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Trade shows can be eye-opening affairs. No doubt if I visited one dedicated to something other than travel - trains or chicken farming for instance (and I'm sure these do exist) - I would be fascinated (maybe) and confused in equal measure.

They're eye-opening because they're often so specialist and offer a series of unique glimpses into an industry which never stays static for too long and always has the capacity to surprise and educate.

Last week I was in Denver, attending my first IPW, and although I'm about to celebrate 10 years in travel I was truly astounded.

Having been to WTM many times I've experienced the sheer stature of U.S. tourism, but in Denver I got to see so much more. Not just the states, big cities and theme parks but organisations representing unheard of DEPUTY EDITOR rural counties, tiny mountain villages and low-key beach towns across this huge country. It made me realise that the possibilities for travel are always evolving, even in the destinations we might think of as "well-trodden".

Just before my trip to IPW, our editor Steve Hartridge was the only trade media representative who attended the Discover New England Tourism Summit in Cape Cod - that's right, an entire three-day show dedicated to one U.S. region comprising of just six states, but with a raft of even more niche products and exciting ideas for tour operators to add to their itineraries.

The reason the Selling Travel editorial team attend these events is to gather the little details and uncover titbits which can really make a holiday – and then pass them on to you, the frontline staff who must craft an experience not just sell a holiday.

This month we're excited to be hosting two events in London and Leeds, dedicated to one of the industry's fastest-growing sectors: river cruise.

It's a sector which is often misunderstood - many consumers still think it's just for the over 60s - but it's one that offers lucrative commission and high repeat rates.

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