IPW 2027: U.S. inbound travel marketplace in New Orleans, 2-6 May 2027, with 44 pre-scheduled buyer-supplier appointments.
Dates
2–6 May 2027
City / country
New Orleans, United States
Venue
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Time
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
IPW 2027 is the U. S. Travel Association's premier inbound travel marketplace, running 2-6 May 2027 at the New Orleans Ernest N.
Morial Convention Center. It brings U. S.
destinations, hotels, airlines, attractions and tour operators together with international and domestic travel buyers and media for pre-scheduled one-to-one appointments. The 2027 edition offers 44 appointments per participant, up from 42, plus a Media Marketplace, curated networking, destination experiences and new all-attendee lunches. IPW is a business-to-business trade show rather than a consumer travel fair.
TL;DR
Buyers and media get a pre-booked schedule of one-to-one appointments with U.S. destinations, hotels, airlines, attractions and receptive operators. The 2027 format adds all-attendee lunches, A Taste of New Orleans and IPW Beyond the Booth, so a day on the floor combines structured meetings with destination product updates. It suits qualified international buyers and press by invitation, not walk-in consumers.
A booth buys access to a curated, pre-matched stream of international and domestic buyers plus travel media, with 44 appointments per participant. U.S. destinations and suppliers use IPW to launch product, refresh relationships and write business two to three years ahead. The Media Marketplace adds earned-media reach across 30+ countries.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
2900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Entrances & gates
Convention Center Blvd. main entrances
Badge pick-up and registration desks are inside the venue.
Paid venue and nearby garage parking; rates not published for IPW 2027.
ADA-accessible facility; request specific services through the venue.
Food options
Convention center concessions
On-site diningParking: On-site and nearby paid garages serve the convention center; confirm event-specific rates and access with the venue.
Gate: Use the Convention Center Boulevard entrances; badge pick-up is in the convention center according to the official schedule.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Exhibitor Registration - Engage member (early, ends 20 Nov 2026)
Rises to USD 1,600 standard from 21 Nov 2026.
Exhibitor Registration - Inform member (early)
Rises to USD 2,000 standard.
Exhibitor Registration - Non-member (early)
Rises to USD 2,200 standard.
One-Day Badge - Engage member
Booth-holding companies only; not available to MTPs.
Media Marketplace Package - Engage member
Table plus online press room; Inform USD 2,250, non-member USD 2,500.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Badge pick-up and registration desks operate at the convention center: Sun-Mon 08:00-17:00, Tue 07:30-17:00, Wed-Thu 08:00-14:00.
Ticket notes
Exhibitor registration only in the published 2027 tariff. International buyers register by invitation through their country's International Advisory Committee chair; the buyer fee is not published. One-day badges are for booth-holding companies only and not available to MTPs.
Build-up & tear-down
Who runs the show
U.S. Travel Association
Organiser
What's on
Travel Writers Awards
Presented during the IPW Press Brunch; the official schedule lists the Press Brunch / Travel Writers Awards on Monday 3 May 2027 at the Audubon Tea Room.
sourceHow the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 5,000
Exhibitors: 600
Visitor countries: 60
This edition
2027
Visitors: 5,000
Exhibitors: 1,000
Next edition
Not announced yet
Growth over time
Impact
U.S. Travel estimates each IPW drives nearly 11 million international visitors to the U.S. over three years and about USD 26.1 billion in spending, with more than 64% of buyers saying they plan to book destinations they had not considered before. Those are association-level, multi-edition estimates, not audited results for a single show.
Audience quality
The audience is deliberately narrow and pre-qualified: international and domestic buyers plus travel media, matched to U.S. suppliers through pre-scheduled appointments. That produces a small number of high-intent conversations rather than mass footfall. The 2027 move to 44 appointments per participant raises meeting volume, but exhibitor results still depend on having a competitive product and a working appointment book.
Exhibitor outcomes
A U.S. destination or supplier is buying access to roughly 1,400 buyers and media and a pre-matched appointment schedule, not a public audience. The economics work when a single new inbound programme or media placement can justify a booth plus badges and travel. For smaller suppliers, a shared or express booth and a tightly defined appointment target is the lower-risk test.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
The U.S. is one of the world's largest inbound travel destinations, and IPW is its single most concentrated buyer-supplier marketplace. International arrivals are highly seasonal and long-haul demand is sensitive to air capacity, visa friction and exchange rates, so a show that locks appointments two to three years ahead gives destinations and suppliers a rare forward view of demand.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
International demand is uneven, not uniformly recovering
U.S. Travel's 2026 messaging focused on reversing a decline in international arrivals and on making the U.S. more competitive for long-haul visitors. Buyers are concentrating on markets with direct air capacity and simpler visa pathways.
What it changes: Suppliers should target buyers from markets with strong air links rather than assume broad-based growth.
SourcePre-scheduled appointments are the product
IPW's value sits in a curated appointment book of 44 one-to-one meetings per participant in 2027, up from 42, rather than in aisle traffic. The model rewards preparation and a clear product story.
What it changes: A booth without a filled appointment schedule is an expensive backdrop; pre-show outreach is the real work.
SourceEarned media is bundled with trade
The Media Marketplace and 550+ journalists and influencers give IPW a media layer beyond buyer meetings, with coverage reported across 30+ countries.
What it changes: Destinations can pair a trade appointment programme with a press story, improving return per trip.
SourceExperience-led and regional destination marketing
Buyers are looking beyond gateway cities to regional and experience-led U.S. product, including food, culture and outdoor travel. IPW 2027's New Orleans setting and destination experiences reinforce that.
What it changes: Smaller destinations can compete on distinctive experiences rather than scale.
SourceLatest updates from across the market.
IPW sits in a circuit of large B2B travel marketplaces. ITB Berlin and WTM London serve global inbound and outbound demand, while Routes Americas focuses on air route development. Planning across them avoids clashing appointments and duplicated travel.
Q1
European spring trade season.
Q2
U.S. inbound marketplace; appointment scheduling starts months earlier.
Q4
Autumn global trade season.
Circuit positioning is editorial; dates are not asserted where not verified for the relevant year.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Main gateway with domestic and limited international service; taxis and rideshare to the convention center.
About 24 km (15 miles) west of downtown
to venue
25-35 minutes
by car
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport
Secondary option with fewer routes; only practical with a car.
About 120 km east
to venue
75-90 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 110–170 / night
Planning estimate for early May; rates rise during major conventions and festival weekends.
USD 180–270 / night
Walkable or short rideshare to the venue; book well ahead.
USD 300–450 / night
Planning estimate; suite and club rates run higher.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Taxi
Flat-ish metered airport taxi; confirm fare with driver.
Rideshare
Uber/Lyft pickup at the airport; surge pricing possible.
Public bus
Cheapest option but slower with luggage.
Streetcar
Useful for French Quarter and Garden District; not a direct airport link.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor visa | Visitors from countries without a U.S. visa waiver or ESTA eligibility who are attending meetings or a trade show | $185.00 | Several weeks to several months; apply early | |
| ESTA / Visa Waiver Program | Eligible passport holders from Visa Waiver Program countries | $40.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours |
U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need a visa. Canadian citizens generally travel visa-free for business visits.
The U.S. accepts ATA Carnets for temporary exhibition goods; list all items and confirm with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and your freight broker.
Official visa pageWeather
Early May is warm and humid: daytime highs around 27-30C, lows around 18-21C, with frequent afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Pack light layers, an umbrella and comfortable walking shoes.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Convention center Wi-Fi is typically available; confirm the IPW network and credentials onsite. U.S. mobile SIM/eSIM plans are widely available at MSY and downtown.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Tip 18-20% at restaurants and bars, and USD 2-5 per bag for hotel staff.
French Quarter etiquette
The Quarter is lively and walkable; keep valuables close at night and stay on well-lit streets.
Weather contingency
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in May; build indoor backup plans into offsite meetings.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: MSY (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International)
Book 8-12 weeks ahead for early May; compare connections through Houston, Dallas, Atlanta and Charlotte.
Most European, UK, Australian, Japanese and South Korean passport holders can use ESTA or travel visa-free for short business trips. Other nationalities need a B-1 visa.
Estimated cost: USD 40 ESTA or USD 185 B-1 visa fee
Processing: ESTA usually under 72 hours; B-1 several weeks or more
Carry a letter confirming IPW registration and hotel booking.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Taxi or rideshare from MSY, 25-35 minutes; public bus is cheaper but slower.
Hotel → venue: Most CBD and Warehouse District hotels are a 5-15 minute walk; French Quarter hotels 15-25 minutes or a short rideshare.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate throughout New Orleans; use designated pickup zones at the convention center.
Public transit: RTA buses and streetcars cover the city; exact fare and route planning via the RTA app.
Parking: Paid garages near the convention center; confirm event rates.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May
Temperature: 18-30C
Seasonality: Warm and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; hurricane season begins in June, so early May is usually outside the peak.
Packing: Light business casual, rain jacket or umbrella, comfortable shoes and a refillable water bottle.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Tuesday 4 May 2027
Tuesday is the first full marketplace day: the ribbon cutting opens the floor, both morning and afternoon appointment blocks run, the Media Marketplace is active and the Media Marketplace Reception closes the day. It gives the widest single-day coverage of buyers, media and suppliers.
Confirm your buyer invitation or registration status with your country's IAC chair and check passport/ESTA validity. — Buyer registration is by invitation; walk-ins are not the model.
Build a target list of 20 U.S. suppliers and request appointments as soon as scheduling opens. — Use the appointment-matching system; 44 meetings are available.
Book flights to MSY and a CBD or Warehouse District hotel; leave a buffer for afternoon storms. — Early May is convention season; rates climb late.
Download the schedule, map halls and confirm badge pick-up hours and offsite event transport. — Registration opens 07:30 Tuesday.
Pack business cards, a light rain layer and chargers; pre-write your objectives for each appointment. — Comfortable shoes matter on the convention floor.
Badge pick-up, then Brand USA education session and International Inbound Network meeting
Convention centerOpening Event and networking
Caesars SuperdomeBuyer briefing, then 09:30-12:30 business appointments
Marketplace HallAfternoon appointments and Media Marketplace drop-in
Marketplace HallA Taste of New Orleans and IPW Beyond the Booth
OffsiteFrench Quarter and Jackson Square
Walking Culture and Food
10-20 minutes from CBD
Historic architecture, live music, Creole food and the city's most recognisable square.
Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery
Historic Neighbourhood
15 minutes by streetcar
Oak-lined streets, antebellum homes and above-ground cemeteries; pair with Magazine Street.
Global Networking Reception
official IPW event
Monday evening before the Opening Event; bring business cards.
Media Marketplace Reception
official IPW event
Tuesday late afternoon; useful for press and destination marketers.
IPW conversations are brief and forward-looking; the value is captured after the show. A disciplined 48-hour follow-up and a 90-day pipeline review are more useful than a generic mass email.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 350–550 / m²
Raw space
USD 646–1076 / m²
Standard booth
9.29 m²
Official booth rates are quoted per square foot; per-sqm figures are conversions at 10.7639 sq ft per sqm. Shell-scheme and turnkey bands are planning estimates, not an official 2027 tariff.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
Booth space
exhibitor · Engage member
USD 558–928 / per sqm
Exhibitor badge
exhibitor · early
USD 1400–2000 / per badge
Turnkey 10x10 package
exhibitor · basic
USD 3000–5000 / per booth
Hotel
both · mid
USD 180–270 / per night
Airfare
both · economy
USD 350–1500 / round trip
Per diem
both · moderate
USD 60–110 / per day
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booth space | exhibitor | Engage member | USD 558–928 / per sqm | sourced | 2026-10-31 |
| Exhibitor badge | exhibitor | early | USD 1400–2000 / per badge | sourced | 2026-10-31 |
| Turnkey 10x10 package | exhibitor | basic | USD 3000–5000 / per booth | sourced | 2026-10-31 |
| Hotel | both | mid | USD 180–270 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Airfare | both | economy | USD 350–1500 / round trip | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| Per diem | both | moderate | USD 60–110 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions on role, objective, budget and timing.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What best describes your organisation?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You can commit to 20+ pre-scheduled meetings and have a clear U.S. product gap to fill.
Best for
Qualified international or domestic buyers and travel media with a sourcing or storytelling brief
Min. budget
$1,500.00
Timeline
6-12 weeks for invitation, flights and hotels
Risks
Invitation is required and not guaranteed
Appointment book may fill before you register
exhibit
You have a differentiated product, a named sales lead and a 12-month pipeline target.
Best for
U.S. destinations, hotels, airlines, attractions and receptive operators selling to international buyers
Min. budget
$8,000.00
Timeline
4-6 months to secure space, build the stand and fill the appointment book
Risks
Booth and badge costs are high
Weak appointment conversion leaves little walk-in traffic
skip
You are researching only, cannot travel in early May, or cannot staff a full appointment schedule.
Best for
Companies without a U.S. product, a purchasing role or the budget to convert meetings
Timeline
Reassess for a later edition
Risks
Missing relationship-building with buyers and media
Competitors may secure the same accounts
Book with
U.S. Travel Association
National non-profit that owns and produces IPW.
Official organiser.
New Orleans & Company
The city's destination marketing organisation and host-city partner.
Host destination body; no commercial arrangement assumed.
Brand USA
U.S. destination marketing organisation with a visible education and marketplace role at IPW.
Official programme reference; not a contracted partner of this listing.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Primary airport serving New Orleans, about 25-35 minutes from the venue.
Travel planning reference, not an official IPW partner.
Recommended providers
Use the official visa and ESTA guidance only.
Compare CBD and Warehouse District hotels; IPW may publish a room block separately.
Compare one-stop routings to MSY; no official IPW air partner published.
No official IPW freight handler published; confirm venue exhibit services rules.
Compare travel medical and cancellation cover; no official IPW insurer published.
Destination inspiration and local listings; no commercial arrangement assumed.
CRM and business-card capture
No official scanner announced; use your own CRM workflow.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
4 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
7
References
3
Publishers
7
Date checked
U.S. Travel Association
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
atndr
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