PRESS RELEASE: Flight Centre Travel Group Named Winner of Plug and Play’s ‘Corporate Innovation Award,’ Recognised for its Commitment to Collaborative Innovation

New York, NY (June 13, 2025) – Plug and Play, a leading innovation platform and accelerator programme for early-stage start-ups and emerging growth companies, this week announced Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) as the winner of its ‘Corporate Innovation Award’, presented to the corporate partner that best demonstrates a commitment to digital transformation through acquisitions, investments, proof of concepts, and thought leadership.

The prestigious award was presented during Plug and Play’s three-day Silicon Valley Summit, held at the company’s global headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, from 10-12th June. FCTG is now a three-time recipient of the ‘Corporate Innovation Award’, having previously won in 2022 and 2020.

“We’re incredibly proud to be honoured again with the ‘Corporate Innovation Award’ from Plug and Play,” said John Morhous, Chief Experience Officer, Flight Centre Travel Group – Corporate Brands. “Our flagship business travel divisions of FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller are committed to staying at the forefront of innovation, and this recognition reflects our dedication to driving meaningful transformation across the corporate travel space.”

“Our collaboration with Plug and Play’s accelerator programme has allowed us to connect with some of the brightest, most forward-thinking minds in the industry,” added Morhous. “These relationships have been instrumental to our continued success over the years, often leading to strategic investments or impactful partnerships that have enabled us to develop groundbreaking new technology solutions.”

FCTG has long been a champion of innovation in travel, embracing the latest advancements in technology to enhance the customer experience across both of its corporate brands, FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller. Through its ongoing partnership with Plug and Play, FCTG has been able to make significant investments and acquisitions in select tech-driven companies – such as Shep, WhereTo, Sam, and Umapped – that have played a key role in transforming the business.

FCTG was first introduced to Shep, a browser-extension technology designed to enhance business travel communication, through Plug and Play’s start-up accelerator programme. In 2018, Shep won top honours in the travel start-up competition at Plug and Play’s Summit. FCTG made an initial investment in Shep in 2020, which was followed by a full acquisition in 2021.

Following the ownership transition, Shep CEO and co-founder Daniel Senyard joined the FCTG team, where he led the integration of Shep’s capabilities into FCM’s operations, most notably through its FCM Extension product. A travel technology pioneer, Senyard now serves as SVP of Commercial Platforms and Innovation for FCTG, where he has played an integral role in advancing the company’s efforts in the emerging AI space.

“It’s tremendously rewarding to be recognised again by Plug and Play – nearly seven years after Shep was first honoured,” said Senyard. “Plug and Play was where my journey began and where I first connected with Flight Centre Travel Group, setting the path that ultimately led to our acquisition. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and a shared belief in innovation. Today, I’m proud to give back through my continued involvement with Plug and Play, mentoring the next generation of travel tech leaders within the same ecosystem that gave me my start – truly a full-circle moment.”

The Silicon Valley Summit is Plug and Play’s biannual event, bringing together hundreds of start-ups, corporate partners, venture capitalists, and thought leaders to showcase emerging technologies, celebrate innovation, and foster new partnerships.

“Flight Centre Travel Group continues to set a high bar for what corporate innovation can look like in practice,” said Amir Amidi, Managing Partner at Plug and Play. “Over the years, they’ve demonstrated not only a deep commitment to digital transformation but also a genuine openness to collaboration – whether through early-stage pilots, strategic investments, or full acquisitions. Their work with start-ups like Shep and ongoing engagement with our ecosystem are prime examples of how sustained innovation can drive long-term value. We’re proud to recognise FCTG once again for their leadership and continued impact across the travel industry.”

For more information on the event, please visit here.