Check-In with Suzanne

Packing In – and Unpacking – A Lot Heading into Convention

With less than a week to go before GBTA Convention 2023 starts, many of us are not only thinking about packing (literally) for Dallas but strategizing how we’ll “pack it all in” once we get there.

There will be so much to choose from for the more than 1,000 registered buyers and thousands of exhibitors, suppliers, partners, and speakers headed to Convention. Attendees can connect and conduct business during the 10 hours of Expo time. There will be over 90 education sessions to choose from and four dynamic Main Stage sessions with keynote presenters. (Hint: stay to the end on Tuesday for news about 2024 and 2025.) There’s still time to register and join us in Dallas – but if you can’t, GBTA members will have access to Convention ed sessions in the GBTA Hub soon after it ends. You can also follow all the action at Convention on GBTA’s social media channels. #GBTA2023

At GBTA, we’ve also been thinking about what we’ll be “unpacking.” As part of making the Convention experience more accommodating, our GBTA Events team has launched an accessibility and inclusivity initiative. We’re even unpacking the Main Stage lunch sessions – for the first time, we’re sharing our Convention food and beverage menus ahead of time with all of you, in the spirit of transparency. From hearing, mobility, sight and service animals – to food – you can find everything we’re doing to make you feel welcome long before you arrive at the Dallas Convention Center. We hope you notice and like the new degree of transparency and inclusion.

At GBTA, we are now 8,000 members strong – and members are key in shaping our future. Thank you to all who have already voted in the Board of Directors elections. If you haven’t, click here for everything you need to know – the deadline is this Friday, August 11^th at 5:00 PM ET and winners will be announced at Convention on the last day.

And with the countdown to Convention upon us, anyone who knows me usually laughs at how many pairs of shoes I bring with me. No matter how you pack – or unpack – or how many shoes you decide to bring (maybe even cowboy boots?), we look forward to seeing you soon in Dallas!

Wishing you safe, easy and happy travels.

Suzanne

Industry Spotlight

GBTA + VDR Europe Conference 2023 – Hamburg
Preview of The Diverse Range of Education in Hamburg

November 14 - 16

We are thrilled to present a sneak peek of the exciting education sessions planned for the upcoming GBTA + VDR Europe Conference 2023 – Hamburg:

• Artificial Intelligence And The Events Industry – What Are The Opportunities And Risks?
  Join a diverse group of panelists for an interactive discussion about the potential impacts that rapidly evolving AI will have on the world – but what does it mean for event planners?
• How to DEI Your Travel Programme
  The discussion will be thought provoking and audience will leave with ideas to amend their travel program to account for DE&I.

The above sessions are just a preview of the diverse range of education sessions that will be offered in Hamburg. Stay tuned for the complete conference agenda. Learn More.

Advanced Priniciples of Business Travel Management
Secure Your Place Today

October 5, 12, 19, 26
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM BST
Virtual course conducted via Zoom

The Advanced Principles of Business Travel Management^™ course builds off of the Fundamentals curriculum to aid business travel professionals in increasing their knowledge of the industry while also expanding on their professional skills.

This course is designed for travel buyers overseeing a managed business travel program and suppliers offering travel-related products and services. GTP holders will earn 14 GTP^® Recertification credits.