Enhancing the GLP Program

The Global Leadership Professional^® (GLP) program has been a hallmark of the GBTA Academy for 15 years. The GLP Program is the only masters-level course for travel professionals and it uses an interdisciplinary approach that addresses both the opportunities and challenges of conducting business in today’s environment. Since its beginning, we have seen more than 280 travel professionals complete the Certificate of Professional Development (CPD), and another 100-plus achieve the industry’s highest designation, the GLP.

This week we are announcing several new enhancements to the GLP program based on feedback from our members. Over the years, we have modified and expanded the program to meet the demands of our industry and the changing needs of our members. We continue to survey our members, and in particular our GLP participants, to ensure we are delivering the highest value possible.

Our goal with these enhancements is to continue to deliver the highest level of professional development, while being sensitive to the ever-increasing demands on your personal and professional time and budget.

The primary change is the replacement of the 5-day GLP course with an additional 2-day session. We have worked closely with the Wharton faculty and administration to incorporate the key content from the 5-day session into four 2-day courses, along with deep dives in specific topic areas.

Beginning this year, requirements to receive the Certificate of Professional Development, issued by The Wharton School and GBTA Academy, will be the completion of four 2-day courses, covering the four competencies of finance, marketing, management and leadership. If you have already completed a 5-day course, however, you may count that as one of the four courses required.

I am also pleased to unveil our 2016 schedule:

• Managing with Influence and Persuasion – July 16-17, Denver, CO – Management Competency
• Strategy Accelerators: How to Win Today and Tomorrow – September 11-13, New York, NY – Leadership Competency
• Financial Strategy and Value Creation – October 23-25, Scottsdale, AZ – Finance Competency

Through the survey results, you have asked us to deliver the same value and experience you have come to expect from the GLP program at a more affordable price and in a way that means you spend less time out of the office. This change delivers just that.

Under the new pricing structure, 2015 pricing at $1,000 per 2-day course will be available through May 2. After that date, the price for each 2-day course will be $1,150.

Additionally, the delivery of the GLP Designation will move to an every other year delivery. This will allow the proper time for members to complete the CPD and then be prepared to begin their GLP Designation. The next GLP Designation cohort is scheduled to begin in 2017.

We are excited about these changes and are confident it will allow us to continue to deliver you the high level of professional development you have come to expect from the GLP program. Our goal is to deliver dynamic training and education to industry professionals and elevate the future of the business travel profession. I look forward to seeing you in a GLP session or two this year!