Registration and Pitch Applications Now Open for Travel Tech’s 2026 Start-Up Summit 

Travel Tech Association (Travel Tech) has opened registration and pitch applications for its second annual Start-Up Summit, taking place on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Concorde in National Landing, Arlington, Virginia. For emerging travel technology companies ready to get in front of investors, industry leaders, potential partners, and the broader Travel Tech community, the Summit offers a direct opportunity to apply for the live pitch competition, showcase their businesses, and build relationships that can support their next stage of growth. 

The pitch competition is open to start-ups and emerging companies building technology, platforms, tools, services, or infrastructure that support the travel ecosystem, including companies focused on travel planning, booking, operations, payments, hospitality, mobility, artificial intelligence, sustainability, data, customer experience, distribution, business travel, and other solutions shaping the future of travel. 

Selected finalists will present live during the Summit and participate in judge Q&A. Applications will be reviewed based on the strength and relevance of the company’s solution, market opportunity, traction, clarity of business model, potential impact on the travel ecosystem, and readiness to participate in a live pitch format. Finalists must be available to attend the Summit in person and submit final pitch materials in advance for event preparation. 

Awards will include a cash prize as well as additional recognition and visibility opportunities designed to help winning start-ups build momentum beyond the pitch stage, including sponsor-provided services, promotional support, and opportunities to be featured through Travel Tech communications. 

“The most rewarding part of building Travel Tech’s start-up programming has been watching this community grow — seeing founders connect with one another, meet investors and industry leaders, and find new opportunities through the relationships they build here,” said Bethany Reitsma, Senior Manager, Industry Relations at Travel Tech. “I’m excited to lead this year’s Start-Up Summit and create a focused, practical environment where emerging travel technology companies can gain visibility, make meaningful connections, and take their next step forward.” 

The Summit is designed to create value for all participating start-ups, not only the companies selected as pitch finalists. Start-ups attending the event will have opportunities to showcase their businesses, build relationships with investors and industry leaders, gain visibility with the broader Travel Tech community, and connect with potential partners throughout the day. 

Registration options include: 

• Pitch Competition – Apply for the opportunity to present your company live at the Summit before investors, industry leaders, and travel technology experts. Selected finalists will participate in a live pitch presentation and judge Q&A. 

• Showcase – Reserve space to highlight your company, product, or solution during the Summit and connect with attendees throughout the day. 

• Attend – Register to take part in the Summit’s programming, networking opportunities, and conversations with founders, investors, industry leaders, and other participants in the travel technology ecosystem. 

Pitch finalist selection is competitive and separate from registration, showcase participation, or membership status. Registering to attend or showcase does not guarantee selection as a pitch finalist. 

For other opportunities, including sponsoring and attending as an investor, email Bethany Reitsma.  

Registration and pitch applications are now open, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Pitch applications are due by Tuesday, September 1^st. Additional event details, agenda information, and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. 

Travel Tech Association (Travel Tech) is the unified voice for the travel technology ecosystem. Travel Tech brings together enterprise leaders, growth-stage companies, and emerging innovators to advance public policies that support competition, innovation, and a strong technology-enabled travel marketplace. Through advocacy, regulatory intelligence, and cross-sector collaboration, Travel Tech helps shape the future of modern travel. 

To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Jessica Matthias: [email protected].