Podcast: Live from Center Stage at GBTA Convention 2018 Part 2

For this week’s episode, The Business of Travel once again revisits GBTA’s 50th Convention that just took place earlier this month in San Diego. Last week you heard our Monday Center Stage sessions and for today’s episode, we bring to you Tuesday’s industry sessions. First, up you’ll hear from Kurt Ekert, CEO of Carlson Wagonlit…

GBTA Honors Outstanding Members

Alexandria, VA (August 27, 2018) – The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) – the voice of the global business travel industry – awarded three distinguished members during GBTA Convention 2018 in San Diego. Direct Member of the Year—Stephen Gheerow, Travel Services Manager, Ford Foundation Direct Member of the Year—Connie Smith, Manager of Global Services, McCain…

GBTA Announces Newly Elected Members to Global Board of Directors at GBTA Convention 2018

Alexandria, VA (August 23, 2018) – The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) – the voice of the global business travel industry – announced four newly elected members to its Global Board of Directors following the election last week during GBTA Convention 2018. “We look forward to welcoming – or welcoming back in some cases –…

Innovation and the Future of Business Travel Highlight GBTA’s 50th Anniversary of Convention

Alexandria, VA (August 22, 2018) – The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) – the voice of the global business travel industry, wrapped up its 50th annual Convention last week in San Diego. GBTA celebrated its 50-year history while looking towards the future, as innovation and the future of business travel management were the predominant themes…

|

Bullish on the Future, Marriott CEO Takes Center Stage at GBTA Convention 2018

As only the third person in 90 years to head the largest hotel company in the world, Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson shared his outlook on the business travel industry, the shakeup over group commissions and the company’s home-sharing strategy on Center Stage at GBTA Convention 2018. Sorenson said he is “thrilled to be in an…

Women Must Take Risks and Ask for What They Want, Say Female Business Leaders

Women who want to move ahead in their careers must take risks, thrive through failure and talk the talk, according to three female business leaders on Monday at GBTA Convention 2018. The business travel executives—Jodi Allen, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Hertz; Melissa Maher, SVP Marketing and Innovation at Expedia; and Traci…

| | |

Technology is Poised to “Dramatically Increase Security,” Say Heads of TSA and CBP

New facial recognition and CAT scan technologies are key to stopping terrorists, according to two of the nation’s highest security officials who spoke Monday on Center Stage at GBTA Convention 2018. Transportation Security Administrator (TSA) David Pekoske calls for “better security faster” at Monday’s Q&A session with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Kevin…

How Do You Operationalize “Travel Happiness” in Harmony With Corporate Security & Expense Policies? A Panel of Travel Buyers Debate.

A travel buyer’s job is to ensure that corporate employees safely travel where they’re needed at a reasonable cost. But it’s much more than that. Importantly, these travel buyers are looking to balance corporate security and budgets with the individual traveler’s preferences and convenience. A panel of experienced travel buyers told GBTA attendees from Center…

Is Bigger Better in the Travel Sector?

Being bigger can help companies learn, negotiate better, and innovate, according to the representatives of three big travel brands who participated in a panel discussion from Center Stage at GBTA Convention 2018. On the other hand, integrating people from different cultures challenges even the largest corporations. With 4,200 locations worldwide, Best Western CEO David Kong…