NTA members rush to register for TREX ’25
June 17, 2025
National Tour Association members are jumping at the chance to sign up for Travel Exchange ’25. When registration opened last week for the Nov. 9–12 show in Ottawa, the number of first-day registrants was up 44% over last year.
“We’re so gratified to see how many members committed to attending Travel Exchange as soon as we opened registration last Tuesday, and we sustained those numbers throughout the week,” says Dawn Pettus, executive vice president of NTA. “We saw year-to-year increases for every type of membership … and last year was no slouch! The 2024 show in Huntsville enjoyed a 12% increase in attendance over the previous year.”
During the first days of sign-ups for TREX ’25, Tuesday through Sunday last week, the percentage of buyers who will take a full book of business appointments increased 36% compared to the same period last year. The number of sellers also made a big jump this year, with an increase of 40%.
“I registered for Travel Exchange on Day 1 because I never want to be late to the dance,” says Lori Scott of Visit Fairfax (Virginia). “And with 2026 being full of exciting new group products and experiences in my destination, I know TREX is the place to be to get the news out.”
Why is there so much enthusiasm for the show? It’s a combination of factors, according to Pettus, who oversees NTA events.
“Travel Exchange is the right-sized show for packaged-travel professionals looking to establish long-term relationships with partners they can trust,” Pettus says. “It’s a busy four days, and members know they’ll find a productive mix of business, education, and networking. Plus, the NTA community is the most welcoming group you’ll find.”
NTA members know they’ll also find new ways to connect and learn at Travel Exchange. The association has long been an innovator within the packaged travel industry, pioneering the computerized appointment matching system in the ’70s and, more recently, adding small group presentations on top of one-to-one meetings. Travel Exchange ’25 will offer three new advances:
- TREXconneX allows delegates to use NTA’s new, exclusively designed app and keep a digital log of the people they meet.
- Destination Hub is an area on the TREX Floor where operators gather information from DMOs and tour suppliers grouped by product themes, such as Route 66, national parks, America 250, and scenic byways.
- Learning Lab provides targeted education content geared toward small groups and individualized instruction.
“And this year, our innovations will begin before the show even opens,” Pettus says. “In a series of online sessions, registered tour operators will get the latest updates on key topics like legal, insurance, and operations. They—and their staff—can watch live or at a later time.”
The Rogers Centre Ottawa is the site of Travel Exchange ’25, and delegates—most of whom attended the 2024 event in Huntsville—will experience Ottawa’s unique vibe and inviting appeal during sightseeing tours and evening social events. Three hotels are offering special rates to NTA members: Fairmont Chateau Laurier, The Westin Ottawa, and Lord Elgin Hotel.
There are a number of reasons members register early for Travel Exchange, including favorable rates, hotel selection, or a seat on a Fam tour. For Scott, though, it’s the chance to connect with NTA tour operators and their groups.
“Travel Exchange is where I will fill my dance card!” she says.
To learn more about various aspects of Travel Exchange ’25, click below:
And to learn more about NTA, go to NTAonline.com.