Business Travel Show America Records 28% Attendance Growth in New York and Doubles Space for 2027

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Business Travel Show America recorded 28% attendance growth in New York, bringing together more than 1,450 corporate travel professionals and 513 qualified buyers. The event also reported stronger supplier participation and business meetings, prompting organisers to announce a larger exhibition at the Javits Center in September 2027.

Business Travel Show America Attracts More Than 1,450 Industry Professionals

Business Travel Show America has reported substantial growth in its second year, strengthening its position as a meeting place for corporate travel buyers, suppliers and industry decision-makers.

The two-day exhibition returned to the Javits Center in New York following its debut in 2025. Attendance increased by 28%, reflecting growing industry interest in business travel technology, supplier partnerships and managed travel programmes.

The event welcomed representatives from major organisations, including Meta, KPMG, Kimberly-Clark, Lockheed Martin, Citibank, Sony, Crowe Advisory and Power Design.

Among the 513 qualified corporate travel and meetings buyers, 63% were attending for the first time. Collectively, these buyers were responsible for more than $66.1 billion in annual travel and entertainment expenditure.

The figures highlight the commercial importance of the exhibition for companies seeking to connect with organisations managing substantial corporate travel budgets.

Supplier Participation Rises by More Than 40%

Supplier representation also expanded significantly during the 2026 exhibition.

More than 150 suppliers participated, representing growth of over 40% compared with the previous year. The exhibition welcomed 27 companies making their first appearance.

Suppliers conducted more than 4,600 meetings with buyers, a 28% increase from 2025.

These meetings provided opportunities to discuss accommodation contracts, corporate travel management, booking technology, distribution systems and emerging business travel services.

Kayak for Business was among the new exhibitors, while Millennium Hotels and Resorts returned for its second consecutive appearance.

Supplier feedback emphasised the value of direct conversations with travel managers and procurement professionals. Several exhibitors also confirmed their intention to participate again in 2027.

Artificial Intelligence and Customer Service Lead Industry Discussions

Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, featured prominently in the conference programme.

The opening session, titled A View from the Top, brought together Steve Sear, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Distribution at Delta Air Lines, and Jen Bankard, Executive Director of Conference Content and Strategy at The BTN Group.

Sear explained how artificial intelligence could support employees, simplify travel policies and improve consistency across customer interactions.

He identified security, speed and scale as three essential considerations when implementing AI within corporate travel operations.

The discussion reflected growing attention to how travel providers can introduce automation without compromising customer confidence or data protection.

On the second day, Nick Vournakis, Head of Premium Leisure and Corporate Solutions at Chase Travel Group, examined the continuing importance of human service.

He argued that travel management companies must reconsider their service strategies as automation becomes more widespread, particularly when travellers require assistance during disruptions.

PredictX and Swivul Win Innovation Awards

Innovation remained another important element of the exhibition.

The 2026 Business Travel Show America Innovation Faceoff featured 12 competing companies presenting their solutions during timed pitches.

Participants demonstrated their ideas before industry judges and an audience that included more than 500 corporate travel buyers.

PredictX received the Business Travel Innovator award, while Swivul secured the People’s Choice title.

The competition provided emerging travel technology businesses with exposure to corporate buyers and industry stakeholders.

Beyond the competition, educational sessions explored strategic meetings management, technology distribution and travel programmes for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Networking activities included the Hosted Buyer Welcome Event at Swingers NoMad, sponsored by Enterprise Mobility, alongside dedicated BTN Communities sessions.

Business Travel Show America Confirms Larger Exhibition for September 2027

Following the increase in attendance and supplier participation, organisers confirmed that Business Travel Show America will return to New York on 15–16 September 2027.

The next exhibition will again take place at the Javits Center, with plans to double its exhibition footprint.

BTN Group Executive Vice President Louis Magliaro welcomed the event’s second-year performance, highlighting stronger buyer engagement, supplier diversity and the quality of business discussions.

Organisers also reported that numerous exhibition booths had already been reserved for 2027.

The expansion represents a significant commitment to the American corporate travel market and reflects the organisers’ expectations of continued demand for face-to-face industry engagement.