The 55th edition of the leading U.S. travel trade show called IPW (formerly International Pow Wow), took place this year from May 3 – 7 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. IPW brings together U.S. suppliers with tour operators, buyers and journalists. During 42 meetings, all delegates from 60+ countries had the opportunity for personal contact, renew relationships, do business and establish new partnerships.
From Target three colleagues went to L.A. Arjan and Hanny representing Worldwide Campers and Rianne for Visit USA Netherlands, in her role as the secretariat.
Dutch delegation
This year the Dutch delegation was bigger than ever before, with 42 people, consisting of: tour operators & media. The Netherlands even won a prize! Freelance travel writer Harmke Kraak received the honorable award for ‘Best Trade Publication Article’, for her article Atlanta? Yes, Atlanta which was published in the We Love Travel Magazine.
Work hard, play harder
This year, IPW kicked off with an opening event at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, featuring a performance by Diana Ross. During the exhibition days, various events were organized in the evenings by partners of Target Travel. For example, Visit USA The Netherlands organized a get-together jointly with Visit USA Belgium, there was an invitation to the Great American West Buckle Club and there was dancing at Travel South USA’s All Ya’ll are Welcome concert.
During the luncheon, there was plenty of entertainment by guests such as Keanu Reeves, Ziggy Marley and small pieces of great Broadway musicals were presented. including Back to the Future, Michael Jackson and Wicked the Musical came by. For the closing event, all participants were welcomed to Universal Studios, which was completely rented out for the delegation. What a party, and great conclusion after four days at IPW.
IPW 2025
Next year’s fair will take place in “Windy City” Chicago, from June 14 to 18. In subsequent years, IPW will take place in Fort Lauderdale (2026), New Orleans (2027), Detroit (2028), Denver (2029) and Anaheim (2030).
