New York City Tourism + Conventions launched Ellis, its first AI chat-planning platform for business event professionals. Developed in partnership with GuideGeek, Matador Network’s award-winning AI Travel Assistant, Ellis offers expert guidance and resources for meeting planners in 45 languages via the NYC Tourism Meeting Planner resource page and WhatsApp.   

What they’re saying: “We’re pleased to unveil Ellis, the first-ever AI chat platform by a DMO designed to revolutionize event planning in New York City,” said Julie Coker, president and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions. “As a global leader in travel, we’re breaking new ground with this free, innovative tool that empowers planners to craft unique events across our five boroughs. With 13.1 million business travelers expected this year, NYC is primed to deliver unforgettable experiences.” 

How it works: Named after New York City’s storied landmark, Ellis Island, and built on ChatGPT4o, Ellis uses information from NYCTourism.com and more than 1,000 travel integrations to help business event professionals streamline venue research and welcome event delegates to the city. The platform can answer NYC-related event planning questions and provide instant, detailed responses. 

Deeper dive: “Ellis opens up an exciting new chapter for business event professionals,” said Jerry Cito, executive vice president of convention development for NYC Tourism + Convention. “We’re thrilled to enhance our convention development services with this innovative new feature, helping planners customize their events with endless possibilities across New York City’s five boroughs.” 

What’s next: This spring, NYC Tourism + Conventions will launch Libby, a consumer-facing AI chat platform named after the Statue of Liberty, to assist leisure travelers in exploring the city’s five boroughs. In anticipation of a surge in global visitors, both multilingual chat platforms are being strategically introduced ahead of New York City hosting the FIFA World Cup Final and eight matches in 2026. 

Looking ahead: “New York City Tourism + Conventions is moving the global meetings and conventions industry into the future with their new Ellis chat platform, powered by our industry-leading GuideGeek AI,” said Ross Borden, founder and CEO of Matador Network. “Ellis will connect meeting planners on a much more personalized basis with New York City’s meetings and conventions industry to create more customized and dynamic attendee experiences.” 

Have some event technology news to share? Reach out to lisa.savas@informa.com and danica.tormohlen@informa.com.

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on LinkedIn!