Wednesday, May 20, 2026 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, will honor Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Ranking Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) with Travel Tech’s Innovation Leadership Award at its third annual Policy & Innovation Showcase on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in HVC-200.
“We’re proud to recognize Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Larsen and Congresswoman Kim for their leadership in advancing policies that support travelers, promote transparency, and strengthen innovation across the travel ecosystem,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. “Their work reflects a strong commitment to modernizing the travel experience while recognizing the important role travel technology companies play in supporting consumers and the broader travel industry.”
Congressman Rick Larsen has been a longstanding leader on transportation policy and a strong supporter of measures that recognize the important role airline ticket agents play in supporting both consumers and the airline industry. He supported H.R. 5663, the ACPAC Modernization Act, which recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated a commitment to policies that strengthen the travel sector and improve the experience for travelers across the country.
Congresswoman Young Kim has been a leading advocate for consumer transparency and policies that support innovation within the travel industry. As the lead advocate for H.R. 6543, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2023, and H.R. 1479, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025, Congresswoman Kim has championed efforts to promote transparency in the full cost of travel while recognizing the complexity of today’s travel technology ecosystem. Her leadership has helped advance policies that improve clarity and confidence for consumers booking travel online.
Travel Tech’s annual Innovation Leadership Award recognizes policymakers who have demonstrated leadership in advancing policies that foster innovation, competition, and transparency in the travel industry. Past recipients include Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves, Congresswoman Dina Titus, Energy & Commerce Subcommittee Chairman Gus Bilirakis, and Senator Amy Klobuchar.
In addition to honoring Ranking Member Larsen and Congresswoman Kim, Travel Tech’s third annual Policy & Innovation Showcase will convene policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss the future of travel technology and the policies shaping the modern travel marketplace.
Learn more and RSVP below:
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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.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact rtownsend@belverapartners.com.
