Preparing for 2026: What I Should Be Doing Right Now

As we approach the end of the year, this is the perfect moment to pause, reset, and get intentional about what you want your next year to look like. Success in 2026 won’t start on January 1st — it starts right now with the actions you take, the relationships you nurture, and the clarity you create for your brand and your business.

Before the new year arrives, here are the Top 3 Things You Should Be Doing Today to Prepare for 2026:

1️⃣ Review & Refresh Your Brand Visibility

Look back at everything you did in 2025 — your content, your partnerships, the conferences you attended, and the moments where your brand gained traction. Identify what worked, what didn’t, and where you created the most visibility. Your visibility determines your opportunities in 2026, so make sure your brand is showing up the way you want it to.

2️⃣ Reconnect With Your Network Before Year-End

Now is the time to reach out to hotel partners, DMOs, CVBs, clients, and industry friends you may not have spoken with in a while. A simple year-end check-in can set the tone for new opportunities in Q1. Relationships drive results — and staying top of mind is key.

3️⃣ Build Your 2026 Strategy Now

Don’t wait until January to figure out what you want. Outline your goals for hotel site selection, which conferences or FAMs you’ll attend, the guests you want on On Air with Russell of Hotels, and the content you’ll create throughout the year. Map out your revenue targets and your brand awareness goals so you hit the ground running on day one.