Today we’d like to introduce you to Travis Young.
Hi Travis , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My career has always been centered around bringing people together.
I found my way into the events and hospitality industry somewhat organically, but once I was in it, I knew I had found the kind of work I was meant to do. I loved the combination of creativity, logistics, problem-solving and, most importantly, people. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to produce and support everything from corporate programs and conferences to community events and large-scale experiences, and each one has reinforced how powerful live events can be.
Today, I serve as a Senior Conference Services Manager at Fairmont Austin, where I work with clients and planning teams to bring complex programs to life. What I’ve learned throughout my career is that the best events aren’t just well executed, they make people feel something. They create connection, belonging and shared experiences that continue long after the event ends.
That is also what led me to the International Live Events Association (ILEA). I initially became involved with ILEA Austin as a way to connect more deeply with the local events community, but it quickly became much more than a professional organization for me. I found mentors, collaborators, friends and an opportunity to contribute to an industry that has given me so much. I currently serve as President-Elect of ILEA Austin Chapter and have had the opportunity to help shape programming, communications and the future of our chapter.
One of the biggest moments in that journey just came as Austin has been selected to host ILEA’s international conference in 2027. I now have the privilege of serving as Conference Chair for ILEA LIVE — FEST 2027, bringing event professionals from around the world to Austin.
We’re building FEST around the idea that the greatest resource in our industry is our people. Of course, we want incredible education, speakers and experiences, but we also want attendees to leave with new relationships, new ideas and a renewed excitement for what they do.
Austin is the perfect city for that. Creativity, entrepreneurship, hospitality, music and live experiences are part of the fabric of this community. Our goal is not simply to hold an international conference here—it’s to let Austin help shape what that conference can be.
When I look at how I got here, there wasn’t one perfectly mapped-out path. It has been a collection of opportunities, relationships, risks, lessons and a willingness to keep saying yes to things that felt meaningful. The common thread has always been people, and that continues to be what excites me most about where I’m headed next
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
One of the most significant parts of my story is that I’m in recovery. Getting sober changed not only my personal life, but the way I show up professionally, lead and build relationships. Recovery taught me accountability, service, the importance of community and that asking for help is a strength.
There was a point when the life and career I have today would have been difficult for me to imagine, and I don’t take that for granted. It’s a big part of why creating connection and belonging is so important to me.
Professionally, I’ve also had difficult working environments, disappointments and plenty of moments when I questioned whether I was ready for the next opportunity. I used to think success meant being able to carry everything myself. I’ve learned that leadership is really about trusting people, building strong teams and allowing others to contribute.
In many ways, recovery and my career have taught me the same lesson: find your people, show up for them and keep moving forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At its core, my job is taking an idea, a lot of logistics and a lot of moving pieces and turning them into an experience that feels effortless to the people attending it.
I think what I’m most known for is the way I jump in with people. I don’t want to just execute someone’s event—I want to understand what they’re trying to accomplish, what matters to them and then get in there and help make it happen. I genuinely enjoy becoming part of the team. Some of my strongest professional relationships and friendships started with a site tour or planning meeting.
That same approach has shaped my work with the International Live Events Association. I’m incredibly proud of the community we’re already building around FEST, especially the planning committee we’ve brought together. It’s an incredible group of planners, creatives, producers and event professionals from across Austin, each bringing their own expertise, relationships and perspective to the table.
One of my favorite parts has been watching people get excited about the vision, take ownership of their piece and then bring other great people into it. We’re not just planning a conference—we’re building it together, and I think that collaborative spirit is going to be a huge part of what makes FEST feel distinctly Austin.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just work for people—I like to jump in with them. I love the details, strategy and logistics, but I’m always thinking about the people on the other side of those decisions. The best events aren’t just well produced; they make people feel like they belong and give them something they carry with them after they leave.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something people may not know about me is that I spent several years as an independent men’s stylist with J.Hilburn.
For most of my life, I actually hated shopping for clothes because nothing ever seemed to fit me correctly. Finding custom clothing completely changed that. For the first time, I understood how powerful the right fit can be—not just in how you look, but in how you feel when you walk into a room.
That experience eventually led me to become a stylist myself. What I loved most was helping other men have that same experience: finding clothes that actually fit their bodies, their personalities and the way they wanted to show up in the world.
It may seem completely different from what I do in events, but there’s a common thread. I love working directly with people, understanding what they need and helping them feel confident in the experience we create together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ileaaustin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ileaaustin/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dg9rkAsMN/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-young-932bb2140/
