A Regional Series with Global Insight
The GBTA APAC Business Travel Forums returns in 2026 with four regionally focused events across Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Auckland, running from March to April.
Each Forum is designed to reflect the unique travel, aviation and corporate dynamics of each market, combing global insight with local relevance – ensuring buyers, suppliers and stakeholders engage with the issues that matter most in their region.
Registration Pricing:
| GBTA Buyer Member Rate: | Buyer (Non-Member) Rate | GBTA Supplier Member Rate | Supplier (Non-Member) Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| US$29 USD | US$195 USD *Rate includes GBTA annual membership Normal membership rate $170 USD (+ $25 initial registration fee) |
US$59 USD | US$195 USD *Rate includes GBTA annual membership Normal membership rate $170 USD (+ $25 initial registration fee) |
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About
While each Forum is locally curated, all of these half day in person events, draw on GBTA’s global research, policy leadership and international perspective, providing delegates with both strategic context and practical takeaways.
As well as localised ‘Economic Outlook’ session, covering national & global business trends, with implications for corporate travel each Forum will also feature a series of short presentations followed by round-table discussions on hot topics, including:
- Tech & AI: Reimagining Travel Program Management Through AI: How AI is transforming sourcing, compliance, policy, traveller service and supplier strategy.
- Workforce Mobility: Exploring how digital tools support safer, more efficient workforce mobility in key industries.
- Payments, expense, compliance: The latest in traveller-centric, compliant payments and expense management
- RFPs and Tenders: The latest tips for Airline and TMC tenders to future-proof your program
- Data & Reporting: Optimising Travel Spend with Data & AI
These roundtable discussions will help facilitate team-learning, deepen relationships and catalyse new contacts and connections.
The Forums bring together senior corporate travel buyers, procurement leaders, airlines, hotels, technology providers, payments/expense providers and for a half-day of thought leadership, panel discussion and peer exchange through round-table discussion and networking components
Event Details
The GBTA APAC Business Travel Forum 2026 in Brisbane will take place on:
Wednesday, March 11 at the Sofitel Brisbane Central, 9:00 AM – 12.30 PM.
About the Event:
The Brisbane Business Travel Forum will focus on sustainable travel, workforce mobility and corporate growth in Queensland, reflecting the region’s strong resources, infrastructure and decentralised workforce base. Sessions will explore how organisations are balancing cost, sustainability and duty of care as travel demand continues to normalise.
Key sessions:
- Peer Roundtable Discussions: AI transformation, Payment & expense management, RFPs and tenders in 2026
- Sustainable Travel Panel: Decarbonising Aviation & Travel: Can Australia rise to the forefront?
Agenda
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Registration and Tabletop Exhibitor Showcase
9:00 AM – 9:05 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Speakers:
Derek Sadubin
Country Manager AU/NZ
GBTA Australia
Emma Jones
GBTA Australia Board Member and Director of Sales – Corporate, Government & Airlines, Pacific, Accor Pacific
9:05 AM – 9:30 AM
Virgin Australia Q&A
Perspectives on Virgin Australia’s business proposition for buyers and industry leaders.
Interviewer:
Allan Leibowitz
Editor
business travel BUZZZ
Speaker:
Cheryl Embery
Head of Business Development
Virgin Australia
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Middle East Crisis Update
Speakers:
– Peter Wiseman, General Manager, Sales, CTM
– Virginia Fitzpatrick, Director, Partnership Travel Consulting
– Tim Davern, Principal – Travel, Rio TInto
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM
Coffee Break and Tabletop Exhibitor Showcase
10:20 AM – 10:35 AM
GBTA Community Updates
- WINiT in Australia and New Zealand – advancing gender equality in corporate travel
- GBTA Acceleration Challenge – Designing and delivering sustainable travel programs
Speakers:
Derek Sadubin
Country Manager AU/NZ
GBTA Australia
![sonya]](https://gbta.org/wp-content/uploads/sonya-1.png)
Sonya Lowry
Associate Director Global Procurement – Travel Services
AstraZeneca
10:35 AM – 11:00 AM
Sustainable Travel Panel: Decarbonising Aviation & Travel
Our industry leaders discuss:
- Insights into smarter program design, decarbonisation steps and reporting
- Scope 3 emissions reporting for sustainable aviation, accommodation & ground transport
- Behaviour change & traveller engagement
- Pathways to realistic 2030 goals
Overview & Introduction by Moderator:
Tony Harrington
Aviation Journalist – Sustainability and Strategy
EVA International Media
Speakers:
Emily Hanrahan
Sustainability Officer
Corporate Travel Management
Sonya Lowry
Associate Director Global Procurement – Travel Services
AstraZeneca
11:00 AM – 12:13 PM
Round-tables: Wrestling with Travel Program Challenges
A series of short-sharp 5-minute primer presentations and round-table discussions
Moderator:
Craig Southee
Regional General Manager – QLD & WA
CT Connections
From Policy to Intelligence: How AI will change the way business travel Is booked
Speaker:
Ben Wheeler
Chief Technology Officer
ello Technology
Payments, expense, compliance: The latest in traveller-centric, compliant payments and expense management
Speakers:
Marten Jagers
Vice President – Asia-Pacific-Japan,
Emburse
Joe De Fazio
Head of Corporate Sales – Australia & New Zealand – International Card Services,
American Express
RFPs and Tenders: The latest tips for Airline and TMC tenders to future-proof your program
Speaker:
Virginia Fitzpatrick
Director
Partnership Travel Consulting
12:13 PM – 12:15 PM
Closing Remarks
Derek Sadubin
Country Manager AU/NZ
GBTA Australia
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Networking Opportunity and Tabletop Exhibitor Showcase
Connect with Queensland’s business travel community.
Registration Pricing:
| GBTA Buyer Member Rate: | Buyer (Non-Member) Rate | GBTA Supplier Member Rate | Supplier (Non-Member) Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| US$29 USD | US$195 USD *Rate includes GBTA annual membership Normal membership rate $170 USD (+ $25 initial registration fee) |
US$59 USD | US$195 USD *Rate includes GBTA annual membership Normal membership rate $170 USD (+ $25 initial registration fee) |
Event Details
The GBTA APAC Business Travel Forum 2026 in Perth will take place on:
Wednesday, March 18 at the Pan Pacific, Perth, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
About the Event:
The GBTA APAC Business Travel Forum- Perth, will feature content that has been tailored to address air access and long-haul dependency, with a strong emphasis on aviation capacity, mining and energy travel requirements, and duty of care for remote and regional travel. The program reflects Western Australia’s unique reliance on air connectivity and global supply chains.
Key sessions:
- AI & Travel Procurement Keynote: Reinventing Program Management in the Age of Intelligent Automation
- Air Capacity Outlook Panel: The Future of Connectivity for WA Business and FIFO Travellers
Agenda
12:00 PM – 1:55 PM
Lunch & Property Tour
For invited Buyers only
1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Registration and Tabletop Exhibitor Showcase
2:00 PM – 2:05 PM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Speaker:
Derek Sadubin
Country Manager AU/NZ
GBTA Australia
2:05 PM – 2:25 PM
Qantas Presentation: Investing in serving WA
A review of fleet, routes, wifi rollout and new cabins.
Speaker:
Oronzo Miccoli
Head of Corporate & Government Sales
Qantas
2:25 PM – 2:35 PM
Middle East Crisis: Security & Risk Update
2:35 PM – 2:50 PM
Air Capacity Outlook Panel: The Future of Connectivity for WA Business and FIFO Travellers
Middle East airspace issues: The Future of Connectivity for WA Business and FIFO Travelers
A discussion with airline and airport leaders on WA air capacity trends, route development, and implications for corporates and TMCs.
The latest on Perth Airport access and infrastructure investment
Moderator:
Ellis Taylor, Editor, Cirium
Speaker:
Oronzo Miccoli
Head of Corporate & Government Sales
Qantas
2:55 PM – 3:05 PM
Accommodation Sector Outlook
- Overview of Temp Accommodation for corporate/business travellers in WA/Perth
- High-level outlook for 2026 on availability, rates and demand peaks for 2026
Dima Lorenz
Managing Director | APAC
Dwellworks | Dwellworks Living
3:05 PM – 3:25 PM
Coffee Break and Tabletop Exhibitor Showcase
3:25 PM – 3:40 PM
GBTA Community Update
- WINiT in Australia and New Zealand – advancing gender equality in corporate travel
- Project & Crew Travel Update – GBTA PCTT (Project Team and Crew Travel) Committee
Speakers:
– Jess Ogley, WINiT Regional Ambassador and Serko, Senior Technical Solutions Consultant – APAC
– John Vawter, GBTA PCTT Founding Committee Member and Sr. Vice President, ERM, BCD Travel
3:40 PM – 4:00 PM
AI & Travel Procurement Keynote: Reinventing Program Management in the Age of Intelligent Automation
Automation is the key and AI is impacting everything in procurement, including:
More accurate and faster scheduling, eg of workforce movements;
Fast-tracking contracting legal reviews, so contracts can be awarded much faster;
Agentic AI will challenge the TMC model to be much more value-adding
This keynote will share insights into how AI is reshaping sourcing, compliance, duty of care, traveller experience and supplier strategy within a travel program in WA. At the same time as we embrace new technology, we must also focus on building up our people. The aim is to replace their repetitive, administrative tasks with AI, but leverage their human intelligence for a better outcome.
This keynote will share insights into how AI is reshaping sourcing, compliance, duty of care, traveller experience and supplier strategy within a travel program in WA. At the same time as we embrace new technology, we must also focus on building up our people. The aim is to replace their repetitive, administrative tasks with AI, but leverage their human intelligence for a better outcome.
Solomon Patha
Procurement Manager
BCI Minerals Ltd
4:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Round-tables: Wrestling with Travel Program Challenges:
A series of short-sharp primer presentations and round table discussions:
– Workforce Mobility: Exploring how digital tools support safer, more efficient workforce mobility in Queensland’s key industries.
– Payments, expense, compliance: The latest in traveller-centric, compliant payments and expense management
Moderator:
Mike Orchard
Head of People and Performance
Festive Road
Travel that thinks ahead: From reactive booking to predictive travel: what if your travel program could anticipate needs, remove friction before it happens, and reshape the traveller experience.
- Peter Wiseman Head of Marketing, CTM
Workforce Mobility: Exploring how digital tools support safer, more efficient workforce mobility in WA’s key industries.
Speaker:
- Mohzin Jaffer, Senior Manager – Regional Sales, IBS Software
Payments, expense, compliance: The latest in traveller-centric, compliant payments and expense management
- Marten Jagers, Vice President – Asia-Pacific-Japan, Emburse
- Joe De Fazio, Head of Corporate Sales – Australia & New Zealand – International Card Services, American Express
Accommodation sector outlook: Overview of Temp Accommodation for corporate/business travellers in WA/Perth & High-level outlook for 2026 on availability, rates and demand peaks for 2026
- Dima Lorenz, Managing Director APAC, Dwellworks
5:15 PM – 5:20 PM
Closing Remarks & Next Events
5:20 PM – 5:30 PM
Networking Opportunity and Tabletop Exhibitor Showcase
Continue the conversation with industry peers from WA travel procurement teams, as well as local and national travel suppliers.
*Agenda can be subject to change
Registration Pricing:
| GBTA Buyer Member Rate: | Buyer (Non-Member) Rate | GBTA Supplier Member Rate | Supplier (Non-Member) Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| US$29 USD | US$195 USD *Rate includes GBTA annual membership Normal membership rate $170 USD (+ $25 initial registration fee) |
US$59 USD | US$195 USD *Rate includes GBTA annual membership Normal membership rate $170 USD (+ $25 initial registration fee) |
Event Details
The GBTA APAC Business Travel Forum 2026 in Melbourne will take place on:
Wednesday, April 22 at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
About the Event:
Melbourne’s BTF will examine data-driven travel programs, ESG accountability and complex travel ecosystems, aligned with the city’s concentration of large corporates, professional services firms and multinational headquarters. Discussions will focus on using analytics, AI and supplier partnerships to optimise spend, compliance and sustainability outcomes.
Key sessions:
- Sustainability & Carbon-Aware Travel Policy
- Duty of Care in a Complex World
Agenda
9:00 AM – 9:05 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Speakers:
Derek Sadubin, Country Manager AU/NZ, GBTA Australia
Melanie Giles, Board Member (TBC), GBTA Australia
9:05 AM – 9:30 AM
Economic Outlook Keynote
• An economic view of Australia’s growth sectors, labour market, and business travel demand
• Australia’s domestic macroeconomic outlook, regional and global headline economic outlook
• High level trade/investment prospects for Australia in 2026
• T&E expense trends and implications for business travel demand
Speaker:
Katrina Ell, Vice President, Senior Economist, Mastercard
9:30 AM – 9:50 AM
Middle East Crisis Update
Speaker:
Grant Strudwick, Director – Travel Risk Advisory, Healix
9:50 AM – 10:15 AM
Roundtable Discussions Part A: Wrestling with Travel Program Challenges
A series of short-sharp 5-minute primer presentations and round-table discussions
9:50 AM – 10:15 AM
Roundtable Discussions Part A: Wrestling with Travel Program Challenges
A series of short-sharp 5-minute primer presentations and round-table discussions
Moderator:
Mike Orchard, Head of People and Performance, Festive Road
Roundtable Discussions Part A: Wrestling with Travel Program Challenges
A series of short-sharp 5-minute primer presentations and round-table discussions
Moderator:
Mike Orchard, Head of People and Performance, Festive Road
Payments: The latest in travel payments trends
Speaker:
Joe De Fazio, Head of Corporate Sales – Australia & New Zealand – International Card Services, American Express
Travel that thinks ahead: From reactive booking to predictive travel: what if your travel program could anticipate needs, remove friction before it happens, and reshape the traveller experience
Speaker:
TBC
10:15 AM – 10:40 AM
Coffee Break
10:40 AM – 10:45 AM
GBTA Community Updates
Speakers:
Derek Sadubin, Country Manager AU/NZ, GBTA Australia
Anthea Dimitrakopoulos, Board Member, GBTA Australia
Nicole Kolotas, WINiT in Australia and New Zealand – advancing gender equality in corporate travel, CTM
10:45 AM – 11:05 AM
Keynote & Q&A: AI, Corporate Travel and everything!
• How AI agents are about to become the primary “customer” for travel suppliers. Why that fundamentally breaks how the industry markets, sells, and builds loyalty today
• And what are the bigger ramifications of AI, the workforce and the global economy?
Speaker:
Sami Mäkeläinen, Founder, Transition Level
11:05 AM – 12:15 PM
Roundtable Discussions Part B: Wrestling with Travel Program Challenges
A series of short-sharp 5-minute primer presentations and round-table discussions
Moderator:
Mike Orchard, Head of People and Performance, Festive Road
Traveller-centric and compliant expense management
Speaker:
Marten Jagers, Vice President – Asia-Pacific-Japan, Emburse
Sustainability & Carbon-Aware Travel Policy readiness. Preparing for ESG integrations into digital infrastructure over the next few years, such as open banking data, cross-border payments, and digital product passports. Plus some quick wins achievable today
Speaker:
Janet Salem, Founder, FootprintLab
RFPs and Tenders: The latest tips for Airline and TMC tenders to future-proof your program
Speaker:
Virginia Fitzpatrick, Director, Partnership Travel Consulting
12:15 PM – 12:20 PM
Closing Remarks & Next Events
12:20 PM
Networking
Connect with Victoria’s corporate travel community.
Registration Pricing:
| GBTA Buyer Member Rate: | Buyer (Non-Member) Rate | GBTA Supplier Member Rate | Supplier (Non-Member) Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| US$29 USD | US$195 USD *Rate includes GBTA annual membership Normal membership rate $170 USD (+ $25 initial registration fee) |
US$59 USD | US$195 USD *Rate includes GBTA annual membership Normal membership rate $170 USD (+ $25 initial registration fee) |
Event Details
The GBTA APAC Business Travel Forum 2026 in Auckland will take place on:
Thursday, April 30, at the Sofitel Auckland, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
About the Event:
The Auckland event will explore trans-Tasman and Asia-Pacific connectivity, integrated travel and meetings strategy, and technology adoption, recognising New Zealand’s gateway role and growing convergence between corporate travel and business events. Content has been shaped to reflect the needs of both multinational and mid-market organisations.
Key sessions:
- Technology Adoption & Supplier Innovation
- Integration of Travel + Meetings & Events
Agenda
9:00 AM – 9:05 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Speakers:
Derek Sadubin, Country Manager AU/NZ, GBTA Australia
Rachael Nicholson, Director, Commercial – New Zealand & Fiji, Accor Pacific
9:05 AM – 9:30 AM
Air New Zealand Q&A
Speaker:
Sam Winstanley, Senior Manager | Corporate, Government & SME, Air New Zealand
9:30 AM – 9:55 AM
Travel & Events Outlook: New Zealand & Global Trends
• A macroeconomic view of NZ’s economic direction, corporate confidence, sector performance, and implications for business travel and events demand
• Pockets of growth: demand driven by geopolitics: Defence, NPI, diversification of export markets
Speaker:
Brendan Drury, Managing Director, Orbit Auckland
9:55 AM – 10:00 AM
GBTA Community Updates
WINiT
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Coffee Break
10:30 AM – 11:55 AM
Roundtable Discussions: Wrestling with Travel & Events Program Challenges
A series of short-sharp 5-minute primer presentations and round-table discussions
Frictionless & compliant travel: How technology is enabling seamless travel experiences that are secure and safe
Case study: Biometrics and the passenger experience in action: the curb-to-gate solutions that are in place now
What does new traveller technology and biometric border processes mean for your travellers and your organisation?
Speaker:
TBC
Travel that thinks ahead: From reactive booking to predictive travel: what if your travel program could anticipate needs, remove friction before it happens, and reshape the traveller experience
Speaker:
TBC
Payments & Expense Management: The latest in traveller-centric, compliant payments and expense management
Speaker:
Marten Jagers, Vice President – Asia-Pacific-Japan, Emburse
Traveller-centric Payments & Deloitte Research: The latest in travel payments trends
Speaker:
Joe De Fazio, Head of Corporate Sales – Australia & New Zealand – International Card Services, American Express
Global meeting challenges and the complexities of disruption? The latest in Meetings & Events trends
Speaker:
Aileen London, Lead Category Manager, Meeting and Event Services JAPAC, Oracle
Transforming travel and events programs for a sustainable future. Decarbonisation, reporting and sustainable program design
Speaker:
Anna Marshall, Sustainability Programme Manager, House of Travel (TBC)
11:55 AM – 12:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Next Events
12:00 PM
Networking
Connect with New Zealand’s corporate travel community.
Registration Pricing:
| GBTA Buyer Member Rate: | Buyer (Non-Member) Rate | GBTA Supplier Member Rate | Supplier (Non-Member) Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| US$29 USD | US$195 USD *Rate includes GBTA annual membership Normal membership rate $170 USD (+ $25 initial registration fee) |
US$59 USD | US$195 USD *Rate includes GBTA annual membership Normal membership rate $170 USD (+ $25 initial registration fee) |
GBTA APAC Business Travel Forums 2026 Sponsorship Prospectus – Australia and New Zealand
Join us in driving the growth of the Australia and New Zealand business travel sectors while forging lasting connections and staying at the forefront of industry innovation. Sponsoring the GBTA APAC Business Travel Forums unequivocally underscores our travel suppliers’ dedication to advancing the local Business Travel Industry and fortifying the development of robust Corporate Travel Programs. Give your organisation the best opportunity to connect to the business travel community while expanding your network, increasing lead generation efforts, and enhancing branding opportunities. Interested? Contact our sponsorship team with any questions.
City Sponsorships
Showcase your organization in a select cities or across all four.
Other Sponsorship Opportunities
These opportunities are available in each city: Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Auckland.
*If sponsor purchases multiple sponsorship opportunities at various tiers, sponsor will be recognized at the highest sponsor level tier purchased.
Contact Us
Ready to sponsor or need expert advice on which opportunity is best for your organization? Fill out the form below and a member of our sponsorship team will reach out to you shortly.
GBTA APAC AU/NZ Business Travel Forums 2026 Sponsors
GBTA APAC Business Travel Forums 2026 | Brisbane Sponsors
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