inquiries related to this conference, please send us an email stating #IFTTA36THCONF# in the subject line or click here.
Hotel booking
The conference fee does not include expenses for your travel and hotel. For accommodation, the organizers of the conference agreed on a special conference rate for your stay in the Dupont Circle Hotel (subject to availability). This reservation link will forward you to the online reservation page of the hotel and pre-populate the special group code and dates. The rate is extended to three days pre- and post the conference dates.
If anyone needs assistance making travel arrangements for this conference, Jaime Weinberg of Huckleberry Travel is happy to assist.
IFTTA Conference Schedule
Day 1
Friday 26 September 2025
| **:**-09:00 | Breakfast (included) | |
| 09:00-09:15 | Welcome and Introductions (Jacqueline Tanti-Dougall, Jeffrey Ment, Tom Carpenter) | |
| 09:15-09:25 | Welcoming remarks to the IFTTA audience (Letizia Sirtori , VP, Global Tourism, Destination DC) | |
| 09:25-10:35 | Presentations I | |
| 09:25 | Tim Law (Subject: A review of the July 2025 decision of the Supreme Court of Canada in Sinclair v. Venezia regarding the travel industry and conflicts of law.) | |
| 09:45 | Klara Dvorakova (Subject: Report on Current Development in the Package Travel Regulation in EU.) | |
| 10:05 | Aaron Wodin-Schwartz (Chief Public Affairs Officer, Brand USA): Welcoming remarks to IFTTA audience. | |
| 10:15 | Chun Wright (Subject: Travel and AI.) | |
| 10:35-10:50 | Break | |
| 10:50-12:05 | Presentations II | |
| 10:50 | Chloe Rezlan (Subject: Specificity if French law and/or EU AI regulations applied to the travel industry.) | |
| 11:15 | Daniel R. Zim, Esq.(Subject: Surveillance Pricing in the Travel Industry.) | |
| 11:35 | Cevat Tosun (Subject: Rights of Local Community in an Area of Overtourism and the 17 Goals of UN Sustainable Development.) | |
| 11:55 | Mark Kubatov (SVP & Publisher, Business Traveler and 2L at Nova Law School): Welcoming remarks to IFTTA audience | |
| 12:05-13:30 | Lunch (included) | |
| 13:30-14:55 | Presentations III | |
| 13:30 | Thomas Carpenter (Subject: "Booked and Crooked" How Fraudsters Exploit the Travel Industry, and How to Turn them Back at the Gate.) | |
| 13:50 | Marcelo Oliveira (Subject: What's the difference between a travel agency issuing an airline ticket and selling a package travel? Brazilian Courts' Understanding.) | |
| 14:15 | Marie Vandersanden (Subject: Eco-Sell or Legal Hell? Greenwashing Pitfalls in Tourism Marketing.) | |
| 14:35 | Michael Wukoschitz (Subject: Latest CJEU case law on air passenger rights.) | |
| 14:55-15:10 | Break | |
| 15:10-17:00 | IFTTA Board Meeting (IFTTA Directors only) | |
| 17:00-18:00 | No program | |
| 18:00 | Cocktail hour (included) | |
Day 2
Saterday 27 September 2025
| **:**-09:00 | Breakfast | |
| 09:00-09:15 | Welcome and introductions | |
| 09:15-10:30 | Presentations III | |
| 09:15 | Elora Andrade & Anderea Canona (Subject: Immigration relevant topics.) | |
| 09:35 | Jeffrey Ment (Subject: How your website can get you sued.) | |
| 09:55 | Jonathon Foglia (Subject: Summary of Recent Travel Consumer Protection Developments: 2024-2025.) | |
| 10:15 | Q & A | |
| 10:30-10:45 | Break | |
| 10:45-12:00 | Presentations IV | |
| 10:45 | Benoit Chantoin (Subject: Lobbying on EU Travel and Consumer legislations: the Travel Agents' perspective.) | |
| 11:05 | David Sprecher (Subject: Aviation Sector in Force Majeure such as natural and geopolitical disasters.) | |
| 11:25 | Stefanie Bergmann (Subject: Revision of the Air Passenger Rights Regulation – the Plans of the European Council) | |
| 11:45 | Q & A | |
| 12:00-13:30 | Lunch (included) | |
| 13:30-14:50 | Presentations V |
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| 13:30 | Larry and Emilia Gore (Subject: International Legal Issues In Charter Of Yachts And Ships.) | |
| 13:50 | Andrej Micovic (Subject: Insurance Contract and Protection of Travellers Against Insolvency of Package Travel Organisers.) | |
| 14:10 | Ines Yusuf Tosun (Subject: Travel Policy and Regulation in the Age of Mass Human Mobility – A Critical Reflection from Turkey.) | |
| 14:30-14:45 | Final remarks by Jacqueline Tanti-Dougall | |
| 14:45-15:00 | Break | |
| 15:00-16:30 | IFTTA Annual General Meeting (IFTTA-members only) | |
| 16:30-19:00 | No program | |
| 19:00-21:00 | Gala dinner | |