Why Enter Skift IDEA Awards

As the source for all things travel, Skift is at the forefront of industry innovation, continuously reporting on and spotlighting the individuals, teams and businesses that are reshaping the travel landscape and driving meaningful change.

The Skift IDEA Awards is an extension of this daily coverage, with the aim of recognizing and celebrating the most impactful and forward-thinking projects from brands, agencies, and tech companies across hospitality, airlines, meetings & events, travel technology and so much more. 

Since its inception, the Skift IDEA Awards has grown into one of the most prestigious accolades in travel, recognising 106 winners to date. With the programme expanding further in 2025, you might be wondering—should you submit your project? Here’s what’s in store for this year’s winners.

1. Celebrate Your Achievements on Travel's Biggest Stage

We’re excited to once again be able to offer 2025 winners the chance to join us in New York City for a moment of celebration on stage at our largest event, Skift Global Forum, where we anticipate to welcome over 1,000 attendees from all across the travel industry. And that’s not all - category winners will also receive a unique trophy to take away and serve as a permanent reminder of all of your hard work.

2. Give Your Team the Recognition They Deserve

Submitting your project for business awards isn’t just a powerful way to boost brand visibility (we’ll cover that more later) - it’s also the perfect platform to recognise the dedicated individuals who make it all happen behind the scenes. Why not take this opportunity to highlight the hard work and achievements of your team? Not only will it show your appreciation and inspire your team to continue striving for excellence, but it will also put their talent in the spotlight for the entire travel industry to see.

3. Put Your Work in Front of Industry Leaders

The soon to be announced Skift IDEA Awards judging panel - which has previously included top representatives from Expedia, Marriott International, Brand USA, Intrepid Travel, The Travel Corporation and more - will be reviewing the shortlisted submissions along with Skift Editors to determine our 2025 winners. This is a unique opportunity to put your brand in front of some of the industry’s biggest names.

Don’t forget: all submissions that make it through to the shortlisting stage will also be featured on Skift.com for our global audience to see.

4. Increase Brand Awareness

In 2025, every shortlisted submission will be showcased on Skift.com and will also be provided with a comprehensive digital brand package - packed with graphics, badges, and banners - to help you maximise impact. But that’s not all! Winners will also receive a customised digital winner’s kit along with exclusive opportunities to participate in the digital programme at Skift Global Forum.

5. Enhanced Networking Opportunities

And for the final piece of the puzzle, we have networking opportunities. As part of the Skift IDEA Awards winner package, you could be joining us at Skift Global Forum, where you will have ample opportunity to connect with other business leaders in your industry, potential customers, partners and even investors – which could potentially lead to to new business opportunities that you might not have otherwise had access to.

6. A Benchmark for Excellence

Always remember, even if you don’t win, the submission process itself allows you to benchmark your work against the industry’s best, helping you refine your strategy and push your brand forward.

The full Skift IDEA Awards winner package includes: 

• All winners invited to join us on-stage at Skift Global Forum for Award programming and winner photo
• A physical award trophy
• The chance to be interviewed on-site at Skift Global Forum
• Exposure to Skift’s editors and VIP judges
• Coverage on Skift.com and Skift marketing channels
• A complimentary ticket to Skift Global Forum, plus 25% off additional tickets
• Digital brand exposure at Skift Global Forum 2025
• A personalized digital branding kit to use when promoting to customers and the press
• Credit towards Skift’s premium subscription products

Sound like something you would like to be a part of? Well, you can’t win if you don’t enter! Submit today with the peace of mind that you have locked in the lowest entry fee, with the ability to edit up until the final deadline of June 13.