Check-in with Suzanne

It feels like only yesterday that we wrapped the 2021 GBTA Convention in Orlando. Yet, we’re fully focused now on the 2022 Convention, August 14-17 in San Diego, CA, and registration will open soon. (Sign up for updates!) 

And thanks to your 2021 post-Convention feedback, we are building on both our successes and areas needing improvement for 2022 to Re(Connect), Re(Imagine) and (Re)Create to deliver the most relevant and engaging events in the COVID-era.  And by the way, we hit an all-time response record for attendee feedback! The diversity and quantity of feedback will play a significant role in shaping and (re)creating not only the annual global Convention, but also other GBTA events and programming around the world throughout the coming year.  

GBTA remains focused on serving the unique needs across our various industry sectors in this most challenging of environments. Based on the post-Convention survey, here’s a bit of what we heard and are heeding as we look ahead: 

• 83% of attendees said the Convention met or exceeded their expectations—with over half of those giving us top scores. 

• Over 80% of travel buyers attending plan to do business with exhibiting companies.  
• 75% of all attendees are intending to return this year.  
• When it comes to big stage speakers, attendees most want to hear from business travel leaders and executives (67%), subject matter experts (59%), famous business entrepreneurs (49%) and professional speakers with inspirational stories (48%).  
• The highest rating went to the Future of Work session and Heather McGowan. And – really – the overall scores for our Main Stage program were encouraging – and confirmed that our new approach to content curation and delivering on the topics that matter most now is resonating with most of you.  

 Last year’s Convention was not without its challenges—and we take to heart your feedback in those areas, too. There was disappointment in the decreased overall number of travel buyers in attendance, as well as exhibit hall flooring, food choice and packaging – all of these being areas impacted by circumstances of the pandemic.  

In 2022 we will try to raise the bar even higher with insights regarding the industry’s key challenges to learn, discuss, and take home with you. With every program, initiative and event, our goal is to keep getting better, to deliver what you need and to surpass your expectations–while keeping everybody safe in the process. Thank you to all who have connected with us. We welcome your continued feedback. Reach out to me or any of the GBTA Staff or Board members. GBTA is here to listen. 

 

News To Know 

CDC moves 22 new destinations into its highest-risk level for travel 

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moved a whopping 22 nations into its highest-risk travel category for Covid-19 on Tuesday. By contrast, it moved only two nations to Level 4, or “very high” risk, last week. Adding to the impact: The CDC also moved 22 additional nations to its Level 3 category, which is considered “high” risk for Covid-19. Among the nations moved to Level 4 this week were Argentina and Australia, which have maintained some of the strictest borders controls during most of the pandemic. 

Canada Jetlines begins pilot training 

Transport Canada has given Canada Jetlines the green light to begin flight crew training ahead of its spring 2022 launch. Final approval of the Pilot Training program will be granted once Transport Canada has reviewed the training, deeming it to be satisfactory. “This is an important milestone in the Air Operator Certificate process with Transport Canada,” said Eddy Doyle, CEO of Canada Jetlines. “Our first crew will start their pilot training program this month and are scheduled to have completed simulator training in the later part of February.” 

UK government considers axing day two tests for vaccinated travelers 

Within the next few weeks, fully vaccinated travelers to the UK could be able to enter the country without any COVID-19 tests. Currently, travelers returning to England are required to take a lateral flow or antigen test on day two, with anybody testing positive for Covid having to self-isolate for 10 days. An announcement on scrapping day two tests for fully vaccinated travelers is expected on or around 26 January. 

LATAM Partners With British Airways’ Rival After Leaving oneworld 

LATAM Airlines Group will enter into a codeshare agreement with Virgin Atlantic, both carriers have announced. Since leaving oneworld, LATAM has moved closer to Delta Air Lines and its partners, Virgin and Aeromexico. 

 

GBTA News & Reminders 

Ready. Safe. Travel. Canada Discussion Forum 

January 26, 2022 | 1 PM EST
The Ready. Safe. Travel. Canada Discussion Forum is a free virtual program and will be a highlight of the key learnings and policy takeaways from the original sessions of the Ready. Safe. Travel Canada Workshop Series program. Learn More and Register >> 

GBTA Europe Town Hall 

January 27, 2022 | 2 PM GMT
Join us for the first GBTA Europe Town Hall of 2022 to get the latest news from GBTA in the region and meet Ben Park, incoming Chair of the GBTA Europe Advisory Board. We will also be joined by GBTA Research Director, Chris Ely who will be presenting the GBTA BTI Business Travel Outlook giving valuable insight on when we can expect to see a return to travel and the economic forces that will underpin this growth. Register Today >>

GBTA Convention Replay 

Don’t miss out on the new, unique experience, check out Convention Replay! With 5 livestreaming Main Stage sessions, 25 educational sessions, virtual exhibitor connections, and more, you can reap the value of the business travel industry’s flagship gathering in a way that’s right for you.