When JTB Corporation surprised the industry by acquiring Northstar Travel Group—the powerhouse behind Travel Weekly, BTN, and Phocuswright—everyone wanted to know why. In this exclusive interview, former CEO Tom Kemp breaks down what really drove the deal and what it means for the future of travel media, events, and AI.
In the premiere of Season Four of Travel Again Podcast, hosts Mike McCormick and Ed Silver sit down with Tom Kemp, former Chairman and CEO of Northstar Travel Group and current Chairman of PRA Business Events. Tom offers an inside look at the recent Northstar acquisition by JTB Corp., discussing how the deal came together, why the Japanese giant is making a long-term play in global travel media, and what it signals for B2B information and events worldwide.
The conversation explores:
- How Northstar grew from 3 brands to 125 global events and $130M+ revenue.
- Why JTB’s century-long horizon is a game-changer for travel media.
- The future of face-to-face events in an AI-driven world.
- Lessons in leadership, culture, and strategic growth from Tom’s career.
Whether you’re in travel tech, media, or meetings & events, this episode reveals how the industry’s most influential brands are adapting to massive change and why trust and community still matter most.
Guest: Tom Kemp
Hosts: Mike McCormick & Ed Silver, Travel Again Advisory