Corporate events AI Nowadays wins both Business Travel Show America Innovation Faceoff awards
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Corporate events AI Nowadays wins both Business Travel Show America Innovation Faceoff awards
- Tune in to the BTN News Deck recap – October 27, 8am PDT / 11am EDT / 3pm GMT
- Business Travel Show America, October 14-15, 2026, Javits Center New York
Nowadays, the first AI for corporate events, has won both Business Travel Innovation Faceoff America awards sponsored by American Express Global Business Travel.
After a tense 12-way battle including live, timed pitching to a panel of expert judges and more than 500 corporate travel buyers at the launch of Business Travel Show America in New York this week, Nowadays emerged the clear winner taking home both the Judges’ Award and the People’s Award.
Founded by sisters Amy Yan and Anna Sun, Nowadays describes itself as ‘the first AI-native platform built specifically for corporate event sourcing and planning,’ adding, ‘Our mission at Nowadays is to make it simple to bring people together. We want to create a world where the joy of events is never overshadowed by the complexity of planning them, making memorable experiences accessible to everyone, everywhere.’
“Nowadays offers a unique value prop in the meeting space. Aside from having a slick UX which matters to users, it's integrating top notch automation and clear to understand reporting. My favorite feature was the pick a city with flight info. This can help us avoid cities with lots of layovers and deliver on our ESG commitments. We’re excited to see what they can do in the space,” said Suzanne Boyan, global meetings and travel manager, ZS and Innovation Faceoff judge.
Commenting on the win, Anna Sun, Nowadays co-founder and CEO, said, “Since this is the first time Business Travel Show has been in New York, we're really excited to bring Nowadays to you and to bring it to the enterprise space and we really appreciate all the feedback we've already gotten and everyone’s support.”
The competition, which was formerly part of BTN Group's Innovate event, is a key pillar of the Business Travel Show experience. Showcasing the trailblazing people, companies, tech and developments disrupting and reshaping the managed travel landscape, it gives buyers unparalleled access to critical innovation to refine their travel programmes. It has run for five years at Business Travel Show Europe and launched in Asia Pacific in April.
“The Business Travel Innovation Faceoff has always been more than a competition,” said BTN Group executive vice president Louis Magliaro. "It’s a unique insight into the purpose-driven technology and fresh thinking pushing boundaries that can actually solve real pain points corporate travel and meetings managers all over the world are experiencing right now - challenges like reducing cost, improving efficiencies, accessing data, supplier availability and enhancing the traveler experience.
Tune in for the Innovation Faceoff recap on BTN News Desk
On October 27, Business Travel News executive editor Michael B. Baker and vice president of content Elizabeth West will chat with three of the four Business Travel Show America's Innovation Faceoff judges (Skylink's Atyab Bhatti, corporate travel veteran Steve Clagg and United Talent Agency's Mira Rosenzweig) about the technologies and trends they saw on the competition stage on the next BTN News Desk. Registration is open online to receive free access.
The additional 11 finalists were:
1. Altour – AI-powered communications platform that unites contact centre tools, inboxes, and collaboration in one workspace
2. EmPath - Guest traveler technology platform
3. Engine – AI assisted group planning platform adding live pricing to hotel inventory
4. FareAudit – Real-time fare auditing to prevent overpayment
5. Groupize - Using AI to drive Groupize platform and corporate meetings and event marketplace
6. HRS – AI-first hotel management platform
7. Juno – Guest traveler technology platform
8. Roamr – Reimagines hotel stays with a global hosted travel network, turning business trips into meaningful cultural exchanges
9. SeatCash – Airfare price prediction and purchasing platform
10. Traxo - Enhanced data insights platform
11. Versa - Captures IRS-ready, VAT valid receipts from participating merchants and routes to preferred expense app
This year’s judges were:
- Suzanne Boyan, global meetings and travel manager, ZS
- Atyab Bhatti, CEO & co-founder, SkyLink
- Mira Rosenzweig, director, Travel Services, United Talent Agency
- Steve Clagg, corporate travel technology expert
Business Travel Show America launched 15-16 October 2025 at the Javits Center, New York. It returns in 2026 from 14-15 October 2026.
Hosted by the BTN Group, this inaugural event builds on over three decades of expertise from the successful Business Travel Show Europe. Featuring tailored appointments, thought-provoking educational sessions, and dynamic networking opportunities, it’s where travel and meetings buyers can shape the future of corporate travel. Visit www.businesstravelshowamerica.com for more details.
Business Travel Show APAC returns to Singapore 14 – 15 April 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore following a successful launch in 2025. Organised by the BTN Group, the show connects buyers and suppliers from Asia Pacific, the US, UK, and Europe. With expertly crafted content developed by the BTN Group’s 40+ years of industry expertise, the event features insightful sessions, cutting-edge innovations, and dynamic networking formats. Co-located with The Meetings Show Asia Pacific, it’s a must-attend for travel and meetings professionals. Visit www.businesstravelshowapac.com for details.
Business Travel Show Europe is the leading business travel event in Europe. It returns on 24-25 June 2026 at Excel, London.
