The Business Travel Show has increased its investment in innovation by doubling the size of the show’s ‘Launchpad’ area.
It means up to 15 business travel start-ups could exhibit for free at next year’s event.
Launchpad premiered in 2016 with eight exhibitors receiving a free stand, extensive marketing support, exposure to the show’s 7,730 attendees and an entry into the inaugural Business Travel Disrupt Award, the winner of which receives a full-sized stand worth £8,000 at the following year’s show.
Launchpad is an area within Business Travel Show, which features business travel start-ups who are 3 years old or younger who have been give a free exhibition stand and marketing support to help promote their products.
All Launchpad exhibitors are entered into the Business Travel Disrupt Awards, which are shortlisted online pre-show and then the final five present live at the show in front of the judges.
The first Business Travel Disrupt Award was won by DUFL, an app-based wardrobe management and luggage delivery service, which allows travellers to pack their bags from a virtual closet and travel luggage-free.
To apply for a free stand in the Business Travel Show Launchpad, businesses must be three years old or younger and contact Sam Cande at [email protected] for an application form. Forms must be completed and returned by 2 December 2016 and successful applicants will be notified by 13 January 2017.
DUFL and fellow Launchpad exhibitor beTravelwise are already confirmed to return to the Business Travel Show in 2017 to exhibit, alongside more than 260 leading travel suppliers.
“As a start-up, it was an incredible benefit to win a free stand at a high calibre event like the Business Travel Show,” said Andrea Graziani, co-founder and chief marketing officer, DUFL.
“The show was fantastic and incredibly beneficial. We met influencers in the travel industry and got valuable feedback about our product. To any business travel start-ups reading this, don’t hesitate to apply – the Business Travel Show provides great exposure, an influential audience and opportunities and benefits well beyond the normal tradeshow experience.”
To apply for a free stand in the Business Travel Show Launchpad, businesses must be three years old or younger and contact Sam Cande at [email protected] for an application form. Forms must be completed and returned by 2 December 2016 and successful applicants will be notified by 13 January 2017.
Read a Q&A with DUFL co-founder Andrea Graziani.