Saturday, 30 May 2026
7-10pm
The Chattanoogan Hotel
Chattanooga, TN
Who we are.
The Bessie Awards celebrate women and gender-diverse people making an impact in travel, as well as the companies and brands that champion them. From influencers and creative entrepreneurs to startups and established organizations, the awards honor those whose voices, leadership, and innovation are shaping a more inclusive and representative travel industry.
The Bessies were created by Wanderful, a global lifestyle brand and inclusive community of thousands of travelers and travel content creators. Our members offer support, share resources, and build sisterhood. We encourage the growth and success of women and marginalized people who are building businesses in travel and advocate for an industry that is equitable, inclusive, and thoughtful for all.
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Bessie Coleman.
The Bessies are named after Bessie Coleman, the first woman of African American and Native American descent to hold a pilot’s license. We hope to invoke the spirit of Ms. Coleman by honoring the truly creative work of some of our biggest thought leaders and innovators in travel. We value the contributions of diverse people of all ages and backgrounds who represent us as a community of travelers.
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