In this episode of The Layover, we catch up with Mike Petrakis, CEO and founder of Batch, the app revolutionizing how people plan group travel and celebrations. From bachelorette blowouts and golf trips to divorce parties and girls’ getaways, Batch has become the go-to destination for organizing unforgettable group experiences—now in 90 markets across the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Mike shares how Batch is:
- Building what he calls “the celebration economy”—turning life’s milestones into travel-worthy moments
- Expanding beyond bachelor and bachelorette parties to serve every kind of group celebration
- Using predictive demand to see where travelers are going months before they book
- Empowering small businesses, from boat captains to hibachi chefs, to thrive by plugging into Batch’s ecosystem
- Curating authentic local stays, dining, and activities powered by user data, not algorithms
- Balancing explosive growth with profitability—and why they’ve turned down outside capital for two years
- Betting on community and curation over automation as AI reshapes travel
Whether you’re a party planner, an entrepreneur in the experience economy, or just someone who loves celebrating life with your crew, this episode offers a front-row look at how Batch is redefining group travel—one unforgettable trip at a time.
🎉 Plan Your Next Celebration Download the Batch app and start planning your next group getaway at batch.com.
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