U.S. Travel Association’s International Pow Wow (IPW), an annual trade show that celebrating the travel industry, once again included a focus on LGBTQ+ tourism this year.
IPW has traveled to San Antonio in 2023 and Los Angeles last year to highlight inclusive destinations. The show specifically targets the queer community and was previously held in the Windy City in 2014.
In 2025, IPW returned to Chicago at the McCormick Place Convention Center from June 14-18 with over 1,000 exhibitors from around the globe—and over 70 countries representing international buyers and organizations. Attendees could schedule appointments with various travel bureaus and visit stations throughout the massive convention center.
Many of the vendor booths welcomed LGBTQ+ travelers by signaling with creative rainbow marketing and swag. It was a chance to network and collaborate with destinations from across the United States within a diverse environment. Illinois and the surrounding states were a major focus and outside events kicked off on Sunday with a tour of Wrigley Field.
Monday sponsor Brand USA, an organization focused on the marketing of destinations, served breakfast and lunch to guests at McCormick Place. Other destination conglomerates joined in on Tuesday and Wednesday with culinary treats and outstanding presentations for badge holders.
Additional happenings outside the venue included opening night festivities at the Field Museum with a house music theme, complete with special lounges and local food vendors, and a closing night party at Navy Pier. The city’s marketing team, Choose Chicago, curated these events along with various opportunities to explore the diverse neighborhoods located in Chicago.
Tourism bureaus from Florida, California and New York, plus several others, teamed up to create a Pride reception at Sidetrack Chicago for three hours on June 17. Proceeds for the party went to the IGLTA Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization. The following day, Visit Lauderdale had a dance off with costumed characters, a luncheon and a press conference to drum up excitement for the future host city.
Pack your bags for more from IPW in 2026 in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area from May 17-21. Visit ipw.com for more information and plan accordingly.