Welcome to Chicago, and thank you for visiting the United States.

On behalf of the U.S. Travel Association, I wish to extend a warm welcome to the thousands of attendees from more than 70 countries participating in IPW 2014.

Together, we'll power the travel industry's premier international marketplace. Over the next few days, more than 6,000 buyers, suppliers and media will connect to conduct valuable business and strengthen professional relationships. In fact, new analysis of IPW's impact reveals that negotiations initiated here will generate $4.7 billion in future travel, bringing 8.8 million international visitors to the U.S.

Our U.S. Travel team continually strives to improve this can't-miss annual event– IPW 5.0 as we call its evolution. Building upon last year's contemporary brand debut, IPW 2014 will offer numerous enhancements, including the improved Online Marketplace, upgraded Partner Marketing Pavilion and Federal Row, a revamped IPW Daily on-site publication, and the expanded presence of IPW's premier partner Brand USA, America's national tourism marketing entity.

America's travel community is committed to welcoming more international visitors to our diverse destinations, and we continue to make great strides in improving travel facilitation. Additional opportunities are also at hand, such as a burgeoning international promotion program, growing Global Entry enrollment and expanding the Visa Waiver Program. We are all partners in this effort, and the road to increased travel begins at IPW.

Best wishes for a productive, enjoyable IPW experience.