The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the travel technology sector, has announced the formation of its Innovation Advisory Council.
This newly established council aims to provide strategic guidance to Travel Tech’s initiatives, particularly in supporting start-ups and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) within the travel technology industry.
The council’s insights will be instrumental in shaping the association’s Advocate membership program and its annual events.
Composition of the Innovation Advisory Council:
The council comprises esteemed professionals with extensive experience in the travel technology domain.
Their collective expertise spans investment, strategic advisory, partnership development, and industry research. The members include:
- Cara Whitehill: Vice President at Thayer Investment Partners, bringing a wealth of knowledge in investment strategies within the travel sector.
- Kerri Zeil: Startup Advisor and Global Director of GAIN Growth Hub (Growth Advisors International Network), offering deep insights into scaling travel tech start-ups.
- Matt Zito: Managing Partner at TSi, recognized for his strategic guidance to emerging travel technology enterprises.
- Miriam Moscovici: Vice President of Partnerships & Research at BCD Travel, contributing her expertise in forging strategic alliances and conducting industry research.
- Roman Townsend: Managing Director of Belvera Partners, known for his proficiency in managing communications within the travel tech landscape.
- Steve Reynolds: Chief Strategy Officer at Emburse, bringing strategic insights into corporate travel and expense management solutions.
Objectives and Initiatives:
The primary mission of the Innovation Advisory Council is to offer guidance on how Travel Tech can effectively address the unique challenges faced by start-ups and SMBs in the travel technology sector.
By leveraging the council members’ diverse experiences, Travel Tech aims to:
- Enhance Community Engagement: Foster a collaborative environment where emerging companies can connect, share insights, and collaborate on innovative solutions.
- Develop Targeted Programming: Curate educational content, workshops, and resources tailored to the specific needs of start-ups and SMBs, facilitating their growth and scalability.
- Advocate for Supportive Policies: Champion public policies that promote transparency, competition, and innovation, ensuring a level playing field for all industry participants.
Leadership Perspective:
Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech, expressed enthusiasm about the council’s formation to work with Travel Tech’s Innovation Advisory Council members.
Their collective knowledge and expertise will supercharge Travel Tech’s efforts to support the next generation of travel innovators.
This sentiment underscores the association’s commitment to empowering emerging businesses in the travel technology space.
Advocate Membership Program:
Central to Travel Tech’s support framework is its Advocate membership program, which rests on three foundational pillars:
- Community: Building a robust network of industry peers, mentors, and partners to facilitate meaningful connections and collaborations.
- Programming: Offering a suite of educational resources, including webinars, workshops, and seminars, designed to equip members with the tools necessary for success.
- Advocacy: Representing the interests of members in policy discussions, ensuring that the regulatory environment fosters innovation and growth.
Through this program, Travel Tech aims to provide start-ups and SMBs with the expertise, resources, and networks essential for thriving in the competitive travel technology landscape.
Invitation to Engage:
Travel Tech extends an invitation to travel tech start-ups and small businesses to explore the benefits of the Advocate membership program.
By joining, members can tap into a wealth of knowledge, connect with industry leaders, and actively participate in shaping the future of travel technology.
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