TTE 2018 opens for registrations and issues call to start-ups

Launchpad zone will see 15 firms showcase their ideas with the chance to win a full-size stand at 2019 event Continue reading →

Registrations have opened for the 2018 Travel Technology Europe trade show with a call to start-ups to submit themselves for a free Launchpad stand.

TTE claims to be the largest dedicated travel technology trade show in Europe and expects 6,000 visitors to attend Olympia in London on February 21-22.

The Launchpad zone will see 15 innovative start-ups showcase their ideas and they will be entered into the Technology Disrupt Award with a full-size stand worth £8,000 up for grabs at the 2019 show.

Launchpad premiered in 2016 and last year TTE increased its investment by doubling the size of the area so up to 15 start-ups can now exhibit for free at the show.

As well as providing support for start-ups, Launchpad has proved a hit with visitors as they benefit from being introduced to disruptive technology and the opportunity to build early relationships with the future titans of travel technology.

Last year’s Travel Technology Europe Disrupt Award was won by Wanderpay (previously Flyto), a ground breaking new service that allows travellers to pay for flights in easy, fixed monthly instalments rather than upfront in one go.

Wanderpay is confirmed to return to Travel Technology Europe in 2018 to exhibit, alongside more than 130 leading travel technology suppliers.

Raphael Babalola, co-founder and chief executive of Wanderpay, said: “Winning the TTE Disrupt Award was and still is a huge deal for us; it really validated the concept of the business and since then has given us some credibility when approaching travel brands.

“We love the exposure we received from this and can’t wait to be one of the exhibitors at TTE 2018.”

David Chapple, TTE show director, added: “Travel Technology Europe is the largest show of its kind in Europe and innovation has always been a fundamental reason why people visit the show.

“Since its introduction in 2016 Launchpad has become a really valuable part of the show for buyers, enabling them to be the first to discover disruptive and game-changing technologies.

“I’d encourage all qualifying start-ups to apply for Launchpad and have the chance to showcase their technologies for free to some of the biggest names in travel and hospitality.”

To apply for a free stand in the Travel Technology Europe Launchpad, businesses must have been established for three years or less.

An application form must be completed and returned by December 1 and successful applicants will be notified by January 12.

Online registration is now open on the new Travel Technology Europe website. Visit: www.traveltechnologyeurope.com/register to apply for a free visitor pass.