This year’s presenters impressed judges with tech that is reshaping the world, even beyond the travel industry. Read the summary here, and be sure to congratulate the winners.

First Place: 360 Direct Video. See their award-winning pitch here.

Second Place (tie): Hero Door Opener and Be My Eyes. Check out the Here Door Opener pitch here, and the Be My Eyes pitch here.

Third Place: Aira. Find Aira’s pitch here.

A special thanks to our judges:

Allie Rowe, Marriott

Allison Rowe is a hospitality leader deeply committed to operational excellence and disability inclusion, ensuring every guest experience is seamless and welcoming. As Director of Rooms & Guest Experience at Global Operations, she has introduced accessible technologies, comprehensive training programs, and inclusive practices that meet the diverse needs of today’s travelers. A mentor and advocate, Allison fosters a culture of inclusivity within her teams, embedding accessibility as a core value across all aspects of hospitality—from room design to service delivery—while shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for the industry.

Ron Petit, Royal Caribbean

As the Head of Disability Inclusion at Royal Caribbean, Ron Petit he developed the world’s only global cruise program tailored to the autism community, impacting an estimated 75 million individuals. With a career focused on advancing accessibility and fostering cultural change, Ron has influenced senior leadership, mentored teams, and collaborated with stakeholders to embed inclusion across organizational practices. A passionate advocate, he combines strategic vision and hands-on expertise to inspire lasting progress, proving that accessibility is fundamental to creating a more equitable world.

Paul Kent, disABLED Life Alliance

Paul Kent is the founder of disAbled Life Alliance (dALA), a nonprofit established in 2022 to create sustainable change for individuals with disabilities by addressing disparities in healthcare, employment, and access to vital resources. Leveraging his business acumen and a patient capital approach, Paul leads dALA in structuring and executing high-impact programs and technologies that improve quality of life while amplifying the social impact of private funders. Under his leadership, dALA has become a key driver of innovation and collaboration in the disability sector, advancing accessibility and inclusivity through measurable, long-term solutions.

Jeff Ossenkop GM San Francisco, W Hotel

Jeff Ossenkop is a seasoned hospitality leader with over 22 years of experience in boutique, luxury, and full-service hotel management. As General Manager of the W Hotel San Francisco, he excels in overseeing complex transitions, enhancing revenue, and fostering exceptional guest and team experiences in the heart of SoMa. Previously, Jeff led the historic restoration of The Tremont House and launched Canopy by Hilton San Francisco SoMa, earning accolades like Marriott’s Hotel Opening of the Year award and recognition on Galveston’s 40 Under 40 list for his contributions to the industry and community.

Ron Kuzon, Owner,The Schoolhouse Hotel

The School Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia is the world’s first fully ADA-compliant hotel, ensuring comfortable stays for neurodivergent individuals including those with mobility issues, blindness, and deafness. This fully accessible boutique hotel transformed the former historic White Sulphur Springs schoolhouse into a hub for the community and visitors alike. It features 30 uniquely appointed guest rooms, an upscale southern cuisine restaurant, rooftop bar and flexible ballroom space perfect for weddings, conferences and so much more. The Schoolhouse Hotel showcases the best in West Virginia lodging in a completely inclusive atmosphere, leading the way in inclusion in hospitality.