It’s been nearly one year since OpenAI released ChatGPT – sending the travel industry scrambling to figure out how to implement the large language model-based chatbot. Since then, brands across every sector of travel and around the globe have been launching plugins, integrating generative AI into their apps and websites and using the technology internally to add efficiency.

Monday, November 6, OpenAI will host its first developer conference – dubbed OpenAI DevDay – to preview new tools and discuss new implementations. Already the company has released GPT-4, DALL-E and Whisper. So what’s next – not just for ChatGPT but also other large language models such as Anthropic, which just received a $2 billion investment from Google – and how they are used across travel?

On this episode, PhocusWire editor in chief discusses these topics with industry experts:

• Toby Korner, Priceline senior vice president of digital marketing (was unable to join due to technical issues)
• Pablo Laucirica, Microsoft regional vice president of advertising
• Rahul Todkar, Tripadvisor vice president and head of data

Let’s Hear It! A PhocusWire LinkedIn Audio Event
Episode 4: Updates from OpenAI DevDay and the latest on generative AI for travel

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As implementation of ChatGPT and generative artificial intelligence more broadly ramps up, so too does concern about privacy and trust and calls for regulation.

In travel specifically, data protection is a critical issue for applications of this technology since frictionless, personalized shopping and booking will require AI to access travelers' preferences, payment sources and more.

As travel companies continue rapid testing and integration of generative AI, now is the time for industry stakeholders to give thoughtful consideration to how human-to-AI communication can be built with minimal risks.

Host Mitra Sorrells, editor in chief, PhocusWire explore these issues and potential solutions with the following speakers:

• Patrick Surry, chief data scientist at Hopper
• Trevor Butterworth, co-founder and vice president of governance at Indicio
• Sanjay Mohan, Group CTO at MakeMyTrip

Let's Hear It! A PhocusWire LinkedIn Audio Event
Episode 3: Seamless but secure: ChatGPT and data protection in travel

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While the worst-case scenario from the Silicon Valley Bank collapse has been averted thanks to the U.S. government’s decision to backstop depositors’ funds – and HSBC’s acquisition of the bank’s U.K. arm for a symbolic £1 – nerves are still rattled. Questions remain about what this stunning chain of events could mean for travel startups, whether it will chill investment activity. We dig into some of the issues in PhocusWire’s LinkedIn Audio event.

PhocusWire editor in chief Mitra Sorrels spoke to this esteemed panel:

• Ariel Cohen, Co-Founder & CEO, Navan
• Jack Dow, Founder & CEO, Grapevine
• Chris Hemmeter, Managing Director, Thayer Ventures
• Cara Whitehill, Founder, Unlock Advisors

Let's Hear It! A PhocusWire LinkedIn Audio Event
Episode 2: What the SVB collapse could mean for travel startups

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For many years, artificial intelligence has been a powerful tool for stakeholders across the travel industry – from suppliers to intermediaries to those providing supporting technology for tasks such as revenue management.

But November 30, 2022 was a tipping point. That is the day OpenAI launched ChatGPT, a chatbot that has incredibly human-like communication skills – and that has, seemingly overnight, captured attention for its ability to do everything from compose music and essays to write computer programs and detailed travel itineraries. 

What will ChatGPT - and other generative AI solutions such as Google’s recently announced Bard – mean for the travel industry? Could it transform the way consumers search and book travel?

PhocusWire’s debut LinkedIn Audio Event discussed this topic with three industry leaders:  

• Paul English, KAYAK co-founder and serial entrepreneur 
• Rajesh Naidu, Expedia Group’s senior vice president and chief architect 
• Shane O’Flaherty, Microsoft’s global director of travel, transportation and hospitality 

Let's Hear It! A PhocusWire LinkedIn Audio Event
Episode 1: How ChatGPT will transform the travel industry

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This year's Travel Technology Show Europe was, inevitably, dominated by conversations about the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

But delegates still managed to find the time to muse on other issues affecting the sector.

We recorded another episode of The PundIT Show - PhocusWire's regular convening of experts to dissect matters of state during live events - at the show.

Our guests covered trends such as startups, fancy (or folly) new technologies, challenges around technology and distribution in the industry, plus a lot more.

Back for more punditry were two regular guests and a debutant:

• Charlotte Davies (managing director at A Bright Approach)
• Angela Skelly (independent consultant at Angela Skelly Consultancy)
• Sascha Hausmann (partner at Howzat Partners)

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The PundIT Show returns for its 20th episode!

Returning to muse on all things digital travel is Miriam Moscovici, director of emerging technologies at BCD Travel, alongside debutant Will Phillipson, co-founder and ex-chief operating officer at SilverRail. Regular host Kevin May keeps things under control.

Full story: https://www.phocuswire.com/Pundit-Show-20

Check PhocusWire's coverage and studio interviews from The Phocuswright Conference 2019: https://www.phocuswire.com/The-Phocuswright-Conference-2019

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What better way to dissect three days of airline chatter at a major event than convene two well-known figures in the sector for an episode of the PundIT Show.

The World Aviation Festival in London last week brought together thousands of delegates to discuss issues as wide-ranging as retailing, distribution, sustainability and lots more.

Triggering the 30 minutes of discussion are a series of questions about the event, such as what excited, surprised and, of course, the eye-rolling moments for our panel.

Our pundits joining host Kevin May:

• Sinead Finn (Affinnity)
• Mark Lenahan (Travelport)

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The second of two PundIT Shows, recorded during Phocuswright Europe 2019 in Amsterdam in mid-May.

Usual opinions, lots of excellent travel punditry and a welcome (perhaps) re-run of a previous discussion about the lack of online travel brands devoted to baby boomers.

Joining us for #18:

Miriam Mosovici (BCD Travel)
Andres Fabris (Traxo)

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The first of two PundIT Shows, recorded during Phocuswright Europe 2019 in Amsterdam in mid-May.

Usual opinions, a few giggles here and there, but lots of worthwhile travel punditry.

Joining us for #17:

Siew Hoon Yeoh (WebInTravel)
Maggie Rauch (Phocuswright)

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The second of our special editions of the PundIT Show, recorded during The Phocuswright Conference in Los Angeles in mid-November.

More opinions, a few laughs, but lots of worthwhile travel punditry.

Joining us for #16:

Miriam Moscovici (BCD Travel)
Richard Harris (Intent Media)
Douglas Quinby (Arival and Phocuswright)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.