Tuesday, May 12, 2026 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, is pleased to announce it will host its third annual Policy & Innovation Showcase reception on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
This year’s Showcase will bring together Members of Congress, Congressional staff, Travel Tech member companies, and industry leaders for an evening reception recognizing policymakers who have demonstrated leadership on issues impacting travel innovation, technology, and consumer transparency.
“Travel Tech’s Policy & Innovation Showcase continues to provide an important opportunity to engage policymakers and highlight the role travel technology plays in supporting innovation and transparency for consumers,” said Laura Chadwick. “We look forward to welcoming congressional leaders and industry stakeholders to Capitol Hill once again this June.”
The 2026 Policy & Innovation Showcase will take place from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm in the Congressional Visitor Center (CVC), Room H-200.*
*Important Note: All outside attendees must enter the Congressional Visitor Center at its entrance under the East Front of the Capitol near First Street and East Capitol Street, NE.
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The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) is a non-profit membership organization that promotes and protects the travel technology industry. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including global distribution systems, online travel agencies, metasearch companies, travel management companies, short-term rental platforms, and the latest generation of travel technology start-ups.
Tuesday, April 28th, 2026 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) welcomed Start-Up members to its April Start-Up Member Meet-Up, featuring a discussion with Eugenia Dunaeva on “What Makes a Travel Tech Start-Up Fundable in the Age of AI.”
Drawing on her extensive background as an angel investor and former director at Expedia Group and Meta, Dunaeva explored the realities of fundraising in today’s AI-driven market and what separates venture-backed companies from the rest. The conversation centered on how founders can create lasting competitive advantages, identify high-value applications for AI in travel, and build companies positioned for long-term scale.
Throughout the session, Dunaeva stressed the growing importance of proprietary first-party data and explained why investors are increasingly drawn to companies operating closer to the infrastructure, intelligence, and data layers powering AI ecosystems. She also encouraged founders to focus on repeatable B2B and B2B2C models where AI can deliver measurable operational or customer value.
Members then took part in the group’s monthly “Runways & Roadblocks” discussion, sharing updates from across the Travel Tech start-up community. Founders discussed recent pilot launches, new integrations with a major international hotel brand, rapid expansion of hotel inventory across dozens of countries, and the growing shift toward AI-first workflows and development processes using tools such as Claude.
Interested in joining future Travel Tech Start-Up Member Meet-Ups and connecting with fellow founders, investors, and industry leaders?
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes transparency, competition and innovation. 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.
Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) hosted its March Start-Up Member Meet-Up on March 31st, featuring Venkat Chandramoleshwar for a candid discussion on “Avoiding Launch Pitfalls: Real-World Go-To-Market (GTM) and Scaling Insights in Travel Tech.”
Drawing on his experience at Google, ITA Software, and United Airlines, Venkat shared practical lessons on how early-stage travel tech companies can move from pilot to scale. His presentation focused on three key areas: identifying the right launch partners, avoiding common go-to-market pitfalls, and building strategies that enable sustainable growth.
Through real-world examples — including ITA Software’s early partnership with Orbitz and the evolution of Google’s travel products — Venkat emphasized the importance of working with partners who are both visionary and capable of execution, as well as the critical role of timing and continuous iteration.
Following the presentation, members participated in a “Runways & Roadblocks” community discussion, where several shared recent announcements from their companies— including new integrations, product launches, and early partnership traction.
The meet-up also included a policy update from Laura Chadwick, highlighting current challenges impacting the travel industry, such as declining international inbound travel to the U.S. and increasing state-level activity related to AI and dynamic pricing.
Interested in attending Travel Tech’s next Start-Up Meet-Up on Tuesday, April 28th?
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes transparency, competition and innovation. 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.
March 6, 2026 —The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) recently sponsored Travel Massive SF’s community event, bringing together travel startup founders, operators, creators, and investors for Innovation Night: Building the Future of Travel. The event took place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Hotel Emblem in San Francisco, and featured a live panel moderated by Travel Tech President & CEO Laura Chadwick.
The all-female panel included:
Hayley Melidonis, CEO & Founder of Bubbl
Anjali Kakkad, Lead TPM, Google Maps & Founder, Aligned Rewards
Kavitha Ramaswamy, Chief of Staff at Mercurius Media Capital
The discussion focused on the barriers to innovation that the travel tech innovators and broader travel industry face, especially during this new AI era. The group discussed launching early products, landing the first 100 customers, testing new tools, and navigating growth in a complex global market. Panelists shared candid insights on what makes travel tech startups succeed, from integrating systems efficiently to prioritizing solutions that address real industry challenges.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes transparency, competition and innovation. 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.
Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026 – Last week, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) hosted its third Quarterly Start Up & Investor Connect Webinar, where four early-stage founders pitched to a panel of angel and seed stage investors. Across the hourlong session, one theme emerged unmistakably: travel tech innovation is shifting decisively toward AI-powered operational infrastructure, not incremental consumer features.
Start-ups Chirrup, HousMthr, Lake.com, and Vibe Adventures pitched their solutions, fielded live investor questions, and received candid feedback on market fit, scalability, and differentiation.
This quarter’s pitches reflected a broader trend across travel tech: founders are moving beyond incremental features to tackle foundational industry pain points—particularly around payments, operational efficiency, and modern infrastructure for suppliers and platforms.
Throughout the session, investors asked questions on scalability, integration capabilities, and defensible go-to-market strategies. Their questions reflected a broader trend in early-stage travel investment: solutions that modernize core infrastructure – rather than incremental consumer features – are attracting the most attention.
“What stood out in this session wasn’t just the high quality of the pitches, but the consistency of the problems founders are trying to solve,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “Investors are clearly responding to start-ups that address real operational gaps in travel—whether that’s payments, infrastructure, or smarter use of technology—rather than point solutions in search of a problem. These founders are building for where travel is going, not where it’s been.”
Chirrup introduced its AI-enabled communications platform built specifically for tour and activity operators. The system consolidates calls, texts, and booking data into a single inbox, supported by AI chat and voice bots and smart routing. The company currently serves 23 customers and processes approximately 80,000 messages per month, with integrations completed in as little as one week. Enabled communications platform built specifically for tour and activity operators. The system consolidates calls, texts, and booking data into a single inbox, supported by AI chat and voice bots and smart routing. The company currently serves 23 customers and processes approximately 80,000 messages per month, with integrations completed in as little as one week.
Lake.com presented its dedicated platform for waterfront vacation rentals and outdoor experiences, offering 40,000 properties across North America and Europe and attracting 100,000 monthly active users. With a 10% commission model, the company positions itself as a family-focused, lower fee alternative to major OTAs and is raising a $3 million seed round to scale bookings and supply.
HousMthr presented its mobile platform built for real-time group trip coordination. The app includes structured tools for room assignments, shared expenses, trip scoping, and AI-powered agents that adapt dynamically to group preferences and on-trip behavior. After a year-long pilot within seasonal rental communities, HousMthr achieved 100% user renewal and 32% growth. Users remained actively engaged for up to nine months per year, demonstrating sustained value beyond traditional pre-trip booking tools.
Vibe Adventures introduced its dynamic packaging engine, combining 20,000+ curated multi-day tours across 160+ countries with global flight inventory. With its bootstrapped, profitable legacy travel business, the company has served 12,000+ customers, generated $2.5+ million in revenue, and is raising a seed round to launch and scale its B2C dynamic packaging platform and launch a white-label B2B2C solution in 2027.
That shift was underscored by attendee voting at the close of the session. A vote was cast and Chirrup was recognized for the most innovative solution to a real challenge and the strongest market potential and scalability, highlighting growing investor interest in solutions addressing friction in travel bookings and operations. Lake.com was also recognized for delivering the most compelling founder story and vision.
The Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar is part of Travel Tech’s broader effort to support early-stage companies by connecting them directly with travel-savvy investors, industry expertise, and peer founders. Since launching the program, Travel Tech has seen over a dozen start-ups participate and a steady rise in investor engagement across sessions.
Founders interested in pitching in future Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinars can learn more by joining Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership Program, which also includes access to quarterly pitch opportunities, free enrollment in Matt Zito’s four-week travel tech accelerator, policy and regulatory insights, and year-round networking.
Click here to learn more about Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership program and upcoming opportunities.
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The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes transparency, competition and innovation. 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.
Monday, January 5, 2026 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, will host its next Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar on Wednesday, February 11, from 11:00am–12:00pm ET.
This virtual event will bring together early-stage travel technology founders and angel investors to spotlight innovation and spark meaningful connections. During the program, founders will pitch their companies directly to investors and participate in a live Q&A and feedback session designed to help them refine their strategy and strengthen their business growth plans.
Presenting start-ups include: Chirrup, HousMthr, Lake.com, and Vibe Adventures. All four companies are members of Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership Program, which provides entrepreneurs with dedicated support and growth resources — including complimentary access to Matt Zito’s Travel Startups Incubator 4-Week Acceleration Program, virtual and in-person networking events, insights from industry leaders, and more.
“Early-stage founders play an essential role in pushing our industry forward,” said Laura Chadwick, Travel Tech’s President & CEO. “We’re thrilled to provide a platform here at Travel Tech where they can share their vision, gain investor insights, and continue growing within a collaborative and supportive travel tech network.”
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) is a non-profit membership organization that promotes and protects the travel technology industry. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including global distribution systems, online travel agencies, metasearch companies, travel management companies, short-term rental platforms, and the latest generation of travel technology start-ups.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Friday, October 31, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, is hosting a happy hour in San Diego, California for start-up founders, investors, and innovators in the travel technology industry. The event will take place on Tuesday, November 18, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Rusted Root in the Gaslamp District.
This in-person event will offer travel tech founders an opportunity to connect and network in-person and meet Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. Travel Tech will cover the tab for beer and wine beverages.
At the event, information about Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership program for early-stage companies will be on hand. Program benefits include: quarterly opportunities to pitch angel investors, free access to industry expert/former founder Matt Zito’s four-week Travel Tech acceleration program (an $800 value) and other industry experts, connections with travel tech innovators, public policy updates, and others. Learn more here.
Guests are invited to meet fellow founders and innovators, discover the latest updates from Travel Tech, and get to know the team members.
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Tuesday, September 30, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, is hosting its second Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar on Wednesday, October 15.
Following the success of Travel Tech’s first Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar in July, this virtual event will bring together early-stage travel technology founders and angel investors to spotlight innovation and spark connections. During the event, founders will have the opportunity to pitch their start-ups directly to industry investors, as well as participate in a live Q&A and feedback session.
The start-ups slated to present include: Away Together, Nowy, and TripTrix. These companies are part of Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership Program, where they have access to several resources and tools aimed at helping them grow their companies, such as free access to Matt Zito’s Travel Startups Incubator 4-Week Acceleration Program, virtual and in-person networking events, exclusive access to insights from industry experts and more.
“At Travel Tech, we understand the impact start-ups can have on our industry and are excited to help them bring their innovative ideas to light,” said Laura Chadwick, Travel Tech’s President and CEO. “Building on our inaugural Start-Up Summit and Investor Connect Webinar earlier this year, we are excited to continue supporting the newest generation of innovators in travel technology.”
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 media@traveltech.org.
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 — Last week, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, hosted a networking event for 40 travel tech innovators and start-up founders in New York City.
Travel Tech partnered with Jenny Silber, the former director of Voyager HQ, for the event, providing attendees with the opportunity to meet each other and experts who have worked with start-ups and early-stage founders.
Attendees connected with Travel Tech’s President and CEO, Laura Chadwick, and Senior Manager of Industry Relations, Bethany Reitsma and learned about Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership program.
“For decades, Travel Tech has brought together travel tech innovators and experts to help create a community that makes the travel industry more competitive, transparent and innovative,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “It was inspiring to meet with so many travel tech start-ups and innovators as they are launching their companies.”
Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership program is aimed at helping early-stage start-ups in the travel industry grow their businesses. Travel Tech’s Start-up program provides members free access to Matt Zito’s Travel Tech Accelerator Program, a community of travel tech founders and leaders, and opportunities to participate in exclusive events with travel tech experts and angel investors.
Learn more about Travel Tech’s Start-Up Membership program and future events like this here.
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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 media@traveltech.org.
Friday, August 29, 2025 — At this month’s Advocate Member Meet-Up, Propellic Founder & CEO Brennen Bliss shared practical advice for start-ups on how to use digital tools to attract customers, earn bookings and grow their businesses.
Bliss, whose company Propellic has supported more than 60 travel brands with customer acquisition strategies, shared tips like, “Use Social Media for Inspiration, Not Conversion,” “Diversify Marketing Channels Early,” and more.
Fill out the form below for exclusive access to these Top 7 Tips from Brennen that you won’t want to miss:
Turning Engagement into Bookings: Digital Strategies for Travel Tech Start-Ups
Fill out the form below for exclusive access to key takeaways from Brennen Bliss:
Interested in more resources like this, including free-access to Matt Zito’s 4-Week Acceleration Program for travel start-ups, and joining our growing community of travel tech start-ups?Join Travel Tech Today
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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 media@traveltech.org.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 — At Travel Tech’s inaugural Start-Up Summit in May, AirHelp CEO Tomasz Pawliszyn shared his company’s journey from a small travel start-up to a global leader in air passenger compensation. AirHelp helps travelers worldwide navigate the complex process of securing financial compensation for delayed or canceled flights.
In a conversation with Travel Tech President & CEO Laura Chadwick, AirHelp CEO Tomasz Pawliszyn shared the journey of scaling AirHelp from a start-up into a global player serving both B2C and B2B markets. Pawliszyn detailed his strategic approach and patience it takes to build B2B partnerships in the travel industry —some deals take years to launch. Rather than going directly to decision-makers, he leveraged industry events to connect with people who can make introductions and share insights.
Pawliszyn stressed the importance of tailoring pitches to each partner’s priorities. For OTAs, the focus is on added revenue and improved customer satisfaction; for travel management companies, it’s about enhancing NPS scores and cutting costs; for insurers, it’s a differentiator for their policies.
Beyond partnerships, Pawliszyn provided insights into his experiences working with regulators in the U.S. and Europe to ensure passenger rights are upheld, as well as advice for those interested in founding a start-up.
“In my view, today is the best time to start any company, especially travel technology start-ups, due to the reduced costs of AI and modern software,” said Pawliszyn. “Resilience and optimism are key. You should find your way and just go for it.”
Learn more about Travel Tech’s Advocate Member Program to gain access to entrepreneurs and advice like this from Tomasz Pawliszyn.
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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 media@traveltech.org.
Event highlighted Travel Tech Advocate Member Start-Ups
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 — Yesterday, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, hosted its first Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar, bringing together pre-seed and seed-level travel tech start-ups with five angel investors.
The hour-long event was limited to pitches by Travel Tech Advocate Member Start-Ups only and provided them an exciting opportunity to gain visibility, investor feedback, and potential funding. Each had five minutes to pitch their companies followed by three minutes to respond to investors’ questions and feedback.
Travel Tech Advocate Start-Up Members Greg Dunn with WalknTours, Teresa Guastella with RoomRite, Branda Fan with Nowy, Tristan Sommer-Enriquez with BaggageTAXI: and Melanie Brewer with Away Together, presented on the webinar.
“Thank you to our Advocate Start-Up members and angel investors who took part in our successful first Start-Up & Investor Connect Webinar,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “Travel Tech is proud to promote the newest generation of travel tech innovators and offer additional benefits to help them succeed.”
At the end of the webinar, attendees were asked to select their preferred start-up pitch. RoomRite was rated as the strongest market potential and scalability, and most innovative solution to a real travel challenge, and WalknTours was rated as the most personally compelling pitch.
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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 media@traveltech.org.
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 media@traveltech.org.
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 media@traveltech.org.
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 media@traveltech.org.
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 media@traveltech.org.
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 media@traveltech.org.
Travel Tech to Spotlight Innovation at its Capitol Hill Events on May 7th
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