There’s something about fall in Tahoe… The crisp air, the rustle of turning leaves, the quiet shoreline. It was against that backdrop that the 2025 CalTravel Summit unfolded at Palisades Tahoe, offering three days of conversation and inspiration.
This year’s theme, “Voices Carry,” was designed to flip the script on traditional conferences. With networking excursions that included hiking, fly fishing, yoga and bike riding in the Tahoe Basin, the Summit encouraged genuine connection and space to think differently about the future of California travel.
The result was an experience that felt tailor-made for our industry. Thoughtful, collaborative and refreshingly authentic.
Shifting Landscapes & Forward Momentum
Beyond the stellar views and the Oktoberfest festivities, the Summit delivered serious food for thought.
One standout session was focused on the state of the California economy, presented by Beacon Economics. The data was clear: California’s travel economy continues to outperform the national average, with higher ADR and occupancy. Still, growth is slower than expected, and a sharp decline in Canadian travel raised concerns. On the upside, international markets like Japan are showing positive momentum. With continually shifting circumstances, this is a topic that will certainly be closely watched over the coming year.
A major theme throughout the talks was leadership transition. Many longtime executive directors and board members are beginning to retire, and the next generation is stepping up. The conference made space for that shift with daily “next-gen mixers,” speaker access and recognition for rising leaders. Seeing torches being passed with offerings of wisdom and support was uplifting and reassuring.
Another standout moment came from Leah Georges, whose talk on “The Art of Taking Away” reframed burnout. Her message: we solve too many problems by adding. Sometimes, the answer to finding more joy and purpose, whether in your career or your personal life, is actually found in subtraction, not addition. She posited that maybe the long-established steps, processes, obligations and rules that we subscribe to could use a shakeup.
Momentum We’re Carrying Forward
We were proud to support this year’s Summit as a sponsor and glad to play a small part in making attendees’ days easier. Positioned just outside the ballroom doors, our table became a regular stop for forgotten pens, fresh notebooks and a coveted pair of socks. It was a simple way to be helpful, and it led to many great conversations with fellow attendees.
As the industry shifts and new voices rise, gatherings like this feel more meaningful than ever. We left Tahoe feeling energized, grateful and excited for what’s ahead. We’re already looking forward to reconnecting in Napa for the 2026 Summit!
