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    The premier event for travel creators and influencers, and the brands that want to work with them. Powered by Wanderful.
     

    WITS DOWNTOWN NYC

    LOWER MANHATTAN

    16-18 MAY 2025


     

    POWERED BY

     
     
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    WELCOME TO WITS!

     

    WITS is the largest gathering of women travel creators in the world and the premier event for travel's top marketing talent. Creative entrepreneurs, influencers, DMOs, and industry come together to discuss future innovations, build dynamic collaborations, and change travel worldwide, all while supporting and empowering a diverse community. All genders are welcome and invited to join us for important conversations about elevating women and underrepresented creators as well as current issues in travel.

    We’re thrilled to be heading to Downtown NYC for our 12th in-person WITS! From the Brooklyn Bridge to the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade to Wall Street, and everything in between—Lower Manhattan is the world in one square mile. Downtown NYC is the New York you know of, but haven't met yet. Explore it with us at what we know will be an incredible event.

    Scroll down to get your ticket and join the movement.

     
     
     

     
     
     

    REGISTER

    We do not sell tickets at the door for WITS or Beginner Bootcamp.

     

    Creator Ticket
    $549



    Member Rate: $469

    For bloggers, influencers, and content creators. Must show proof of online channels or published work.

    Includes:
    •All sessions and workshops
    •Media Marketplace
    •Official parties and meetups
    •Tours and events
    •Sunday Brunch
    •Ticket to the Bessie Awards

    Industry Ticket
    $1,199

    For industry professionals, PR and marketing agencies, and brand representatives.

    Includes:
    •All sessions and workshops
    •Limited access to Media Marketplace
    •Official parties and meetups
    •Tours and events
    •Sunday Brunch
    •Ticket to the Bessie Awards

    Are you a brand that wants to meet content creators? Click here for information on our exhibitor packages!

    Beginner Bootcamp (add-on only)
    $120

    **Creator or Industry ticket needed in order to purchase.**

    Designed for those who are new to content creation and looking to establish basic knowledge and skills.

    Includes:
    •Extra half-day of programming on Friday
    •Exclusive brunch or lunch

     
     

    GET THE EMAILS

    All the info you need about WITS, plus our online events and more, straight to your inbox.

     
       

       
       

      Thanks for your interest in speaking at WITS!
      Read on to learn about what kinds of sessions we’re looking for.


      WITS offers three types of sessions.

      Presentations (up to 60 minutes) may take the format of a single presenter, a fireside chat, a panel, or a roundtable conversation. Workshops (60 minutes) include interactive components and work time, and could also be offered “wandering” outside the conference’s walls. Please note that panels and co-presented sessions are accepted on a very limited basis.

      In addition to breakout sessions, we also bring the whole group together multiple times throughout WITS weekend for Main Sessions that cover global issues and important subjects of relevance to our community.

      Our sessions fall into six general topics of interest.

      With the exception of Beginner Bootcamp, all are offered at an intermediate or advanced level.

      CONTENT CREATION
      For creators who want to take their content (written, photo, video, or anything else) to the next level.

      INDUSTRY
      Deep dives into the state of the travel and tourism industry, with a particular emphasis on how influencer and creative marketing can help diversify and improve the industry.

      TRENDS
      For creators and industry pros at the forefront of change who are interested in new and emerging insights within tourism worldwide.

      BUSINESS
      For the entrepreneurs and empire-builders who want to excel in their professional careers.

      SKILLS
      Opportunities to learn hard skills and knowledge that can be applied to day-to-day work immediately.

      BEGINNER BOOTCAMP
      An extra pre-conference block of programming taught by expert creators and entrepreneurs. Designed for attendees new to digital content creation who are interested in developing their careers.


      WHAT WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR

      Let’s save some time! Here are some tips on the types of proposals we receive that are NOT considered or selected.

      ⛔️ Beginner or 101 sessions. Unless you’ve got something for Beginner Bootcamp, your proposal should be for intermediate or advanced creators.

      ⛔️ Sessions promoting your organization, company, brand, or blog. To maintain unbiased content, most slots are reserved for creators and independent entrepreneurs to teach hard skills, not promote their own work.

      ⛔️ Sessions focused on inspiring others to travel, personal travel stories, or travel tips (general, destination-specific, or otherwise). Sessions that address how certain travel trends impact the tourism industry are an exception.

      ⛔️ Life coaching or wellness skills. These kinds of sessions are occasional and extremely limited, more likely in partnership with a sponsor. (Learn more about sponsorship HERE.)


      PRESENTER BENEFITS

      If you are selected to present at WITS, you will be asked to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

      NOTE: The following benefits are offered to independent content creator and entrepreneur presenters. Brand Representatives who present at WITS are typically not offered monetary compensation or hosted overnight accommodations.

      You will be asked to agree:

      • To be available to present your session during WITS.

      • Not to solicit business or advertise products or services during your session without prior consent.

      • Not to substitute a presentation topic or any other speaker for your session without prior written approval.

      • That you maintain the legal ownership or right to distribute any materials handed out during your session.

      • Not to make any negative comments about WITS sponsors or their products or services in conjunction with the summit in a public forum.

      • That WITS has permission to use and/or reproduce your image for promotional and other purposes.

      • That WITS has permission to distribute a (watermarked) copy of your presentation to our attendees.

      In exchange for:

      • $200 USD for solo session presenters or $100 USD each for two co-session presenters. Sessions or panels with three or more presenters are not offered payment. In order to ensure equity among all speakers, payment amounts are non-negotiable.

      • Complimentary registration to WITS, including access to all other sessions (excluding Beginner Bootcamp, unless speaking at it), conference events, Media Marketplace, and tours and trips.

      • Accommodations for two nights in our host city. Local presenters may be offered payment in lieu of accommodations. This option is not guaranteed and will be offered on a case-by-case basis.

      • Individualized social media promotion and opportunities to partner for social media collabs.

      • Additional moneymaking opportunities (including offering paid mentor sessions to attendees and/or selling items in our store).

      • An invitation to an exclusive VIP networking event with other influencers and industry presenters, as well as high-level sponsors.


      FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

      Who can submit a proposal?

      We accept proposals from anyone of any life experience and gender, but we strongly prefer to take on sessions led by experienced content creators, influencers, and industry members.

      What makes a standout proposal?

      Keep the WITS community in mind when crafting your proposal, and propose sessions that leave attendees with motivation, new knowledge, and actionable insights. Include at least three key lessons attendees can expect to learn in your session. We encourage you to think about your proposal not just as a session, but as an opportunity to educate, inspire, and empower the WITS community. Attendees come to WITS to learn. Teach and let your creativity and innovative ideas shine through.

      Should panelists or co-presenters each submit a separate proposal?

      No, please submit only one proposal for any panels or co-presented sessions. However, you MUST have confirmation from your co-presenters and include their contact information AND photo links/bios as well as your own in order for your session to be considered. Proposals missing these components will not be considered.

      Can I email you to get constructive criticism or suggestions on my proposal before submitting it?

      No, sorry. We get dozens of these requests each year and simply can’t reply to them all. To get feedback on your proposal, you can reach out to the past and future attendees and presenters in our Facebook Group. Our team reads posts in this group, and we are usually quick to respond. This is also where our community lives. We strive to serve their needs, and if we see that they are responding positively to your proposal, we will be more likely to accept it.

      Can I propose a keynote?

      No, sorry. We rarely host keynotes, but if we do, it’s by invitation only.

      Can I submit multiple proposals?

      Yes! Please submit each individual proposal through the submission form at the bottom of this page.

      Can I email or DM you my proposal?

      No, sorry. We need you to fill out the proposal submission form on this page, even if we know you and even if you’ve presented at WITS before. Emailed proposals will not be considered.

      What happens after I submit a proposal?

      All proposals are reviewed by the WITS team and sometimes by outside advisors. We consider and rate each one on its own merits first, then make final selections from those with the highest marks. Due to a limited schedule and our aim to offer dynamic programming, not all the top-rated proposals will be selected.

      When will I hear back about my session?

      You can expect to receive a decision on your proposal about three months prior to the event (give or take). We will email you even if your proposal has not been selected. We do not respond to email inquiries on the status of submitted proposals before final decisions have been made.

      I missed the deadline! Can I email my proposal to you?

      No, sorry. Please try again next year!

      I’ve presented at WITS before. Do I have to submit a proposal?

      Yes, you have to submit a proposal even if you’ve presented at WITS before.

      I’ve presented at WITS before. Can I present the same session again?

      No, you cannot present the same session two years in a row. We offer new and relevant sessions at our events each year. What was relevant last year may not apply this year. That said, if you have updated a prior presentation, you are welcome to propose it again two years after you initially presented it (so if you presented it in 2025, you may propose it again for 2027). Please propose your session through the form on this page, even if you have already presented it at WITS. Emailed proposals will not be considered.


      SESSION PROPOSAL FORM

      Deadline: 30 November 2025

       
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      VENUE

      Halo
      28 Liberty Street, Ground Floor
      New York, NY 10005

      Main Entrance: William St between Cedar and Liberty
      Accessible Entrance: Liberty St between Nassau and William

       

      WITS session programming will take place at Halo, on the ground floor of 28 Liberty Street. Tours, FAM trips, parties, and other offsite events will take place around Lower Manhattan. All locations noted in the schedule.

       

       

      WHERE TO STAY

      Check out our discounted room blocks in Lower Manhattan and make the most of your time at WITS by staying close to all the action!

      Looking to find a roommate? Join our Facebook group.

       

      AC Hotel by Marriott New York Downtown
      151 Maiden Lane

      Courtyard by Marriott New York Financial District
      215 Pearl Street

      Four Points by Sheraton New York Downtown
      6 Platt Street

      Hotel Indigo NYC Financial District
      50 Trinity Pl

      Mint House
      70 Pine St

      New York Marriott Downtown
      85 West Street

      Placemakr Wall Street
      110 Wall Street

      Residence Inn New York Downtown / World Trade Center
      170 Broadway

      Residence Inn New York Downtown / Financial District
      215 Pearl Street

      Search for other options around the area!

       
       

       
       

      SCHEDULE

       

      Find a brief schedule here, or click the buttons below to see more!

       
       
       

      MAY 11-15

      Tours & FAM Trips

      Virtual Mentor Meetings

      Pre-Conference Documentary Filmmaking Workshop

      MAY 16

      Media Marketplace

      Beginner Bootcamp

      General Sessions

      Opening Party, hosted by the Alliance for Downtown New York

      MAY 17

      Breakout Sessions

      “Wandering” Workshops

      Bessie Awards

      MAY 18

      General Sessions

      Brunch & WITS 2026 Destination Announcement

      Tours

      Post-Conference Small Group Tour Business Workshop

      MAY 19-24

      Tours

      Virtual Mentor Meetings

       
       
       

       
       
       

      SPEAKERS

      Check out the experts and powerhouses joining us at WITS!

       
       
       

       
       

      WITS IS MADE POSSIBLE BY

      OUR TEAM

      The creator of WITS, Wanderful is the leading network of travel-loving women with thousands of global members and dozens of hubs worldwide. Learn about becoming a creator member and our commitment to amplifying women's voices at sheswanderful.com.

      OUR HOST

       
       

       
       
       

      PARTNERS

      Interested in amplifying your brand or organization? Click here to learn how to partner with WITS and reach the world’s leading travel creators.

       

       
       

      WITS DOWNTOWN NYC FAQs

      • Our schedule changes each year, but sessions and workshops are always offered at intermediate and advanced levels and cover a wide array of topics related to business development, content creation, industry trends, and hard skills. Sessions are 60 or 90 minutes and focus on learning, education, and practical skill development. Our Friday morning half-day Beginner Bootcamp is also offered for those new to digital content creation to get a head start on the rest of the weekend.

      • WITS is NOT just for women and we hope you consider coming no matter your gender! All genders are welcome and invited to join us for all the professional development, networking, tours and activities, and important conversations that happen at WITS. Just keep in mind that what sets WITS apart from other travel conferences is that we’re intentional about working to elevate women and other underrepresented creators in travel. That said, our attendees range across the gender spectrum and we encourage everyone to use the pronouns that are shared by others at the event and use gender-neutral language whenever possible. We are firmly committed to diversity and inclusion and aim to make our events inclusive for attendees of all races, nationalities, religions, sexual orientations, genders and expressions, ages, body sizes, and abilities.

      • WITS is primarily for content creators and businesses. At our events, you’ll find everyone including influencers, bloggers, journalists, travelers, writers, creators, PR/brand reps, entrepreneurs, nonprofit employees, business developers, photographers, multimedia producers, teachers, and more. Creator tickets are for media only and are subsidized in exchange for website and social media coverage during the event. Industry tickets are for empowered travel professionals and travel company reps, although we highly recommend that industry members look into our partnership opportunities, as partnering with us will likely produce better ROI for you at only a small increase in cost. Small businesses can also get a discounted Industry ticket as a Wanderful Small Business member. "Regular" ticket holders will need to purchase an Industry ticket, but if you're simply a travel lover who wants to connect with other travelers, we recommend our sister event, Wanderfest. We also have a limited number of press tickets available for journalists who will be covering WITS in major news publications. Please contact us at wits@sheswanderful.com to inquire about a press ticket. You must be able to show proof of employment at a major news organization in order to qualify for a press ticket.

      • There are a few ways you can get involved: purchase a ticket, get your company or brand to sponsor or exhibit, or volunteer with us (scroll down to sign up for our newsletter to find out when volunteer opportunities open).

      • So much! Access to any session you’d like to attend, entry to all our official parties and events (including the Bessie Awards), and our famous Sunday Brunch — plus the opportunity to network with amazing influencers and brands, the chance to snag a ticket for some special city tours and FAM trips, and a ton of free swag. Note that in order to attend Beginner Bootcamp sessions, you must add Beginner Bootcamp to your ticket when you purchase it. Some of our our other offerings do require pre-registration or application. All information will be emailed to you prior to the event once you register as well as noted on their descriptions in our schedule.

      • Beginner Bootcamp sessions are an extra pre-conference block of programming (with an extra meal included!), specifically designed for attendees who are new to blogging and digital content creation and interested in becoming a travel influencer. This is an opportunity for beginner bloggers (or those who have not yet started a blog but would like to) to get a head start on the exciting and informative sessions taking place at WITS. Participants will learn from experienced bloggers, influencers, and entrepreneurs about content development and promotion. Beginner Bootcamp costs $120 USD more than a regular ticket, and will take place on Friday morning before regular sessions begin. If you’d like to attend, be sure to add on Beginner Bootcamp when you purchase your ticket. If you did not purchase a Beginner Bootcamp ticket and would like to attend, you can purchase it individually in the same way you’d purchase a regular ticket.

      • A limited number of volunteers will be offered free tickets to WITS in exchange for their service at the event. Scroll up or down to the bottom of this page to sign up for our newsletter and find out when applications open. We can’t accept new volunteers before or after the application is open.

      • Contact us at wits@sheswanderful.com and we’ll see if we can work it out.

      • ALL WITS TICKET SALES ARE FINAL. WITS Downtown New York tickets are non-refundable but are transferable until March 31, 2025. After March 31, 2025, tickets are non-transferable. Individuals buying or selling a ticket must coordinate any transfer of funds individually. Both parties will receive a confirmation email when the transfer is complete **within two weeks of submitting a request**. Please do not inquire on the status of your transfer before this date passes. Tckets cannot be used at or transferred to any other event but the one they were purchased for. Tickets may be transferred no more than one time. Ticket transfers may be requested only by completing this form: click here to visit our ticket transfer page.

      • WITS is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events. If you have an accessibility or dietary accommodation request, please let us know in the appropriate question box when you purchase your ticket.

        All full group conference programming – like our general sessions, breakout sessions, opening party, and the Bessie Awards – is wheelchair accessible. We also offer open wheelchair space as well as separate labeled reserved accessible seating at the front of each session room, and our in-room volunteers are available if you require assistance sitting somewhere else. Tours and excursions that are wheelchair accessible are clearly labeled in our schedule.

        If you indicate on your ticket that you require additional audiovisual accommodations, we will reach out to you personally to find a solution that works for you. In the past this has included arranging an assisted hearing device, reimbursement for the cost of real-time AI transcription software, and distributing session presentations prior to the conference. We will work with you to the best of our ability to find a solution that suits your needs.

        At WITS-organized events where food is served, we offer options that accommodate most dietary needs and ensure that food is clearly labeled. If you are attending a non-WITS-organized offsite event hosted by a partner or sponsor (including tours, FAM trips, meetups, and other gatherings), please check directly with the host about what options will be available.

      • No, sorry. You must purchase your ticket online before ticket registrations close.

      • We have discounted room blocks available so you can stay close to our event venue where all onsite WITS sessions are taking place! These are listed with our venue on our event landing page.

      • Official WITS activities begin on the morning of Friday and last through the afternoon of Sunday. Pre- and post-conference tours and FAM trips begin a few days before and end a few days after these dates. Regardless of if you plan to join us on a tour or FAM trip, we recommend coming into town one to three days before and/or after WITS weekend so that you can maximize your time sightseeing in the area.

      • Definitely not. Any tours or official events (like our opening party) that stray far from the venue will have transportation provided.

      • Check out our partnerships page. We are seeking inspired companies that are interested both in growing or enhancing their relationship with travelers and working with travel content creators and influencers. Partnership opportunities include online promotions, booth space, giveaways, official parties, coffee hours, tours, and more. This is just a taste; we encourage you to contact us to discuss how we can give your brand the exposure it deserves.

      • Our Facebook group is the perfect place!