Annual Conference 2026 - Hosted by Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau!

Description

June 22-25, 2026!  REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 4, 2026!

The 2026 Annual Conference will be hosted by Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Poconos Mountains, PA!

While we will be experiencing the area with FAMS, Dine-Around Night and Opening & Closing venues at area partners, the meetings will be held at Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center. 

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Pocono Mountains, PA, is located immediately off I-380 at Pocono exit 3, ideally placed for the Tristate area in the Pocono Mountains. They are less than 4 hours from the Washington DC Metro Area, about 2 hours from New York, 2 hours from Philadelphia, 2 hours from Harrisburg, 30 minutes from Scranton, and 50 minutes from Allentown.

Our conference theme is "Elevating Your Customer Experience!". This theme is in line with our Keynote speaker topic.

The multi-day event welcomes motorcoach operators, tour planners, associate members, and travel supplier members to Network, Educate and Showcase to increase business opportunities.

Tour Companies: Do you know that you have the option to register to reserve a Sales Retreat operator table or register to visit with the operators at their tables? It's your choice!

To register and reserve a Sales Retreat table to have Travel Suppliers visit you, you must register as a Tour Company. To register to visit the tables, you must register as a Travel Supplier/Tour Company.

Pricing Notes:  To receive Member pricing, you must be recognized by the member portal, identified by your email or you can login to the system.  Not a Member, join today and get Member pricing! View pricing.

PBA Members who attend the 2026 Marketplace will receive conference discounted pricing until April 30th by using the Marketplace promo code, published in the 2026 Marketplace Directory. The code is good for the PBA Member Travel Supplier/Tour Company Full-Meeting registration type only.

SPONSORSHIPS: 

A 2026 Annual Conference Sponsorship is a powerful way to showcase your organization and increase visibility with industry leaders and attendees.  A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available, including session and meal sponsorships, as well as advertising in the official meeting program.

Diamond Level Sponsorships include 2 full conference registrations and Platinum Level Sponsorships include 1 full conference registration! 

Explore the available sponsorship options and select your preferred opportunity during the registration process.

View the Advertising Guidelines. 

KEY DATES:

• April 30, 2026: Last day to use Marketplace promo code
• May 01, 2026: Directory & Sponsor ad/artwork/logos are due.
• May 13, 2026: Last day to cancel for a refund.
• May 08, 2026: Sponsorships close
• May 23, 2026: Hotel cut-off
• June 05, 2026: Registration closes

VIEW THE FULL SCHEDULE!

FUN FAMS!
Monday and Thursday: Our host, Pocono Mountains CVB put together FAMs for you to experience the area. Two concurrent FAMS will run on Monday and two "relaxation" activity options on Thursday.

View the options and make sure to include on your registration form.

Note, again this year there is a $25 fee charged upfront, that will be reimbursed to you after you attend. We implemented this change last year to avoid "no shows" on the FAMS.

WARM POCONO WELCOME!

Monday night: Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pocono Mountains, our conference kicks off in style inside Kalahari Resort's stunning African Ballroom. Gather with colleagues, reconnect with familiar faces in a space that's anything but ordinary. Rich African-inspired décor, soaring ceilings, and an atmosphere that effortlessly blends elegance with energy create the perfect setting to spark conversation, build connections – all while enjoying incredible food courtesy of Kalahari’s culinary team, who never miss when it comes to flavor and presentation.

KICK-THE-TIRES HAPPY HOUR!
Visit with bus manufacturers to learn what's new in their models while enjoying a cold beverage!

DINE-AROUND!
There are so many great options, you will no doubt have a hard time choosing where to dine!  Get a Taste of the Pocono Mountains

INDUSTRY EXPO!
This is an opportunity for bus manufacturers and all vendors serving the motorcoach industry to have one-on-one time with PBA Operator members to showcase their products, services, and to network.

SALES RETREAT! 
A time for PBA Operator tour planners to meet one-on-one with travel suppliers in an appointment-based style - no more waiting, with a goal for increased business opportunities for everyone. This is the 2nd year we are doing this in our new format, and we have 3 sessions scheduled! 

CLOSING EVENT!
Trade the ballroom for the great outdoors at our closing reception at Camelbeach at Camelback Resort. Dive into the excitement on heart-pounding water slides, race down the iconic Mountain Coaster, or soar above the treetops on a thrilling zipline.. For those craving relaxation, this is the perfect opportunity to take a scenic lift ride or simply unwind while soaking in our mountain views. Cap off an amazing conference the right way – great adventures, good food, and even better company.

EDUCATION!
Learn and get inspired with our Keynote Speaker Jamie Cooperstein, Industry Updates, Roundtable Discussions and more!.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER - JAMIE COOPERSTEIN!
Keynote Speaker Jamie Cooperstein will deliver her keynote on “True Hospitality: Five Keys to Elevating the Customer Experience”.

Are you proactively engaging your clients or simply reacting to their needs? In Jamie’s 10 years as a concierge, she learned five things that are essential to customer service excellence, and can confidently say that in 2025, while customer expectations are at an all-time high, these five things are needed more than ever. Participants will walk away with a clear path towards creating memorable moments. 

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS - CUT-OFF DATE MAY 23, 2026

Book your choice of discounted rooms from our host hotel, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions.

Book Online: https://book.passkey.com/e/51193775 

Call to Reserve Room: 1-877-525-2427  Booking ID: 12705

When booking online, make sure to adjust the dates of your stay from the pre-populated dates.

Room Options:

• Double Queen Sofa Balcony (sleeps 6) $165.00++/night
• King Whirlpool Suite (sleeps 4) $335.99++/night
• 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Suite Patio (sleeps 8) $419.99++/night
• 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Living Room Suite (sleeps 8) $299.00++/night