Latest news with #SkiftIDEAAwards
Skift
2 days ago
- Business
- Skift
Inside the Skift IDEA Awards Winners Package 2025: Recognition, Access, Visibility
With just three days until the final submission deadline, let's take a look at the incredible 2025 Skift IDEA Awards winner package. Whether you've already submitted or are still deciding, here's what you stand to gain. The final deadline for the 2025 Skift IDEA Awards is Monday, June 30, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Each year, Skift IDEA Awards celebrate design, innovation, and impact across the global travel industry. From brand campaigns to destination storytelling, sustainability initiatives to excellence in meetings & events, the program highlights standout work that's shaping what comes next. Winners receive a prize package valued at over $10,000, designed to deliver real visibility, access, and long-term recognition across the travel sector. What 2025 Skift IDEA Awards Winners Receive Full Access to Skift Global Forum ($3,495 value) Winners receive a complimentary ticket to the travel industry's most influential event this September in New York City. 25% Off Additional Passes Invite collaborators or colleagues at a reduced rate. Onstage Recognition Join Skift CEO Rafat Ali onstage for a winner spotlight and group photo during the Forum. A Skift IDEA Awards Trophy A physical award to mark the achievement, introduced last year and returning bigger and better for 2025. Access to the Most Powerful Room in Global Travel Skift Global Forum is where travel's top minds gather to define what's next, and winners will gain access to unparalleled networking opportunities. Editorial Coverage on Winners are featured across Skift's channels, reaching a global audience of decision-makers and travel professionals. Brand Presence at Skift Global Forum Get exposure on-site through branded digital displays and signage. Custom Digital Winner Kit Includes branded assets for press, social media, and internal communications. Visibility with Skift Editors and VIP Judges Put your work in front of influential voices shaping the future of travel. View the 2025 judging panel here. $395 Credit Toward Skift Premium Products Apply credit toward industry research and reporting. Industry-Wide Recognition Join a cohort of brands, agencies, and creators driving meaningful change. What the Judges Are Saying 'I'm excited to take part in the Skift IDEA Awards and get a first look at the innovations shaping the future of travel... I'm looking for ideas that not only challenge the norms but also offer practical, helpful solutions that enhance the traveller's experience.' — Hannah Bennett, Head of Travel, TikTok 'Travel has the power to truly be a force for good... I'm excited to see how this year's entries are pushing the boundaries and showing what's possible when travel is reimagined through the lens of sustainability, innovation, and community.' — Aditi Mohapatra, Vice President, Global Social Impact & Sustainability, Expedia Group 'With AI dominating the conversation the last years... I'm looking for work that feels distinctive, intentional, and built to last.' — Katalina Mayorga, CEO, El Camino Travel See how past winners landed a Skift IDEA Award and what made their work stand out. Not Sure Where to Start? Explore the right category for your work with our Category Finder Quiz. The submission form doesn't need to take all day - you can put together a thoughtful, clear, and compelling entry in under 90 minutes. Final Deadline to Submit: Monday, June 30, 2025 There are just three days left to submit your entry. With a $10,000+ prize package and global visibility on the line, this is your last opportunity to be part of the travel industry's most forward-thinking award program.
Skift
4 days ago
- Business
- Skift
How Past Winners Landed a Skift IDEA Award
What wins a Skift IDEA Award? Heart, purpose, and fresh thinking. Past winners stood out by solving real problems, sparking emotion, and moving the industry forward. With just days left to submit for the 2025 Skift IDEA Awards, it's time to ask: What actually makes a campaign stand out? It's not just about being big or bold. It's about ideas that feel original, solve real problems, connect with communities, and spark emotion. The best work shifts perspectives and pushes the travel industry forward. Here's what judges are really looking for, along with standout examples from past winners that nailed it. Start with Emotion: Make People Care Great campaigns make people feel something. Whether it's awe, nostalgia, pride, or connection, emotional resonance is what makes an idea stick. Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia brought this to life with Wintjiri Wiṟu, the world's largest permanent drone show. Set against the iconic backdrop of Uluru, the show tells an ancient Indigenous story, co-created with Aṉangu leaders and performed in their native language. It's immersive, unforgettable, and deeply respectful. Solve a Real Problem The most effective campaigns are rooted in utility. They address real traveler pain points and offer practical, creative solutions. SkyTeam did just that with a tool that standardizes carry-on rules across partner airlines, solving a daily frustration for travelers. It's a simple fix, but one that required collaboration and smart design. Thrust Carbon created tools that help companies meet climate goals by embedding sustainability into everyday decisions, removing friction from compliance and reporting. 'Our mission is to make travel effortlessly green. We believe people can travel without the footprint it has... but that requires better data to empower better choices. We were inspired by this foundational problem. If you were too, go inspire the next person by submitting and winning this award.' — Kit Aspen, Founder & CEO, Thrust Carbon Put Purpose First: Show your Impact Judges are drawn to campaigns with substance. It's not just about talking the talk, but about showing a clear impact. Southwest Airlines turned old leather seats into a social good. Through its Repurpose with Purpose initiative, over 1.4 million pounds of aircraft leather have been transformed into jobs and goods for underserved communities. Trafalgar Travel made an industry-first decision to end all branded merchandise giveaways due to their carbon impact. Instead, the brand redirected that spend to climate-positive projects through the TreadRight Foundation. 'I feel that awards like this are really valuable because there is no one size fits all to the many challenges that we face... Often the media will highlight a selection of projects... but it also can be irresponsible not to shine a light on other projects who are new, unique, or perhaps haven't gotten their share of the spotlight... I think that's absolutely the role that Skift IDEA Awards play.' — Shannon Guihan, Chief Sustainability Officer, The Travel Corporation Lean into What Makes You Different Some of the most successful campaigns came from embracing the unexpected. Visit Seattle flipped a perceived negative into a romantic draw with its 'Kissing in the Rain' booth. Rather than avoid the city's rainy reputation, the team turned it into something cinematic, cozy, and shareable. Tourisme Montréal launched a cheeky campaign asking for the Olympic Torch Relay to pass through the city on its way to Paris. It was smart, well-timed, and packed with cultural insight. Design for Impact, Not Just Attention The most memorable work is intentional. It's not just beautiful, it's built to shift something meaningful, whether that's how people travel, who gets access, or how we think about sustainability. Hear it from one of our Skift IDEA Awards judges: 'There's something magical when travel, creativity, and style come together. It's not just about smart ideas – it's about ideas that feel human. I'm drawn to things that are nimble, that go beyond the obvious, do more with less, and focus on what really matters... I love celebrating work that's thoughtful, lightweight, and designed with people at the center.' — Aliya Khan, VP, Global Design Strategies, Marriott International Banyan Tree's Buahan Escape reimagined luxury hospitality with no walls and no doors, placing guests in harmony with the natural world. Every detail was informed by local research and cultural preservation. Vail Resorts created long-term access programs to break down financial, geographic, and cultural barriers to skiing, partnering with over 165 organizations across North America. Rustic Pathways redesigned student travel to build empathy and cross-cultural understanding, not just deliver photo ops. Now It's Your Turn If your work sparked emotion, solved a real problem, or moved the industry forward, it deserves recognition. You don't need the biggest budget. You need a great idea. What Winners Receive: A physical trophy to proudly display your achievement to proudly display your achievement A moment of celebration on stage at our largest event — Skift Global Forum in New York City A full digital brand kit to showcase your win across channels to showcase your win across channels Inclusion in editorial coverage on , viewed by the global travel industry , viewed by the global travel industry Credit towards Skift's premium subscription products And more to amplify your impact and elevate your profile Deadline to enter: June 30 Not Sure Where Your Campaign Fits? Take our quick Category Finder Quiz to match your project with the right award category and boost your chances of winning. Got questions? Reach out at awards@ We're happy to help.
Skift
17-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
Skift IDEA Awards Deadline Extended to June 30 Due to Overwhelming Demand
The Skift IDEA Awards deadline has been extended to June 30 due to overwhelming demand and high interest from across the travel industry. This gives entrants two extra weeks to submit their most innovative work for recognition. Due to unprecedented interest and a surge in submissions, the deadline for the 2025 Skift IDEA Awards has officially been extended by two weeks. Entrants now have until June 30 to submit their work for consideration. The Skift IDEA Awards celebrate the most impactful and innovative design, experiences, and initiatives across the global travel industry. From trailblazing campaigns and transformative sustainability projects to cutting-edge digital experiences and creative hospitality concepts, the awards aim to spotlight the visionaries shaping the future of travel. New Deadline: Monday, June 30 The deadline extension comes in direct response to overwhelming demand from companies and creatives around the world requesting more time to finalize their entries. With submissions arriving from every corner of the travel landscape—airlines, hotels, tourism boards, experience providers, short-term rentals and more—this year is on track to be our most competitive and inspiring yet. If you've been considering submitting your work but needed more time to polish your presentation or gather final materials, this is your moment. The Skift editorial and judging teams are eager to see the innovation, imagination, and impact you've brought to the industry. Still unsure which category to apply for? Take our easy quiz to guide you to the best fit. We encourage all organizations, agencies, and individuals working in the travel ecosystem to take advantage of this additional window. This is your chance to gain global recognition and be celebrated as a changemaker at the forefront of travel's evolution. For submission guidelines, past winners, and judging criteria, visit:
Skift
16-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
How to Enter the Skift IDEA Awards in Under 90 Minutes
Great ideas deserve industry recognition. Enter the Skift IDEA Awards now, then use the extra time to elevate your submission before the deadline. If entering the Skift IDEA Awards has been sitting on your to-do list, consider this your sign. It doesn't need to take all day. You can put together a clear, compelling entry in under 90 minutes. The best part? You can go back and edit your submission anytime before the final deadline. Here's how to get it done fast and smart. Why Enter the Skift IDEA Awards Now Skift IDEA Awards spotlight the best creative, strategic, and forward-thinking work in travel. That includes marketing campaigns, product innovations, experience design, and more. If your team built something you're proud of, this is the place to showcase it. Submitting now gives you time to polish before the final cut-off. It's not about perfection. It's about showing thoughtful, effective work that moves the industry forward. How to Complete Your Entry in Under 90 Minutes Use this simple five-step plan to move quickly and still put your best work forward. 1. Get Set Up (10 to 15 Minutes) Log in to the submission platform Review the official entry guide (PDF) Gather your key materials: a few visuals, basic performance data, maybe a short quote or testimonial You don't need everything at once. You can upload or update files later. 2. Choose Your Category (10 to 15 Minutes) Pick the category that fits your project's core focus. If you're unsure, try the Category Quiz to help make the call. When in doubt, choose the category where your story is strongest. Don't forget you can always enter more than one category to boost your chances of making it to the finals. 3. Write the Main Entry (40 Minutes) Answer these three questions clearly: What was the goal? How did you make it happen? What was the impact? Use short paragraphs or bullet points. Focus on results. 4. Add Key Proof Points (15 to 20 Minutes) Upload whatever you have ready: A few screenshots or images A single stat that highlights success A quote from a client, partner, or internal team member Don't overthink this. You can always log back in to upload new files or rewrite sections. 5. Submit Now, Edit Later This is the most important part. Once you hit 'submit,' you're in, but you can continue editing your entry until the final deadline. That means you can: Rewrite your text Add or change visuals Update your stats Submitting early gives you space to improve. Waiting until the last minute locks you into whatever you wrote under pressure. You've Already Done the Work. Now Share It. The best Skift IDEA Awards entries are focused. One clear idea, well-executed, with real results. It's not about how big the brand is; it's about how thoughtful and effective the work was. You don't need a full day. Just set aside 90 minutes, tell the story, and hit submit. Also, check out our handy 'How to Enter guide' for some more insider tips from the team. You'll be able to refine it later. What matters now is starting.
Skift
30-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Submit Now: Win Big at Skift Global Forum with the IDEA Awards
Enter the 2025 Skift IDEA Awards for your chance to win a physical trophy, complimentary ticket, on-stage photo with Skift's founder, plus recognition on Travel's biggest stage at Skift Global Forum in New York City. If you've launched a standout campaign, product, experience, or platform in the travel industry, now is your chance to be recognized where it counts. The Skift IDEA Awards celebrate the most forward-thinking work in travel, and winners will be honored live at Skift Global Forum, held this September in New York City. This is more than an award. It's a platform for visibility, credibility, and connection at the industry's most influential gathering. Why the Skift IDEA Awards Matter The Skift IDEA Awards recognize projects that push boundaries and move the travel industry forward. And for winners, the recognition is anything but symbolic. Each award winner receives: ✅ Complimentary tickets to Skift Global Forum in NYC ✅ Recognition live on stage, including an on-stage photo with Skift founder Rafat Ali ✅ Inclusion in experiential showcases and editorial coverage ✅ Visibility in front of 1,000+ industry leaders, including executives from travel, hospitality, tech, and investment ✅ Industry validation from an expert judging panel, comprised of global travel leaders and innovators ✅ A moment to celebrate your team's hard work, creativity, and collective achievement on travel's biggest stage "Skift IDEA Awards accelerate innovation by recognizing ideas that move the industry forward... These awards encourage faster adoption of new ideas, spark collaboration, and help scale innovations that might otherwise go unnoticed." - Peter Durama, Senior Executive Director of Technology and Digital Transformation, Destination Canada 'Skift IDEA Awards are key to showcasing the best of the industry's innovations. During unprecedented challenges, it's crucial we continue to learn from each other and innovate together.' - Stuart Blake, VP of North America, TravelPerk Past winners have landed media coverage, new partnerships, and global exposure directly tied to their IDEA Award win and Forum presence. What Kind of Work Are We Looking For? The IDEA Awards span 31 categories, designed to capture the full spectrum of creativity and progress in travel. Not sure where your project fits? Take our Find Your Category Quiz — it's quick, simple, and helps guide your submission. How to Submit Your Entry It's easy to enter. All you need is: A short written summary of your work and its impact Supporting materials: images, videos, data, or case studies A few minutes to complete the entry form Here's our complete guide - How to enter the Skift IDEA Awards. Deadline: Two weeks remaining. Be Part of the Industry's Defining Moment Skift Global Forum is where leaders come to see what's next. It's where the biggest ideas in travel are unveiled, debated, and celebrated. Winning an IDEA Award means more than being listed in a press release. It means being part of the story and celebrating with your team, your peers, and the global travel community in one of the industry's most prestigious moments. It means standing on stage in New York City, alongside the brightest minds in the industry, and getting the recognition your work deserves. 'For those of you who are considering entering the 2025 Skift IDEA Awards, we highly encourage you to share your work with the world... Take the leap, showcase your achievements and contribute to shaping the future of hospitality.' - Mandy Stum, Senior Director of Business Solutions, Radisson Hotel Group 'I want to learn from the many different solutions that are out there. And I think that's absolutely the role that the Skift IDEA Awards play—shining a light on the projects that are new, unique, and deeply relevant.' - Shannon Guihan, Chief Sustainability Officer, The Travel Corporation Don't want to miss out on the industry's premier thought leadership conference? Buy your ticket to Skift Global Forum now and join travel and hospitality leaders shaping the future of the industry this September in NYC. Get Your Tickets Early Bird price of $2,695 (Solo) and $2,495 (Group) for a limited time only. Full-price tickets are $3,695 (Solo) and $3,245 (Group). 1 Person Solo Ticket $2,695 Buy Now 2-6 People Group Ticket From $2,495 Buy Now
