Limited sponsorship packages remain for this year’s Business Travel People Awards, which will take place on September 15 2026.
Direct Travel has been confirmed as Gold sponsor for the evening ceremony at the Grand Connaught Rooms, London, while Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines have signed up as Ruby sponsors.
Katie Skitterall, Group Commercial Director, Direct Travel, said: “The People Awards celebrate the individuals who push the boundaries in business travel, and Direct Travel is incredibly proud to sponsor the 2026 awards once more.
“As a former winner, I know how powerful this recognition is at any stage of your career. I can’t wait to celebrate all the worthy nominees and winners on the night.”
Nicola Goldsmith, Director of Global Agency Sales at Virgin Atlantic, said: “At Virgin Atlantic, our people are the beating heart of everything we do, which is why we are proud to sponsor the Business Travel People Awards.
“We’re proud to showcase the industry’s finest talent and celebrate the individuals and teams who go above and beyond to make our industry the best place to be.”
Inntel, United Airlines, SAP Concur, Blacklane, South Western Railway, Situ and Sirius have secured Bronze sponsorship for the ceremony, with a number of Bronze sponsorship packages still remaining.
Kirsty Hicks, Publisher of The Business Travel Magazine and organiser of the event, said: “Thanks to the fantastic support of our partners, we are able to give our worthy finalists and winners a night to remember.
“Many of our sponsors sign up year after year to align themselves with these special awards, which celebrate the achievements of the people of our industry, rather than the companies or brands.
“And this year we have some new sponsors too, including Inntel and South Western Railway, who want to be part of the glittering ceremony that gives our industry’s finest talent the recognition they deserve.”
For details about the remaining sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kirsty Hicks at kirsty.hicks@bmipublishing.co.uk.
The entry deadline for the awards has been extended from March 20 to April 2 2026.
The decision to push back the deadline was due to the extra workloads of many business travel professionals currently dealing with the travel disruption caused by the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Now in their 15th year, the Business Travel People Awards celebrate the industry’s finest talent at all stages of a career and across all business travel sectors.
Categories are designed to recognise those working in frontline or back-office functions who might not otherwise have the chance to shine.
Entries can come from line managers, colleagues, clients or from the applicants themselves.
All nominations must be backed up with evidence, such as videos or written testimonials from clients, partners or peers, and this will account for a third of the overall score.
