Nominations are now open for the 2024 ITM Achievement Awards, recognising individuals and teams across the business travel community for their accomplishments in the last 12 months.

Now in their third year, the awards serve to celebrate talent and nurture professional development by providing a platform to showcase success and recognise achievements no matter how significant.

New for 2024 are the following two categories:

• Sustainability Champion, which will be awarded to the person or team that has an unwavering dedication to making their programme/offering more sustainable
• Tech Innovator, which will be presented to the person or team that is known as a true trailblazer in the ever-evolving landscape of technology

The other award categories are: Game Changer (individual or team); Programme Achievement (individual and team); Service Excellence (individual and team); Mentor of the Year; Mentee of the Year; and One to Watch (Mentee).

All business travel professionals, whether buyer or supplier in any sector, are invited to enter, and applications are not limited to ITM members. The entry process is quick and easy via the ITM website, where criteria for each category is explained. Individuals and teams can self-nominate, or be put forward by another business travel professional. Multiple submissions in different categories are also welcomed.

ITM prides itself on ensuring the judging process is totally impartial and transparent. This year’s judging panel is made up of six members of the ITM community (three buyers, and three suppliers) from diverse industry sectors and backgrounds, with a broad range of skillsets including relationship management, procurement and travel technology. The panel is led by Christina Chimenti, Head of Travel at Sky UK Ltd, together with ITM CEO, Scott Davies.

Judges complete a detailed scoring process for each entry, marking against specific criteria for each category. For example the Game Changer category is scored for each of the following criteria: Innovation, Rule-Breaker, People-Focussed; Different Thinking; Success. Completed score sheets are submitted to Cristina Chimenti who then meets face to face with the judging panel to discuss their rationale and ask any necessary questions before concluding who each of the winners will be. Judges are not aware of the winner or any other scores until the winners are announced at the ITM Achievement Awards ceremony on Friday 28 June in London. At the ceremony, ITM will also recognise mentees graduating from its Mentoring Programme, alongside the achievements of those participating within the framework. Judges selected to assess this category have mentoring experience from both sides of the programme.

Scott Davies, CEO ITM: “We are delighted to announce that entries for this year’s ITM Achievement Awards are open and urge individuals and teams to put themselves forwards. You don’t need to be an ITM member to enter and success comes in many shapes and sizes, so this is an opportunity to be recognised for all manner of achievements. We are also delighted to have such a high calibre panel of judges again this year, who will undertake a thorough two-stage judging process to continue the integrity of our prestigious awards.”