Tuesday, July 8, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, is pleased to announce its upcoming Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar, taking place on Tuesday, July 22, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET.
If you aren’t ready to pitch, you’re welcome to register as a general attendee for the opportunity to see how others pitch and what kind of response they get.
This dynamic, fast-paced virtual event will bring together a curated group of early-stage travel tech founders and active investors to spotlight innovation and spark new connections. Start-up participants will each have five minutes to pitch their companies directly to industry investors, followed by live Q&A and optional follow-up introductions to help keep the conversation going.
Start-ups scheduled to present so far include BaggageTAXI, Nowy, RoomRite, and Walkntours, with a few spots still open exclusively to Travel Tech Advocate Members. As part of membership, start-ups also receive benefits tailored to pre-seed and seed-level companies, such as free access to Matt Zito’s Travel Startups Incubator 4-Week Acceleration Program, networking opportunities at monthly member meetings, ongoing company promotion, and so much more. Learn more now.
The Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar builds on the momentum of Travel Tech’s successful in-person Start-Up Summit, held earlier this spring in Washington, DC, where entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers explored the future of travel technology together.
“Travel Tech was founded to champion innovation and connect the brightest minds in travel technology,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “This webinar is part of our ongoing mission to open doors for early-stage companies, giving them the chance to pitch directly to investors who understand the travel tech space. We’re excited to see what ideas and collaborations emerge from this session.”
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
Thursday, May 8, 2025 — Yesterday, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) hosted its inaugural Start-Up Summit and second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase. The events brought together Travel Tech member companies, policymakers, early-stage start-ups, and experts to highlight the industry’s ongoing work to make the travel experience more transparent, competitive, and innovative for consumers.
The day kicked off with Travel Tech’s inaugural Start-Up Summit. Attendees heard from various experts. Wright Ricketts, Legislative Director for Rep. David Kustoff (TN-08) discussed H.R. 1199, the Small Business Investment Act of 2025 and how it will help attract more investment in start-ups. Matthew Stevens, Deputy Associate Administrator of the Small Business Administration’s Office of Investment and Innovation highlighted the many resources the agency offers through its local partners and programs. Matt Zito, Managing Partner at TSi, Cara Whitehill, Vice President at Thayer Investment Partners, and Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp shared strategies for scaling startups, with a focus on maximizing angel investment and preparing for venture capital.
That evening, more than 150 people joined Travel Tech and its members for the second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase, including Members of Congress and their staff.
“The Travel Tech Association was founded in 1999 to support the original innovators in travel technology—many of whom are now household names,” said Laura Chadwick. “We were proud to bring together both these pioneers and the newest generation of innovators in D.C. to highlight the intersection of travel, technology, and policy.”
Travel Tech CEO Laura Chadwick moderated a conversation on sports tourism and the role of travel technology platforms in enhancing fans’ travel experiences. The panel included Meg Kane, CEO of the Philadelphia World Cup Host Committee; Becky Foley, Vice President and Head of Trust & Safety at Tripadvisor; and Nathan Rotman, Director, North American Policy Strategy at Airbnb.
Brandon Palumbo, Travel Tech’s Director of Policy and Government Relations, led a discussion on how public policy can address startups’ needs, joined by Cara Whitehill (Thayer Investment Partners), Tomasz Pawliszyn (AirHelp), and Branda Fan (Nowy).
Later in the evening, Travel Tech, joined by Chase Travel Group, presented Travel Tech’s Innovation Leadership Award to Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) for their leadership in championing innovation in the travel industry.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, will honor Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R, FL-12) with Travel Tech’s Innovation Leadership Award at its second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase on Capitol Hill on May 7th.
“We’re proud to recognize Senator Klobuchar and Rep. Bilirakis for their leadership in advancing public policies that promote transparency, competition, and innovation in the travel and tourism industry,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. “Their work has helped modernize the travel experience for consumers and drive the travel tech industry forward.”
Senator Klobuchar is a long-standing and tireless advocate for the travel and tourism industry. As co-chair of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus, she has led bipartisan efforts to support and revitalize the sector. In 2021, Senator Klobuchar and fellow senators urged the Commerce Department to develop strategies for the industry’s recovery following the pandemic. Her work contributed to the release of the National Travel and Tourism Strategy by the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2022. More recently, Senator Klobuchar has led efforts to pass S. 314, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act, to protect consumers from surprise mandatory fees and improve the travel experience.
Congressman Gus Bilirakis is a dedicated supporter of the travel and tourism industry and a leader on pro-innovation technology policy. As co-chair of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, he has worked to promote tourism both domestically and internationally. As the Subcommittee Chair for the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee, Congressman Bilirakis continues to demonstrate thoughtful leadership on policy issues at the intersection of the tech and travel industries.
In addition to honoring Senator Klobuchar and Congressman Bilirakis with the Innovation Leadership Award, Travel Tech’s second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase will feature two panel discussions on the role of travel technology platforms in facilitating sports tourism and the unique challenges facing travel tech start-ups.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, will spotlight the newest generation of travel tech startups—from game-changing AI-powered trip planners to social travel platforms—at its second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase on May 7th on Capitol Hill.
Attendees will hear from industry experts, interact with Travel Tech member companies, and learn about the Association’s work to make travel more transparent, competitive, and innovative for consumers. This year, Travel Tech is excited to feature numerous travel technology start-ups, including BLCK, Group Travel Odyssey, InterLnkd, Legaroo, Levee, Mobi, NaviSavi Inc., Nowy, Runway Health, Inc., SevenlyTravel, Solutionz Group LLC, SparrowBid, Tern, Travogram and Walkntours.
“Travel Tech is committed to championing innovation, and a key part of that mission is supporting the next generation of travel technology startups as they grow and scale,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association. “We’re proud to spotlight these trailblazers and provide a platform to share their groundbreaking work.”
The Showcase will also feature two panel discussions, including a panel on the unique challenges facing travel tech start-ups titled “Navigating the Unique Needs of Travel Tech Startups.” The panel will focus on the hurdles that start-ups face in scaling and growing their business, from accessing capital to navigating the complex tax and regulatory landscapes. Panelists include Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp; Branda Fan, Founder and CEO of Nowy; and Cara Whitehill, Vice President at Thayer Investment Partners, with Brandon Palumbo, Director of Policy and Government Relations of Travel Tech as moderator.
Learn more about the Policy & Innovation Showcase and RSVP here:
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
Panels will focus on public policies needed to support tourism and major sporting events and the newest generation of travel tech innovators
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 — Today, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, announced the panel discussions they will hold at their second annual Policy and Innovation Showcase on Wednesday, May 7th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the Cannon Caucus Room.
“We are excited to offer two panel discussions at Travel Tech’s Policy & Innovation Showcase this year. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 LA Olympics on the horizon, we’ll discuss preparations for these events and how policymakers can support their success,” said Laura Chadwick, president & CEO. “Attendees will learn from our second panel about public policies needed to support travel tech start-ups.”
First Panel (5:10 to 5:30 pm): “From Stadium to Stay: Building a Better Travel Experience to Support Mega Sports Events,” will examine the role of travel technology platforms in facilitating sports tourism, key lessons from prior global sporting events, the importance of having a variety of travel and lodging options and strategies to enhance visitor experiences while safeguarding consumers from fraud. Panelists include:
Becky Foley, Vice President and Head of Trust & Safety at Tripadvisor;
Meg Kane, CEO of the Philadelphia World Cup Host Committee, and
Mike Signer, North American Policy Director at Airbnb, with
Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech as moderator.
Second Panel (5:35 to 5:55 pm): “Navigating the Unique Needs of Travel Tech Startups,” will focus on unique needs and challenges facing travel tech startups—from accessing capital to navigating the complex tax and regulatory landscapes. Panelists include:
Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp;
Branda Fan, Founder and CEO of Nowy, and
Cara Whitehill, Vice President at Thayer Investment Partners, with
Brandon Palumbo, Director of Policy and Government Relations of Travel Tech as moderator.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, is excited to announce it will host the inaugural Start-Up Summit and second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
“These events provide an opportunity for Travel Tech to bring together industry leaders, start-ups, and policymakers, to highlight innovation in travel tech and public policies that benefit the industry,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association.
Travel Tech’s new Start-Up Summit welcomes select pre-seed and seed start-ups to Washington, DC for the opportunity to learn from and network with other travel technology entrepreneurs and industry leaders. The event will feature lighting pitches from travel technology start-ups, including Sevenly Travel, SparrowBid, and Walkntours and informational sessions with travel tech experts like Matt Zito, Managing Director at TSi, covering a range of topics, including strategies and tips on preparing for and maximizing angel investors and venture investments, seeking funding from the Small Business Administration (SBA), and how to advocate for public policies that support entrepreneurs. The Summit will take place from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on May 7, 2025.
Following the Start-Up Summit, Travel Tech will host its second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase on Capitol Hill. During this widely-attended event, attendees will hear from industry experts, interact with Travel Tech member companies, and learn about the Association’s work to make travel more transparent, competitive, and innovative for consumers. The showcase will feature two panel discussions, one on the power of sports tourism ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 LA Olympics and another on how public policy can support travel tech innovation and growth. Travel Tech will also present Travel Tech’s Innovation Leadership Award to select members of Congress. The Policy & Innovation Showcase will take place from 5 pm – 7 pm in the Cannon Caucus Room.
Sponsors of the events include Airbnb, Amadeus, Booking Holdings, Chase Travel Group, Sabre, Travelport, and Tripadvisor.
To learn more about the inaugural Start-Up Summit, please contact Bethany Reitsma, Senior Manager of Industry Relations, at breitsma@traveltech.org. To register for the second annual Policy & Innovation Showcase, please click here:
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
Travel Tech to Spotlight Innovation at its Capitol Hill Events on May 7th
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, is pleased to announce its upcoming Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar, taking place on Tuesday, July 22, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm ET. If you aren’t ready to pitch, you’re welcome […]
