Travel industry research authority PhoCusWright has announced a pioneering program for its premier European event, PhoCusWright@ITB Berlin, taking place Wednesday, March 6, 2013 in conjunction with ITB Berlin.

Now in its eighth year, PhoCusWright@ITB is designed to help executives capitalize on the advances, strategies and innovations that are shaping the global travel, tourism and hospitality marketplace.

This year’s program brings together travel startups, media powerhouses, social pioneers and several of Europe’s key travel companies to debate and define the future of travel. Confirmed speakers include executives from Accor, Google, Facebook, Airbnb, Odigeo, Hotels.com and more. PhoCusWright analysts will share insights on key European travel trends and deliver groundbreaking research on the emerging Middle East travel market and the travel payments landscape. Lively roundtable sessions will assess the state of travel startups and examine how travel’s new intermediaries are disrupting the marketplace.

PhoCusWright@ITB is included at no additional charge with ITB Berlin tickets valid for entry on 6 March 2013. The event features a flexible format that enables the audience to interact in a unique community setting. Attendees are invited to immerse themselves in the entire daylong event or drop in for select sessions.

The conference theme – Pivot Point – recognizes the extraordinary transformation that has gripped the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Now at the “Pivot Point,” travel companies need to evaluate whether their current skills and assets can adequately deliver what their customers want. In the midst of dizzying advances in technology, fierce competition and a dwindling supply of obvious growth opportunities, organizations are compelled to consider all options, including major strategic shifts.

PhoCusWright@ITB is followed by The PhoCusWright New Media Summit (7 March 2013), which draws new media professionals to Berlin each year to engage with other social media enthusiasts, share strategies and weigh in on what’s next for mobile and social.

ITB Berlin, www.itb-convention.com