Industry Leaders Converge in Nashville to Celebrate 16 Years of GNEX
Orlando, Fla. – March 20, 2026– The GNEX Conference once again delivered unparalleled access to senior-level decision-makers from across the global vacation ownership and travel industry. GNEX 2026, held at the JW Marriott Nashville, brought together executives from nearly 100 companies for three days of high-impact content, meaningful connections, and dynamic networking experiences that continue to define the standard for industry events.
This year’s program featured a powerful lineup of keynote speakers, X-Talks, and panel discussions designed to challenge perspectives and spark innovation. From business growth and leadership to reinvention and customer experience, each session offered practical insights attendees could immediately apply within their organizations.
Standout sessions included thought-provoking keynote presentations and candid conversations with industry leaders, alongside engaging panels such as International Insights, which brought together global perspectives on the evolving vacation ownership landscape. Discussions throughout the event explored critical topics including market trends, brand strategy, customer engagement, and the future direction of the industry.
The Deal Room proved to be a highlight, providing sponsors with the opportunity to present innovative products and services through a series of fast-paced pitches designed to spark real business opportunities and meaningful partnerships.
Beyond the conference sessions, GNEX 2026 delivered an exceptional lineup of networking and social events. Attendees connected during curated receptions, interactive experiences, and signature evening events that embraced Nashville’s vibrant energy while fostering genuine relationship-building within the GNEX community.
The event concluded with the GNEX Vacation Industry Awards, where the industry came together to celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership across multiple categories. The farewell celebration provided the perfect close to an unforgettable event, bringing attendees together one last time to recognize achievements, strengthen relationships, and look ahead to the future of the industry.
2026 GNEX Vacation Industry Award Winners
Recognized as one of the most prestigious honors in the hospitality industry, the GNEX Vacation Industry Awards celebrate outstanding achievements across various sectors. This year’s winners included:
• Best Business Product – arrivia
• Best Customer Experience – Monterey Financial
• Best Customer Service Team – ResortCom
• Best Financial Services – FNTC
• Best Innovation – arrivia
• Best Legal Services – Travel + Leisure
• Best Management Team – Vacatia
• Best Marketing Team – Karma Group
• Best Membership Program – Condominium Travel Club
• Best Overall Company (Over 500 Employees) – arrivia
• Best Overall Company (Under 100 Employees) – BluWater Capital
• Best Place to Work – ResortCom
• Best Print or Online Media – The Luna Agency
• Best Property Management Company – Vacatia
• Best Consumer Product –arrivia – Westgate Cruise & Travel Collection
• Best Sales Team – Karma
• Best Strategic Partnership – Resort Data Processing
• Best Technology – ONE
• Industry Game Changer Award – Travel + Leisure
• Rising Star Award – Karma Group
• Entrepreneur of the Year – Jonathan Stoker
All winners received a beautifully crafted crystal trophy and a customized GNEX Vacation Industry Awards Winner logo to use on their websites and marketing material.
Thank you to all our GNEX 2026 Sponsors: arrivia, Shopr Rewards, Vacation SafeGuard, INTUITION, Living Water Resorts, Generator, Move, Hosteeva, JJS Global, Monterey Financial, ONE, Resort Data Processing, Rimco Marketing Products, Vacation Innovations, Vacation Ownership Advisor, Jim Madrid, FNTC, Lemonjuice Capital & Solutions, The Luna Agency, RCI, Asociacion de Complejos Vacacionales y Turisticos A.C. (ACOTUR), Asociación Mexicana de Desarrolladores Turísticos (AMDETUR), American Resort Development Association (ARDA), Canadian Resort & Travel Association (CRTA), Resort Trades, and Send Me On Vacation (SMOV).
For information on Sponsorship Opportunities visit https://gnexconference.com/sponsorship.
About GNEX Vacation Industry Awards
The global recognition program highlights excellence throughout many sectors of the vacation ownership and hospitality industry. From resort specific awards, through legal, finance, technology, media, design, philanthropy, entrepreneurialism, innovation and more, there is an award to recognize every company that operates within the vacation ownership industry. For more details visit https://gnexconference.com/awards.
About GNEX Conference
With a new destination every year, a heavy focus on networking, high-quality events, and innovative format, GNEX Conferences attract senior-level executives from more than 100+ companies across the globe. The conference series brings together a unique mix of attendees from traditionally separated segments of the hospitality industry, enabling you to network with companies that specialize in Hotels, Vacation Ownership, Resort Real Estate, Vacation Rentals, OTAs, Travel Agencies & Travel Clubs, plus all the vendors that supply them, including Resort Management, Sales & Marketing, Legal & Financial, Construction & Renovation, Technology, HR & Training and more.
