Global Business Travel Association - GBTA

Mitigating 2024 Corporate Hotel Rate Increases via Segment Convergence
2023-11-02 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Timezone:
11:00AM EDT
Last year, travel programs faced challenging hotel procurement scenarios – and 2023/24 promises to be no different. To mitigate rate increases and drive more symmetry and transparency in hotel relationships, more buyers are using a convergence approach to hotel procurement. More programs are negotiating with hotels for multiple products, segments and services (e.g., room nights, meeting space, room blocks, or extended stay) at the same time to truly showcase their cumulative value. As per GBTA and HRS research issued this summer, most travel managers (54 percent) think their company would achieve greater process or savings efficiencies via convergence, while only one in 10 say they would not.
This webinar will feature timely commentary from a respected travel program leader and a prominent hotelier, as well as fresh updates regarding negotiating trends for 2024 as the fourth quarter is underway. Join this engaging session to learn more about how your company can use convergence tactics to drive notable gains in data transparency, process efficiencies, and savings across your key segments.
Moderator:

Will Pinnell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Americas at HRS Group
Panelists:

Makiko Barrett, Senior Director, Procurement and Travel at Automation Anywhere

Shawn Parker, Executive Director, Strategic Accounts & Corporate Group Sales at Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Based on GBTA research sponsored by HRS Group

GBTA Business Travel Forums | Calgary
2023-11-08 - 2023-11-09
The GBTA Canada Business Travel Forums are a thoughtfully designed one-and-a-half-day education and networking program replicated in two Canadian cities, Calgary and Toronto. The program is strategically structured to deliver invaluable knowledge, profound insights, and cutting-edge education to an industry grappling with escalating costs, supply chain uncertainties, and multifaceted disruptions.
In addition to the invaluable educational content, we curate intimate networking opportunities, providing ample time over both days for meaningful buyer interaction within the Supplier Showcase. By participating in these enriching workshops, our esteemed sponsors gain an essential platform to highlight their commitment to evolving in tandem with the ever-changing landscape of travel programs and traveler expectations.
Location of Event
Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre
1316 33 Street NE, Calgary, AB T2A 6B6
Learn More and Register here

LATAM Business Travel Forums CDMX
2023-11-08 08:00 - 12:30 (America/Mexico_City)
Start Date and Time: 8.30am CT.
End Date and Time: 12.30 pm CT.
Location: Hotel Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec
Pricing & RSVP: No cost for Travel Managers by invitation only. Contact latamevents@gbta.org
More information

GBTA Wisconsin Chapter Annual Event
2023-11-08 11:00 - 15:00 (America/Mexico_City)
November 2023 Chapter Meeting
American Family Insurance, Training Center, Madison, WI
Sponsored by United Airlines

11:00–11:30am Registration & Networking in Atrium
11:30-12:30pm Buffet Lunch in Atrium
12:30-12:45pm Break
12:45-1:30pm Business Meeting in Auditorium
1:30-1:45pm Break
1:45-3:00pm Education Session in Auditorium
“Why NDC is Important…The Breakthrough and the Future” – Fred Bowen, Sr. Director,
Corporate Distribution & Global Business Activities at Amadeus.
Q&A to Follow
3:00pm – ? Optional Continued Networking at Erin’s Snug Irish Pub, 4601 American Pkwy,
Madison, WI (On your own; no reserved space)

Wisconsin Chapter - Why NDC is Important... The Breakthrough and the Future (GTP Credit Approved)
2023-11-08 11:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Topic
Why NDC is Important…The Breakthrough and the Future
We have been hearing about NDC for years and it’s now at the forefront of our industry conversations. Please join us to listen to Fred Bowen explain what exactly NDC is and why it is important. He will walk us through the explanation, activation & integration! He will share with us all we need to know about supplier readiness and best practices for our corporate travel managers as well as airline engagement.
1. The important of NDC – Bringing airline retailing into the 21st Century.
2. Unique perspectives of NDC from both a GDS and airline view.
3. Key take-aways for travel managers.
4. Q&A

Event Speaker
Fred Bowen, Sr. Director, Corporate Distribution & Global Business Activities at Amadeus
Event Details
Date: November 8, 2023 @ 11am
Registration deadline to avoid $10 late fee: November 1, 2023
Venue: American Family Conference Center
Address: 6000 American Family Parkway, Madison, WI
Website: www.amfam.com
Attire: Please wear your favorite baseball team apparel!

North Central Chapter - Travel Industry Hot Topic Roundtable Discussions
2023-11-09 11:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Back by popular demand, GBTA North Central is hosting our second Travel Industry Hot Topic Roundtable discussions. You will have the opportunity to discuss the most relevant industry topics to you and gain insight from your peers and suppliers at this event.
Event Speaker
Roundtable Discussion
Location of Event
DoubleTree by Hilton Roseville, 2540 Cleveland Avenue, Roseville, MN 55113
Pricing and Registration
$90.00 guests

GBTA Silicon Valley Chapter - What is important for travel managers now? A Buyer Panel Discussion (GTP Credit Approved)
2023-11-09 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for an insightful discussion on crucial aspects shaping our travel program strategies.
We will explore: subject to change and you can ask questions!
1. Business reviews with suppliers – vital aspects for evaluation.
2. Ideal partnerships with suppliers and fostering collaboration.
3. Key factors in our travel program to enhance efficiency.
4. Unique insights into Travel Manager roles.
5. Opinions on Hotel RFP and alternative approaches.
6. Feedback on NDCs and direct bookings for travel arrangements.
7. Anticipating important factors for the upcoming year.
8. Exploring advancements in travel industry technologies

Event Speakers
Moderator – Barbara Arena, Global Category Manager | Festive Road @ Johnson & Johnson
Michelle Amos, Travel Program Manager | Smartsheet
Heather Allegrina, Sr. Manager, Global Travel and Expense | ServiceNow
Trent Downes, Manager | Travel & Expense, Rivian
Pricing and Registration
$10.00 Optional $10 donation
$0.00 Complimentary
$10.00 Optional $10 donation
$0.00 Complimentary

GBTA | Tennessee Annual Scholarship FundraiserDenim & Diamonds "Triple Aces"
2023-11-09 18:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Join us for our annual fundraiser as we raise money for 2024 GBTA | Tennessee scholarships. wear your best denim & diamonds! Casino, networking, light bites, cocktails/mocktails & more!
Location of Event
One Fourteen at the Wildhorse
120 2nd Ave N
Nashville, TN 37201

Pricing and Registration
$55.00 GBTA | Tennessee Member Registration
$65.00 after 1:00 am November 8
$55.00 GBTA All-Access Registration
$65.00 after 1:00 am November 8
$65.00 Guest Registration
$75.00 after 1:00 am November 8

GBTA Business Travel Forums | Toronto
2023-11-13 - 2023-11-14
The GBTA Canada Business Travel Forums are a thoughtfully designed one-and-a-half-day education and networking program replicated in two Canadian cities, Calgary and Toronto. The program is strategically structured to deliver invaluable knowledge, profound insights, and cutting-edge education to an industry grappling with escalating costs, supply chain uncertainties, and multifaceted disruptions.
In addition to the invaluable educational content, we curate intimate networking opportunities, providing ample time over both days for meaningful buyer interaction within the Supplier Showcase. By participating in these enriching workshops, our esteemed sponsors gain an essential platform to highlight their commitment to evolving in tandem with the ever-changing landscape of travel programs and traveller expectations.
Location of Event
Park Hyatt Toronto
4 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2E8
Learn More and Register here

GBTA + VDR Europe Conference 2023 – Hamburg
2023-11-14 08:00 - 2023-11-16 17:00 (Europe/Brussels)
14 – 16 November 2023
GBTA + VDR Europe Conference 2023 – Hamburg is the place to be, it is Europe’s largest conference for business travel and meetings management professionals. It’s the place where community, learning and advocacy and more all come together for the European business travel industry. The place to build long-term connections, benefit from peer-to-peer education, and advocate for what matters most. To recognise and celebrate those who give back to keep our industry and association. It’s the place where our many voices from around the world join for the one purpose of shaping the future of the industry.
Learn More >>

What to Watch: Looking Ahead to 2024 and Beyond!
2023-11-14 11:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
AI, Sustainability, NDC, Labor Challenges, Personalization, Changing Payments and Meetings Technology – all are here now BUT where might they take us? Join us for a look forward to the key trends that will forever change managed travel.
Event Speaker
Will Tate
Partner, GoldSpring Consulting
Will Tate is owner and partner at GoldSpring Consulting. He began his career at Ernst & Young. Will moved to Dresser Industries where he led global operational and financial audits across 30 countries. He then served as global travel manager for Dresser, consolidating a global travel spend of $100+million. In 2000, Will joined Management Alternatives, Inc., where he served as senior vice president and also developed a software solution to quantify the effectiveness of travel management programs in a multi-dimensional format.
A thought leader and sought-out expert in the travel industry, Will frequently moderates and speaks at industry events. He has taught many industry courses and co-authored the GBTA course “Fundamentals of Business Travel Management.” Will is a Certified Public Accountant and received his Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Texas Tech University.
Location of Event
The Stamford Hotel
700 E. Main Street
Stamford, CT 06901

GBTA Arizona Chapter - The Journey to Modern Technologies/NDC
2023-11-15 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for the GBTA Arizona November educational lunch program where we delve into NDC, a buzzword you’ve likely encountered on your travel industry journey. Discover what NDC is, it’s relevance to you and how it’s poised to transform our industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of business travel. Our speakers will share their unique experiences, giving you valuable insights into their NDC journey. Don’t miss this chance to gain firsthand knowledge from industry insiders.
Presenters
Dave Weaver, Manager of Global Travel | Bechtel Corporation
Seth Anagnostis, Channel Partnerships | Spotnana
Leslie Bramlett, CEO | El Sol Travel
Location of Event
Hilton Scottsdale Resort, Scottsdale, Arizona

GBTA Puget Sound Chapter's November General Meeting
2023-11-15 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Meeting Topic
“The Current Trends and Forecast in the Business Travel Industry; What’s New from GBTA Research”. As we close off the year, this is the perfect opportunity for you to know what is expected for 2024 (as much as the Business Travel Crystal Ball can predict).
Buyers
This information will help you with building budgets, negotiating your 2024 supplier contracts, and preparing your program strategy, projects and goals for “taking off” with zero turbulence!
Suppliers
You will be able to be prepared for future client contract negotiations and be able to identify ways to develop strategies to support your customers’ 2024 initiatives – making you a vital partner to the success of their travel program.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Event Speaker
Mark Sharoff:
“Mark Sharoff is a Senior Research Manager at GBTA, responsible for researching and writing reports on a variety of industry topics. He has been with GBTA since 2014. He holds a Master’s degree from Georgetown University and a B.A. from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. A native of Denver, he is a big fan of sports and cheap restaurants.”
Location of Event
Hotel 1000
1000 1st Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
https://www.hotel1000seattle.com/
Pricing and Registration
$60.00 Members
$85.00 after 6:00 pm November 10
$75.00 Non-Members
$100.00 after 6:00 pm November 10
$10.00 Bingo – 3 tickets for $10
$60.00 All Access GBTA Member Ticket
$85.00 after 6:00 pm November 10

GBTA Philadelphia Chapter - November Networking Event
2023-11-15 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Mix, mingle and network with industry peers!
Join us for drinks and appetizers at Workhorse Brewing Co.
Parking
Complimentary
Pricing and Registration
Complimentary for Members & All Access Members/$50 non-members
Location of Event
Workhorse Brewing Company
250 King Manor Dr Suite 300
King of Prussia, PA 19406

GBTA NYC 70th Anniversary 7 Education Day
2023-11-15 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
GBTA NYC celebrates 70 years as the first chapter.
Come out and celebrate with us at our 70’s theme
Location of Event
Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel 218 W 35TH Street
Pricing and Registration
Tickets are $145 for the reception on November 15th and stay overnight and attend our Education day on Nov 16th for a combo ticket of $320.

GBTA NYC 70th Anniversary Celebration
2023-11-15 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Please join us for a groovy 70’s theme celebration celebrating our chapter’s 70th anniversary.
Location of Event
Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel 218 W 35TH Street New York, NY 10001.

GBTA Oregon Chapter - ESG Panel Discussion: Accessibility in Travel (GTP Credit Approved)
2023-11-16
Whether your role is that of travel buyer or supplier, awareness of and ensuring accessibility for all business travelers must be a top priority. Accessible travel is about ensuring equal access for people regardless of physical limitations, disabilities (cognitive or otherwise), race, gender, age, or any attribute that might impact a traveler’s ability to fully participate in the travel ecosystem.
Our panel of experts will discuss the importance of accessible travel and highlight some of the things your company can do to create all-inclusive travel experiences.

Panelists
Jill Megli | Global Director at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Steve Nelson Accessibility/Diversity Program Manager at Alaska Airlines, John Sage CEO Sage Inclusion
Moderator
Zoe Hamilton | Director of Sales and Marketing – The Hotel Zags and Director of ESG for GBTA Oregon
Location of Event
Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
319 SW Pine St.
Portland, OR 97204

GBTA NYC Chapter - Education Day
2023-11-16 09:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
GBTA NYC invites you to attend our annual Educational Day.
Sessions will include an Online Booking Tool Showdown, Buyers Panel, Real ID and more.
Location of Event
Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel 218 W 35TH Street New York, NY 10001.
We hope to see you there!

GBTA | North Carolina - Annual Gala, Auction, Charity & Education 2023
2023-11-30 - 2023-12-01
Description:
Dress up James Bond style, bring your guests and let’s get together for GBTA North Carolina’s signature event of the year! Try your luck at the casino tables and place your bids at the silent auction table. Raise the paddles to bid on amazing live auction items and let’s network, build connections and have a marvelous time at the beautiful and brand new Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport hotel the evening of November 30th, 2023. Morning of Dec 1st, 2023, we will have a hands on charity activity and get some travel education.
Event Speaker:
Larry Long Jr.
Chief Energy Officer
LLJR Enterprises
Program Title & Overview:
Leverage LinkedIn to Strengthen Relationships & Drive New Business: Giving Your Brand a JOLT!⚡️ For Continued Success
Be prepared to explore:
-GAP in your current LinkedIn strategy (…if there is one)
-Power of engaging via LinkedIn
-5-Step Playbook for positive business results
Location of Event: The Westin Raleigh Durham Airport Hotel
Price: Member & All Access Members – $150, Non-Members – $175
Contact: admin@ncbta.org

LATAM Business Travel Forums São Paulo
2023-11-30 08:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
São Paulo| 30 Nov
Data: 30 de novembro de 2023
Hora: 8.30am as 12.30pm
Local: InterContinental Sao Paulo
More information

Global Business Travel Forecast 2024: evoluzione del mercato e spunti per affrontarlo al meglio
2023-11-30 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Vatican)
L’aumento dei prezzi del carburante, la carenza di manodopera e le sfide della supply chain, insieme alla forte domanda, hanno portato ad un incremento generalizzato dei prezzi dei viaggi. Si prevede che la persistente incertezza economica e un graduale allentamento dei vincoli dal lato dell’offerta si tradurranno in aumenti dei prezzi, anche se più moderati, anche nei prossimi 12 mesi.
Qual è la strategia migliore per affrontare questo mercato?
Durante il Webinar del 30 novembre analizzeremo i tratti salienti del “2024 Global Business Travel Forecast” realizzato da CWT e GBTA e con il supporto di Travel Manager e Travel Buyer condivideremo spunti utili per affrontare al meglio l’evoluzione del mercato.
L’evento è possibile grazie agli Annual Partner di GBTA Italia:

Registrati qua

2023 GBTA Georgia Chapter Annual Auction and Fundraiser
2023-12-05 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Auction Chair and VP, Isabella Rusike says,
“Mark Your Calendars for Tuesday, December 5 for our annual fundraising Auction.”
Join us 5:30pm-8:30pm at Atlanta’s unique Illuminarium where you will be immersed in a virtual, sensory wonderland.
Thank you to our to Premiere Auction Sponsor, United Airlines for tickets as well as tickets from Cornerstone Sponsor Delta Air Lines. The incredible African experience at the Hippo Lodge is once again a tantalizing auction item. More items added daily.
Item Donations, Support Sponsorships, Questions, contact Isabella at
isabella.rusike1@accesscfa.com

GBTA San Diego Holiday Gala
2023-12-06
It’s time to celebrate the holidays with GBTA San Diego!
Please join the San Diego Chapter for a fun evening supporting a great cause, connecting with your travel industry peers and bidding on incredible items, all while you view some of the most luxurious cars in the city. This EXCLUSIVE event is not to be missed!
Location of Event
Veloce Motors The Vault
9340 Dowdy Drive, Suite 102
San Diego, CA 92126
Pricing and Registration
$100 per person prior to November 1, 2023
$125 per person after November 1, 2023
cut-off date for the lower rate is November 18.

2023 Global Business Travel Index™️ (BTI): What’s In Store for Global Business Travel
2023-12-06 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
For the past 15 years, the BTI has been a signature GBTA research study. It is a critical industry planning tool and benchmark that provides an exhaustive study of business travel spending and growth covering 72 countries across 42 industries and provides a five-year forward-looking forecast. It provides demand-side measurements of all types of business trips and all spending, including airfare, hotel, dining, car rental, train travel, incidental purchases, taxi/ride sharing, etc. This session examines key topics including how business travel is recovering from the pandemic, when we expect to see full recovery and what it will look like considering inflation, labor shortages, supply chain bottlenecks, global political conflict and rising interest rates. New this year, GBTA surveyed over 4,000 business travelers around the world about their spending on business travel, average length of trip, booking behavior, frequency of business travel and payments, among other areas.
Join us for a look at the state of the industry and perspectives from business travelers around the globe.
Made possible by

Speakers:

Jon Gray
Principal, Rockport Analytics

Edward Galvin
Vice President and Head of North America B2B Payments Sales, Visa

Carrefour des Echanges Travel & MICE par GBTA
2023-12-07 14:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris)
Le Carrefour des Échanges Travel & MICE par GBTA France du 7 décembre réunira des acheteurs, Travel Managers et fournisseurs, représentant la chaîne de valeur Travel et MICE. Une opportunité d’échanger avec vos pairs et de bénéficier du retour d’expérience de nos experts sur des thématiques stratégiques.
Jeudi 7 décembre de 14h00 à 19h00
Marriott Paris Champs Elysées, 70 avenue des Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris

GBTA Michigan Holiday Event & Charity Auction
2023-12-07 14:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Holiday event and auction. Topic – Planning for 2024. The premise of the content for this meeting is in hearing from the members on what their key takeaways from 2023 as well as what is important for them to learn about in 2024. The members themselves will be setting the stage for the content in 2024. We will be doing live polls and have breakout tables for each table to network with each other on both what they learned and what they would like to learn about.
Facilitator – Justin Morris, Director of Sales, Traxo
Location – Westin Book Cadillac Detroit 1114 Washington Blvd Detroit, MI 48226
Price – Full Member $85, All Access $85, Guest – $125

Holiday Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser
2023-12-08
Description:
Transport yourself into the Holiday Season! Once again, we will be hosting our wonderful Silent Auction. The goal of the Auction is to raise funds for Chapter Scholarships. Your contributions will support the professional advancement and development of fellow GBTA North Central members.
Event Speaker:
N/A
Location of Event:
Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington Hotel, 3900 American Boulevard West, Bloomington, MN 55437
Price:
Guest fee $45

Annual Holiday Party and Silent Auction
2023-12-12 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Chapter Name: Greater DC Metro Chapter
Description: Annual Holiday Party and Silent Auction
Location of Event:
December 12, 2023
6:30pm – 8:30pm
The Darcy Hotel
1515 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
Price: $55 for members, $75 for guests/non members

PSBTA's Annual Holiday Meeting
2023-12-13
Bring your most festive self for an afternoon of fun and laughs! Hanna Dickinson will being joining us to celebrate the holiday season!
Hanna is a New-York based comic, writer, actress, lover, fighter and friend. She has a show called ‘GET MONEY’ that is streaming on Snapchat. Currently, she is a writer and performer on Comedy Central’s social media team. She was awarded a Webby for COMEDY CENTRAL: STAND-UP FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH, a stand-up showcase she wrote and hosted. You can catch Hanna’s COMEDY CENTRAL STAND-UP FEATURING set on YouTube, and her half hour special on Epix. Hanna splits her time between New York and LA in pursuit of a SAG card, respect from her parents and a casual boyfriend that could turn into something real.
Be sure to catch her in Ronny Chieng’s upcoming Hulu pilot.
Location: Fairmont Hotel
411 University Street
Seattle, WA 98101
http://www.fairmont.com/seattle/
Fairmont Discounted parking available $15 Self Parking only (Valet at full price)
Tickets:
$60.00 Members
$85.00 after 11:00 pm December 6
$75.00 Non-Members
$100.00 after 11:00 pm December 6
$60.00 All Access GBTA Member Ticket
$85.00 after 11:00 pm December 6
$10.00 Bingo – 3 tickets for $10

18th Annual Holiday Gala & Silent Auction
2023-12-13 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York)
It is time to celebrate the holidays with GBTA Philadelphia for our 18th Annual Holiday Gala and Silent Auction!
Please join us for a fun evening supporting a great cause, connecting with your travel industry peers and bidding on some incredible items.
Registration:
Early Bird Tickets at $125 for members and $150 for guests by November 29th
GBTA Philadelphia will be donating a portion of the silent auction proceeds to
which will help provide lodging and support services for family members of patients awaiting organ transplants in Philadelphia area hospitals
Accommodations:
Book a room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Center City for $109/night + tax: Click Here
The room rate will be available until November 29th
Book a room at the Sofitel Rittenhouse for $169/ night + tax: Click here
The room rate will be available until December 1st
PLEASE NOTE THAT EARLY REGISTRATION CLOSES ON WEDNESDAY, NOV. 29 AT 5:00PM.
LATE REGISTRATION CLOSES ON WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6 AT NOON AND THERE WILL BE NO ONLINE REGISTRATION AFTER THAT.
PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY. THANK YOU!
The Arts Ballroom
1324 Locust St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
https://artsballroom.com/
6:00-10:00pm
