In the global adventure travel community, two flagship gatherings stand out each year - the Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) and AdventureELEVATE. Both are powered by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and share a common goal: to bring together passionate professionals shaping the future of travel. Yet, each offers a distinct experience, scale, and focus designed to meet different needs within the industry.
The Adventure Travel World Summit: Where the World Meets
The Adventure Travel World Summit is the industry’s premier global gathering - a meeting of minds, mountains, and missions. Every year, around 800 tour operators, destination representatives, media, and thought leaders from more than 60 countries come together for four immersive days of learning, networking, and inspiration.
From mainstage keynotes to deep-dive breakout sessions, the Summit provides a panoramic view of the forces shaping adventure tourism, like sustainability, technology, community impact, and the evolving traveler mindset. The Day of Adventure during the conference invites delegates to explore the host destination firsthand through guided experiences. MediaCONNECT sessions help operators pitch story ideas directly to top-tier travel journalists and editors, and Marketplace offers a focused setting for inbound tour operators, accommodations, and destinations to connect with high-quality potential partners during pre-scheduled meetings.
Beyond its professional impact, the Summit fosters a sense of belonging that’s hard to find elsewhere. Conversations happen on hikes, over local meals, and in spontaneous moments that define the spirit of adventure travel itself.
In 2026, the world’s most inspiring gathering of adventure professionals will take place in Québec City, Canada, a destination renowned for its cultural vibrancy, history, and natural wonder. ATTA’s return to North America promises a bilingual, cross-cultural experience that celebrates the region’s strong outdoor community while inviting global voices to shape the next era of adventure.
Join the Adventure Travel World Summit in Québec City, 2026
AdventureELEVATE: Focused, Local, and Insight-Driven
While the Summit casts a global spotlight, AdventureELEVATE offers a more intimate, regionally focused environment. Typically gathering 300-400 delegates, ELEVATE is known for its high energy, forward-thinking discussions, and opportunities for meaningful networking. Even for companies that do not currently do business in the host region, this is an ideal event for learning more and making local and regional connections.
Designed to “elevate” business performance, creativity, and community, the event blends practical learning with powerful storytelling. Attendees can expect workshops, marketplace meetings, and thought-provoking sessions led by industry innovators and regional experts. Its scale allows for closer connections — where ideas move quickly from conversation to collaboration.
ELEVATE is also deeply rooted in the culture and character of its host destination. Delegates experience local adventure through pre-event excursions, while evening receptions and creative sessions spotlight regional flavors, music, and traditions.
In 2026, AdventureELEVATE expands its global footprint with two inspiring gatherings designed to spark ideas, connections, and collaboration across continents.
In May 2026, AdventureELEVATE Europe heads to Catalonia, a region that embodies the spirit of adventure from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean coast. With its rich cultural heritage, sustainability leadership, and dynamic outdoor offerings, Catalonia provides an ideal stage for European and global delegates to explore new partnerships and perspectives.
And in June 2026, AdventureELEVATE Latin America goes to Peru, where breathtaking landscapes, deep-rooted traditions, and a growing community of responsible travel leaders showcase how Latin America continues to shape the future of adventure tourism. Delegates will experience thought-provoking sessions, meaningful networking, and the energy of a destination where community-based tourism and innovation thrive.
Two Events, One Global Community
Together, ATWS and AdventureELEVATE form the backbone of the adventure travel industry’s annual rhythm. The Summit unites the global community under one roof — a hub for vision, connection, and collaboration. ELEVATE, by contrast, dives deeper into regional conversations, helping businesses and destinations refine their strategies, strengthen networks, and accelerate growth.
Whether you’re looking to broaden your international reach or deepen your regional expertise, both events offer powerful opportunities to connect, learn, and lead. As the adventure travel community continues to evolve, these gatherings remind us that our greatest strength lies not just in exploration, but in coming together.
ATTA's Other Events
Also see A Guide to Choosing Which ATTA Event is Right for You and Your Business to learn more about all of ATTA's available events.