About Travel Tech

Laura Knapp Chadwick is President & CEO of the Travel Tech Association.
Chadwick brings nearly fifteen years of trade association leadership in government affairs and membership to her work at Travel Tech. Previously, Chadwick served as the XR Association’s (XRA) Vice President of Industry Relations. She launched the new organization’s membership, marketing, and development efforts as “Employee # 2.” Under Chadwick’s leadership, XRA grew from five members to more than 40. She was also a director of corporate member engagement at the National Restaurant Association and its federal lobbyist focused on technology and innovation within its Government Affairs department. Before the National Restaurant Association, Chadwick worked at the Consumer Technology Association where she advocated for pro-innovation public policy.

Chadwick also spent over six years working on Capitol Hill for U.S. Congressmen Mike Thompson (CA-05) and Adam Schiff (CA-28), and on U.S. Congressman Brad Carson’s U.S. Senate race in Oklahoma.

Chadwick graduated from Washington & Lee University with a Bachelor’s in Politics and holds a Master of Public Administration degree from American University’s School of Public Affairs. She lives in Arlington, VA with her twin sons and dog.

Brandon Palumbo is a seasoned government relations professional with a diverse background across both the public and private sectors. He has served in key advisory roles for a U.S. senator, advocated on behalf of trade associations, and advanced policy initiatives for industries ranging from technology to homeland security and trade.

His experience includes working as a policy advisor on Capitol Hill and at a multi-client firm, where he specialized in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and driving policy outcomes. Brandon has successfully represented industry groups in high-level meetings with congressional offices, contributed to public policy debates, and led efforts to support small business growth. His ability to build productive government-industry partnerships and his record of effective advocacy demonstrate a commitment to elevating the interests of the communities he serves.

Outside of work, Brandon enjoys exploring new destinations with his wife, staying active, experimenting in the kitchen, and supporting charitable and political causes in his community.

Bethany Reitsma is the Senior Manager of Industry Relations and Senior Advisor to the CEO at the Travel Technology Association.

In this position, Reitsma serves as webmaster, manages all marketing, communications, and government relations projects, and supports membership growth.

Prior to joining Travel Tech, Reitsma worked with the XR Association as Marketing & Membership Coordinator, where she led membership recruitment efforts, developed and executed a grassroots advocacy strategy, and co-managed all member communications.

Reitsma graduated from Washington & Lee University with a Bachelor’s in Politics and an additional Philosophy major, with a Computer Science minor.