GBTA Foundation Annual Impact Awards

2026 Winners Announced at the GBTA Foundation Gala

The submission period for this year’s awards has officially ended. We are thrilled by the overwhelming response and the incredible stories of innovation, leadership, and collaboration across the business travel ecosystem. We announced our winners at the GBTA Foundation Gala on August 2.

About the Awards

Progress doesn’t happen on its own. It’s driven by people and organizations willing to lead, to act, and to move the industry forward.

The GBTA Foundation Annual Impact Awards signal a bold ambition for what our industry can achieve. They honor leaders, organizations, and partnerships driving meaningful, measurable change – and set the standard for where business travel is headed, not just where it has been.

This premier, future‑focused recognition program celebrates the vision, action, and collaboration advancing People First and Planet Always priorities. By nominating someone, you help amplify the impact that matters most – and shape the future we’re building together.

Award Presentation at Foundation Gala

August 2 | FIELD Museum | Chicago

Learn More

2026 Foundation Impact Award Winners

Catalyst Award

Sarah Martin

Senior Communications Director

Amex GBT

The Power of Purpose:
Connecting People Through Travel

Innovators Award

Shirley Stroud

Life Sciences Senior Compliance Manager

BCD Travel

Setting a New Standard for Accessible
Business Travel

Changemaker Award

Anna Rose Feinberg

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Alo Index

Embedding Sustainability Into
Every Hotel Decision

Partner for Progress Award

Building a scalable SAF model for low-emission flying

Award Categories

Catalyst Award

About
Nomination Tips

Igniting Action & Momentum

Recognizes individuals that spark meaningful progress aligned with People First or Planet Always – often serving as the starting force for change.

Who This Honors

Emerging leaders and first-time innovators launching bold initiatives

Champions who activate others and create momentum early

Strong nominations highlight:

The Spark
- Describe the idea, initiative, or action that the nominee launched. What challenge does it address, and why is it catalytic?

Action & Activation
- How did the nominee move from idea to action? Who did they engage or activate?

Momentum & Early Impact
- What evidence shows early momentum, traction, or influence? (Metrics, participation, feedback, or early outcomes may be included.)

Ripple Effect & Future Potential
- How has this effort inspired others or created momentum beyond the initial action? What is its potential to grow or scale?

Innovator’s Award

About
Nomination Tips

Redefining What’s Possible

Honors breakthrough ideas, solutions, or approaches that rethink how the business travel industry addresses People and Planet challenges.

Who This Honors

Individuals bringing new models to market

Technology, policy, or process innovators

Strong nominations highlight:

Purpose & Challenge
- What People or Planet challenge does this innovation address—and why does it matter?

Innovative Solution
- What is the breakthrough idea or approach, and what makes it meaningfully different?

Action & Implementation
- How was the innovation developed and put into action (e.g., pilots, partnerships, adoption)?

Impact & Evidence
- What measurable or observable results demonstrate the effectiveness of this innovation?

Influence & Scalability
- How does this innovation influence the industry, and what is its potential to scale or be replicated?

Changemaker Award

About
Nomination Tips

Driving Measurable, Sustained Change

Recognizes leaders that turn commitment into sustained, measurable impact – moving beyond pilots to lasting transformation.

Who This Honors

Senior leaders
Those influencing policy, culture, or industry standards

Strong nominations highlight:

Purpose & Commitment
- What people or planet challenge does the nominee address, and what long-term commitment have they made to drive change?

Actions & Leadership
- Describe the actions, leadership decisions, or strategies implemented to move beyond pilots.

Measurable Impact
- What sustained, measurable results demonstrate lasting impact?

Influence & Systems Change
- How has the nominee influenced policy, culture, industry standards, or collective action beyond their own organization?

Longevity & Future Sustainability
- How is this change being sustained over time, and what ensures its continued impact into the future?

Partner for Progress Award

About
Nomination Tips

Powering Collective Impact

Honors a partner organization or cross‑sector collaboration that has accelerated progress on People First and/or Planet Always outcomes through meaningful partnership with the GBTA Foundation and the broader business travel ecosystem.

This award recognizes that systemic change happens faster when organizations work together—aligning expertise, resources, and influence.

Who This Honors

Corporate partners, suppliers, buyers, NGOs, startups, or alliances

Multi-stakeholder collaborations driving industry-wide solutions

Long-standing or high-impact GBTA Foundation partners

Strong nominations highlight:

Purpose & Shared Commitment
- What People and/or Planet challenge does this partnership address, and why is collaboration essential to achieving meaningful progress?

Partnership Model & Collaboration
- Who is involved, how do partners work together, and what makes this collaboration meaningful (beyond a transactional relationship)?

Actions & Collective Contribution
- What actions, resources, or expertise have partners contributed to drive progress?

Impact & Measurable Outcomes
- What results demonstrate the value of this partnership? (Metrics or outcomes encouraged.)

Influence, Scale & Future Potential
- How has this partnership influenced the industry, and what is its potential to scale or serve as a model for others?

Eligibility and Rules

Nominations are open to individuals, organizations, companies, coalitions, and partnerships within the global business travel ecosystem.

Nominees may include buyers, suppliers, intermediaries, NGOs, startups, and cross-sector alliances.

Self-nominations and third-party nominations are permitted unless otherwise noted.

Nominees must demonstrate impact aligned to the purpose of the specific award category.

Members of the GBTA Foundation Board of Directors and GBTA Foundation staff are not eligible to be nominated.

Nominations must be submitted through the official online nomination platform by the published deadline.

Nominations Open: March 4, 2026
Nominations Close: April 10, 2026

Award Notifications: Finalists and/or winners will be notified directly
Public Announcement: Winners were announced at the GBTA Foundation Gala on August 2nd at the Field Museum, Chicago.

2026 Finalists