Reflections on 2024: An Update on GBTA Governance and Witnessing Community, Learning and Advocacy in Action

In this feature series, GBTA’s Board of Directors share their views on topics that matter most to members, the industry, and the way forward for business travel. Today’s guest author is GBTA Board Vice President Rosemary Maloney, Senior Director, Corporate Travel at The Freeman Company. 

Over the past 12 months, I’ve had the honor of witnessing GBTA’s three core pillars—community, learning and advocacy — come to life at chapter events, regional conferences, summits, and the annual convention. Here are some of my learnings as we all work together to drive our industry forward. But first – I have an update on Board Elections.

Elections/Governance Updates from the Board for 2025

Last summer, our members voted to create two new regional (Direct Member) director roles for LATAM and APAC. This is an important step forward in globalizing our Board and amplifying diverse voices. As part of this initiative:

• The Board structure was rebalanced by reducing one at-large Direct seat and adding one Allied at-large position.
• Regional directors will now be elected by voting members in their respective regions, thereby ensuring stronger local representation.

With these changes, our bylaws have been updated, with the full details here. I encourage all members to make their voices heard by voting in our elections next summer. Participating in elections is one of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to help our association thrive.

A Year of Community, Learning and Advocacy

This year, our vibrant communities came together across numerous regional events and summits. These gatherings allowed us to share insights and explore how to address global challenges while respecting local nuances. The opportunity to learn from others in our industry through The Big Idea sessions at both the APAC and Europe Conferences was energizing. A few insights have stuck with me from a diverse set of voices:

• From a supplier: Create a PowerPoint each year with personal and professional goals, then present to leadership for accountability.
• From a buyer: A novel approach to building a new model for carbon wallets by steering away from framing them as a “tax.”
• From a consultant: Develop new strategies for building programs that align with emerging distribution methods.

At the U.S. Legislative Summit, advocacy took center stage as attendees met with their government representatives and discussed the value business travel brings to local communities. We also addressed the importance of supporting the decarbonization of air travel through the Farm to Fly Act.

With 2025 on the horizon, I want to wish you and yours a happy, safe holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Let’s continue pushing our industry forward together!