Scroll down to see the 2026 Trendsetter Finalists!
The TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards is open to advisors and individually owned agencies in all 50 States.
Each year, the TravelAge West Trendsetter Awards recognize travel advisors and travel agencies who make an impact on the industry and the community. Two finalists in each category are invited to and honored at the WAVE Awards as guests of their sponsor.
Entries
are reviewed and voted on by the sponsors and editorial staff of TravelAge West. Furthermore, suppliers who sponsor the Trendsetter Awards do so not just for publicity; they support the travel agent community and wish to honor those who are making
significant strides in the industry.
For a behind-the-scenes look at the Trendsetters judging
process, and some top tips to make your application stand out, listen to the
Jan. 26, 2026, episode of Humans of Travel, featuring Editor-in-Chief Mindy Poder.
There are five categories to enter (you can enter more than one):
1. Best Use of Social Media
2. Upward Bound, Rockstar Advisor Under 40
3. Best Targeted Marketing Idea
4. Best Group Booking Effort
5. Saving the Day
2026 Sponsors: Sandals Resorts, Hyatt's Inclusive Collection, Princess Cruises, Globus Family of Brands and Travel Insured International
2026 TRENDSETTER AWARDS RECIPIENTS
Upward
Bound, Rockstar Advisor Under 40 (Sponsor: Hyatt's Inclusive Collection)
Winner:
Christina Vieira
Showcase the World Travel
Runner-Up:
Rebecca Smiley
Smiley Travel
Best Use of Social Media (Sponsor: Sandals Resorts)
Winner:
Derek and Amanda Phillips
Island Time Travel
Runner-Up:
RacQuelle Major-Holland
Major Adventures Travel/MH Family Adventures
Best
Targeted Marketing Idea (Sponsor: Princess Cruises)
Winner:
Kieran & Sherri Murry
Ignite U Travel by Dream Vacations
Runner-Up:
Hope Reynolds
Timeless Travel Collective
Best
Group Booking Effort (Sponsor: Globus Family of Brands)
Winner:
Jared Hanel
Direct Travel
Runner-Up:
Jackie Matthews
Adventure Awaits World Travel
Saving the Day (Sponsor: Travel Insured International)
Winner:
Amy Leon
Adventures by Amy
Runner-Up:
Katy Caldwell-Cole
Touring Folk
