Sessions & speakers
Tuesday, July 23
Can Carbon-Based Air Contracts Save Business Travel? | 8 – 8:45 a.m. EST
With Olivier Benoit, Principal and Senior Vice President, Advito
Let’s face it: The 25-year-old model of trading market share for discounts is losing its value and does nothing to align buyers and airlines on their climate goals. Instead, contracts anchored on mutual carbon reductions will soon be essential. Will procurement pros see the benefits? Will airlines go along? Attendees are invited to weigh in on the transformative implications of this bold concept.
Navigating Global Health Risks: Ensuring the Wellbeing of Your Workforce | 8 – 8:45 a.m. EST
With Christine Connolley, Senior Program Manager, Global Crisis Management, BCD Travel
Safeguard your workforce in a changing global health landscape. This session equips travel and risk managers with tools to create a secure environment that considers traveler well-being and resilience. Experts discuss strategies for navigating global health risks, covering challenges from emerging infectious diseases to the impact of travel on well-being, emphasizing comprehensive health and safety measures.
Rethink how you look at risk
Risk management traditionally has focused on destination-based risk, like avoiding war zones or hostile environments. But, it’s time to rethink that approach and include individual-based risk assessments, says BCD crisis expert Christine Connolley.
School’s in Session! A Crash Course for New Travel Buyers | 8 – 8:45 a.m. EST
With Kjarsten Philipsen, Senior Vice President, Regional, BCD Travel and Lisa Scott, Senior Vice President, Regional, BCD Travel
No pop quizzes or final exam – just a collaborative learning space for industry newcomers to familiarize themselves with the foundations of travel management. What’s on the syllabus? Travel management basics like program structure, supplier negotiations, and technology architectures, put into simple terms and explained at an introductory level for anyone seeking to close those knowledge gaps.
TMC RFP Sourcing – 5 Steps to Ensure a Successful Process | 8 – 8:45 a.m. EST
With Rossana Martin, Senior Vice President, Global, BCD Travel
Are you new to issuing a TMC RFP and ready to source and select the right TMC for your business needs? This session will help you gain the confidence you need to successfully run an RFP with the outcome you desire. Dig deeper with our buyer and supplier panel to learn best practices and tips to avoid challenges/common pitfalls during the process. Leave understanding how to streamline the steps of a TMC RFP which ultimately lead to a successful outcome for your company, travel stakeholders, and travelers.
Close Calls 2024: Disasters, Crisis, and More | 9:15 – 10 a.m. EST
With Kathy Bedell, Senior Vice President, BCD Travel
Close calls can happen to anyone, at any organization, at any time. While your travelers may not have been directly affected by a travel disruption or significant event, it’s likely they may have been a canceled flight, serious weather event, or a stolen laptop away from a close call that could have presented a serious threat to your organization.
Airline NDC: Distri-Confusion to Finding Solutions | 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. EST
With Phil Crofton, Senior Director, Sales, BCD Travel
Three travel managers will share how they each navigate the NDC landscape and are connecting the multiple pieces to gain access to content for business travelers. The journey and stages to completion are different for each travel program. This session will provide insights into the solutions being implemented and the challenges each have faced with regards to the airline NDC landscape. Attendees will also hear updates from the Aviation Committee’s GBTA 2023 Convention session, “Air Distri-CONFUSION? Distribution Strategies for Today and the Future Landscape.”
GBTA Ladders: Cultivating the Next Generation of Global Travel Leaders | 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. EST
With Ali Prejean Smith, Director, Marketing & Communication, BCD Travel and Sena Williams, Manager, Client Success, Adelman Travel
Meeting and Event Contracts: Contents, Trends, and Challenges | 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. EST
With Jennifer La Fuente, Senior Vice President, Regional, BCD Travel
Contracting groups, meetings and conventions can be difficult and time consuming. This session will highlight the key “pain points” of contracts and what can be done with them, current trends in contracting, what some client and hotel companies are doing with Master Service Agreements, and the challenges of international contracting.
The TMC Dating Game: Optimizing Your RFP Process to Find Your Perfect Match | 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. EST
With Rossana Martin, Senior Vice President, Global, BCD Travel
Finding the right TMC takes time. Make the RFP process worthwhile by selecting a TMC that isn’t just a summer fling, but a long-term partner. In this session, buyers will discuss defining program goals, qualities they look for in a TMC, and how they level the playing field to ensure an ‘apples to apples’ comparison – ultimately selecting a partner that meets their benchmarks now and in the future.
How to find the right TMC
The Travel Management Company (TMC) partner you choose can significantly affect the success of your organization’s managed travel program, traveler satisfaction, and the company’s bottom line. Finding the best TMC match requires strategic planning, a methodical process and involvement from the right travel stakeholders.
Wednesday, July 24
Breaking Down Silos: Using Communications to Bring Your Strategy Together | 8 – 8:45 a.m. EST
With Julie Stuckey, Managing Consultant, Advito
With all of the data available at our fingertips, it’s surprising that breaking down silos between the different parts of a travel program is still a challenge. The crucial (and often missing) piece of the puzzle to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goal is communications. This session will explore how to use travel data and communications to create a holistic program strategy.
Navigating the Future: The Impact of NDC and Airline Direct on Travel Risk | 8 – 8:45 a.m. EST
With Jeff Ochaita, Senior Director, Customer Technology & Global Solutions at Adelman Travel
This session is essential for anyone managing travel and duty of care. New Distribution Channels (NDC) and airline corporate direct have a significant impact on data availability that is essential to tracking and managing travelers’ wellbeing. This workshop will navigate the challenges and explore new technologies key to receiving timely and accurate data. Join a discussion about the positive impact of establishing industry-wide standards and better collaboration among all constituents: TMCs, Airlines, GDS and Aggregators.
AI for Non-Techies: Practical Use Cases, Risks, and Other Opportunities | 9:15 – 10 a.m. EST
With Heather Wright, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, BCD Travel
Whether you’re an enthusiast or a skeptic, AI is here to stay. In this session, get answers to the questions everyone is asking: What does generative AI mean for our industry? How will it enhance service? Who has the most to gain, and how will it impact travel programs, travel managers, and the traveler experience?
Mastering TRM: Unleash the Power of the New Toolkit for Enhanced Program Success | 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. EST
With Christine Connolley, Senior Program Manager, Global Crisis Management, BCD Travel
The TRM Toolkit is a valuable asset designed to support GBTA members in managing their travel risk management programs, and complements other resources available including ISO:31030, the Travel Risk Management RFP, and the TRM Supplier Capabilities matrix. The new and improved toolkit will be tailored specifically for individuals that may be tasked with multiple roles.
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