At the latest Arival in San Diego, we tested out a new concept of having “Arival Ambassadors” — regular, repeat Arival attendees who agreed to serve as a welcoming presence, resource, and guide for attendees, particularly first-timers.
We also asked several of these Arival Ambassadors, as seasoned Arival attendees and speakers, to give us their take on what made this particular Arival event stand out, and there were some common themes. Here’s what they had to say.
Highlights of Arival 360 | San Diego, According to Our Arival Ambassadors!
Three Highlights from Arival San Diego and Why It’s Worth Traveling All The Way from Australia to Attend
Meredith Rangel, Consultant, Bookable Tourism
Advancements in Technology
One of the most exciting aspects of Arival San Diego was seeing the latest advancements in technology for the tourism industry. I was particularly impressed by the AI tools integrated into booking systems. The new chat functions that extract data seamlessly not only simplify reporting but also enhance customer interaction. The automation of forecasting and improvements in dynamic pricing functionality were game-changing, allowing operators to optimize revenue while saving time and resources.
Meaningful Travel Discussions
Another highlight was the session on Meaningful Travel. It was inspiring to hear so many conversations around how we, as an industry, can create tourism products that do more than just attract travelers—they can also contribute to positive social and environmental impacts. The emphasis on building tourism as a force for good, fostering strong communities, and creating lasting legacies was a refreshing direction that felt timely and necessary for the future of the industry.
The Vibe
Lastly, the overall vibe at Arival San Diego was infectious. There was a palpable energy in every conversation, driven by a shared enthusiasm for innovation and growth. Whether it was discussing challenges or brainstorming solutions, the atmosphere was open and collaborative. I loved seeing people come together with open minds, focusing not just on transactions, but on building genuine partnerships and long-term relationships. It reinforced the sense of community within the Arival community and left me inspired and excited about the future of the experiences sector.
Connecting on a Deeper Level & A One-Stop Shop for Connectivity
Carrie Keplinger, Owner, Elevate the Experience
What an incredible week at Arival in San Diego! I loved being able to easily toggle between sessions and 1:1 meetings. Having the show spill out into the outdoors was a huge highlight.
What made this event especially impactful, though, was the chance to connect with clients on a deeper level. From engaging in collaborative meetings to going on a group run together, Arival made it easy to conduct business, learn, and build stronger relationships with colleagues. I think Arival has done an amazing job bringing all the operators and their partners together in one place, sharing best practices and networking together, for the better part of a week.
I was also impressed by how many restech and travel tech companies are now participating, which makes it a one-stop shop for connectivity. If you work in the attractions and experiences sector of travel, you can’t miss this show. Thank you to team Arival, and all of the speakers and volunteers!
Finding the Balance Between Cutting-Edge Technology and Personal Touch
Brittani England, Director of Operations, MH Strategic Solutions
One of the biggest highlights from this Arival event was seeing so many fresh faces diving in and soaking up all the insights. There was an unmistakable energy in the room—everyone buzzing about the future of AI and how it’s impacting the “things to do” industry. What really struck me was how divided people seemed: some were super excited about the potential, while others were cautiously skeptical; but that contrast sparked some fascinating conversations!
A key theme that kept popping up for me was how tech partners are pivoting to keep up with the changes in society’s use of technology as a whole. Whether it was tools for auto-generating reviews right after a tour, linking tour attendees to prompted social media posting, or dynamic pricing options that adjust on the fly, there was no shortage of innovative solutions being showcased. What’s really exciting is how these advancements empower businesses—big and small—to stay competitive and better connect with their customers.
The event showed just how much the industry is embracing AI-driven tools to not just keep up but push forward. The real magic, though, will be in finding the balance between cutting-edge technology and keeping the personal touch that makes travel and experiences so memorable.
Connecting in the Margins, Enjoying Theater Content & “Five Stars on the Vibe”
Stephen Joyce, Global Lead for Travel, Protect Group
Meeting People from Across the Industry, Networking Opportunities & Looking to Future Events
Martin Harlow, Owner and Managing Director, MH Strategic Solutions
Attending Arival 360 in San Diego as an ambassador was an incredible experience. From the moment I arrived, the energy and excitement were palpable, I was excited to be in a position to welcome delegates whether it be their first Arival or seasoned regulars. As always, the chance to meet so many people from across the tours and attractions industry was one of the biggest highlights for me.
A highly rewarding aspect of being an ambassador was connecting with first-timers. It was great to see how enthusiastic they were to be attending Arival 360, for some starting their careers in The Best Part of Travel and how eager they were to learn and network. Hearing their fresh perspectives added a new dimension to the event for me.
I also had the pleasure of receiving feedback from one attendee in particular, who shared that my session helped clear up confusion she’d had around industry terminology for years. She mentioned that at previous events, she had struggled to fully grasp some of the jargon but finally felt everything clicked during our discussion, which was incredibly fulfilling to hear.
The networking opportunities at Arival 360 were, as always, a high point of the week. Whether it was grabbing coffee between sessions or chatting with people during evening events, I had the chance to engage with both new entrants to the industry and long-time peers. It was a fantastic mix of catching up with familiar faces and making meaningful new connections.
Overall, Arival 360 was a huge success, and I’m already looking forward to Arival Activate in Edinburgh and Arival 360 in Valencia to meet more amazing people from this vibrant industry. The event provided the perfect platform to share, learn, and collaborate, and I couldn’t be prouder to have been part of it.
What’s Next? Join us in 2025 for Arival DC!!!
We released the exciting news during Arival 360 | San Diego… next year we’re trying out a brand new location for our U.S. event. Join us at Arival 360 | Washington, DC / National Harbor from 30 Sept. – 3 Oct. 2025. Can’t wait that long? We also have events in Edinburgh in November 2024, and Valencia, Spain in April 2025. We hope to see you at one or more!
Missed the event or want to re-watch a session? All the theater sessions from the event were recorded and will be available to Arival Insider Pro Access members on the event page here.
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