Global Business Travel Association - GBTA

Rocky Mountain Chapter July Chapter Meeting
2026-07-14 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Denver)
Join us for an insightful panel as representatives from the Colorado Rockies, Denver Broncos, Colorado Rapids, and Kroenke Sports discuss the joys and challenges of managing team travel. Buyers – learn how their creative solutions might work for your project, crew, or team travel needs. Suppliers – understand the challenges of this sort of travel and identify ways your organization can help.
Event Speaker:
Moderator: Mark Schnabel, GTP | CTM | Vice President, Business Development, Strategic Sales, Global
Panelists:
Gary Lawrence | Colorado Rockies | Sr. Director – Procurement
Brian Crookham | Colorado Rapids | Director of Player Personnel
Terri Lontine | Kroenke Sports & Entertainment | Director of Travel
Adam Newman | Denver Broncos | Director of Team Logistics
Location: Coors Field
Ticket Price: $35 Buyers Meeting Registration
($20 Late fee)
$60 Non-Members Meeting Registration
($20 Late fee)
$35 Suppliers Meeting Registration
($20 Late fee)
$25 Student Ticket

Beyond the RFP: Modern Hotel Sourcing Strategies for 2026
2026-07-15 11:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
GBTA Arizona members and guests are invited to join us for this engaging and timely discussion, where you’ll gain actionable takeaways, industry benchmarking insights, and the opportunity to connect with fellow travel professionals and suppliers navigating today’s evolving hotel sourcing landscape.
Beyond the RFP: Modern Hotel Sourcing Strategies for 2026
GBTA reports that 84% of buyers expect 2026 spend to increase or stay flat, while hotel ADR is forecast to rise modestly. At the same time, hotel procurement is moving from an annual rate exercise to a continuous optimization model. Buyers are still managing resilient demand, but the mandate from procurement has changed to:
*Control cost
*Preserve traveler experience
*Reduce leakage
*Use better data to decide where static, dynamic, or hybrid rates make sense.
The biggest advantage now comes from data quality and convergence. Programs that combine transient, meetings, long stay, and payment volume can present a stronger value story to hotels. Fixed rates still matter, with Cvent reporting roughly 85% of accepted corporate rates as fixed, but AI, automation, and rate auditing are changing how programs source, monitor, and enforce value.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from industry expert Will Pinnell and leave with strategies you can immediately apply to your travel program.
Agenda:
11:30 – 12:00 PM: REGISTRATION AND NETWORKING
12:00 – 12:15 PM: WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND LUNCH SERVED
12:15 – 1:15 PM: PRESENTATION AND Q & A
1:15- 1:30 PM: RAFFLE AND CLOSING REMARKS
Meet our featured speaker:
Will Pinnell is the SVP of Americas for HRS, a global SaaS company leveraging AI to reduce lodging and meeting spend with multinational corporations. As a recognized expert in digital transformation, fintech, and travel products, he drives revenue and product growth through partnerships and alliances. Prior to HRS, Will served as the VP, Global Sales & Solutions Engineering at BCD Travel and the Director of Mobile Strategy & Traveler Solutions for Sabre and Travelocity.
He has served on the GBTA Board, the ALC and served as the global treasurer for GBTA. Will recently served as the Travel & Meeting Society’s Chair for the Ignite event at Harvard University and as a guest lecturer at NYU’s School of Hospitality. He speaks publicly and consults regularly on the business, technical, and sustainability challenges facing the travel industry. He also writes and publishes “Corporate Insights,” a weekly publication and podcast on procurement and travel trends.
Date: July 15, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Culinary Dropout Phoenix
5632 N. 7th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Tickets:
$65.00 Member Registration
$75.00 after 05:00 pm July 8
$85.00 Non- Member Registration
$95.00 after 05:00 pm July 8

The Evolving Travel Ecosystem
2026-07-16 08:30 - 17:00 (America/Chicago)
Join us for July 16th DFW GBTA Chapter Meeting
Speaker: Will Tate, CPA
Partner, GoldSpring Consulting
Topic: The Evolving Travel Ecosystem
Attribute-Based Selling, AI, NDC and enhanced TMC booking tools are reshaping how travel content is sourced, displayed, and purchased. This session provides a high-level overview of these industry changes and their impact on corporate travel programs, helping attendees better understand and prepare for the future of managed travel.
Location:
The Adolphus
1321 Commerce St
Dallas, TX 75202
Tickets
$50.00 Members
$70.00 Guest of Member
$50.00 ALL ACCESS MEMBERS ONLY – Subject to Verification
$75.00 Guest Non Member

GBTA TN July Chapter Meeting: The RISE of BNA: Navigating Nashville's Next Horizon
2026-07-21 11:00 - 13:10 (America/New_York)
GBTA | Tennessee
Join GBTA Tennessee for our July Chapter Meeting featuring Doug Kreulen, President & CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA). Doug will speak on “The RISE of BNA”, sharing exciting updates on the transformation of Nashville International Airport and what it means for the future of travel and business in Middle Tennessee.
We’re excited to share this event hosted at the stunning Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal, located at the airport and we extend a special thank you to Southwest Airlines for their generous sponsorship and continued support of GBTA Tennessee.
✈️ Come for the insights. Stay for the connections. We’ll see you there!
Doug Kreulen, President & CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA)
Hilton BNA Nashville Airport Terminal
2 Terminal Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
Tickets
$40.00 GBTA-TN Member Registration
$50.00 after 08:00 am July 17
$40.00 GBTA All-Access Registration
$50.00 after 08:00 am July 17
$60.00 Guest Registration
$70.00 after 8:00 am July 17

GBTA LATAM Business Travel Forums 2026 | Panama City
2026-07-30 08:30 - 14:00 (America/Panama)
Los GBTA LATAM Business Travel Forums son una serie de eventos de medio día de duración dirigido exclusivamente a Travel Managers del sector de viajes corporativos. Al asistir a este evento podrás:
* Actualizar tus conocimientos sobre la mejora de tus programas de viajes corporativos.
* Ampliar tu red de contactos y asegurar un buen momento de networking con colegas locales.
* Aprender los diferentes aspectos sobre la contratación de servicios de viaje en las áreas de aerolíneas, hoteles, empresas de alquiler de coches, empresas de gestión de viajes, informes de gastos y gestión de riesgos.
* Interactuar con los selectos proveedores que patrocinan el evento.
* Invertir tiempo en tu desarrollo personal y profesional.
La participación en los GBTA LATAM Business Travel Forums es bajo invitación.
Si trabajas en la gestión de viajes dentro de una empresa y tienes interés en participar, puedes registrarte aquí o escribirnos a latamevents@gbta.org.
Tu registro o mensaje de interés no asegura tu lugar en el evento.

Advanced Principals of Business Travel Management (In-Person at Convention)
2026-08-01 | McCormick Place, Chicago, 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL, 60616, United States
Advanced Principals of Business Travel Management (In-Person at Convention)
August 1
Time TBD
Take your travel program to the next level by learning and applying industry best practices, managing and minimizing travel risks, using efficient communication and metrics to steer policy compliance, and much more. The learning modules covered during the training include:
– Travel policy compliance
– Category management, strategic sourcing, and supplier management
– Travel risk management
– Data strategy
New this year: Don’t miss the AI workshop, an exciting addition to the session, where you’ll explore the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and its applications in business travel management.
After the course you receive your GBTA Professional Development Certificate. GTP holders will earn 14 GTP® Recertification credits.
In-Person training in Chicago. Course limited to 50 seats.
Questions? Please reach out to learning@gbta.org.

GBTA Foundation Gala 2026
2026-08-02 18:00 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | FIELD Museum, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, 60605, United States
An Evening Where Impact Takes the Center Stage
Join the GBTA Foundation as the global business travel community comes together for an evening of purpose, recognition, and connection.
At the GBTA Foundation Gala, we honor the leaders, organizations, and partnerships whose vision and dedication are driving meaningful, measurable change for People and the Planet. Through the Annual Impact Awards, we celebrate their impact – and the momentum propelling our industry into its next chapter.

The executive calendar’s most-anticipated evening—exclusively before GBTA Convention opens
Recognition of industry champions advancing People & Planet
High-value networking across buyers, suppliers, and executive-level decision-makers
A unique, black-tie experience at Chicago’s iconic FIELD Museum

GBTA Convention 2026
2026-08-03 - 2026-08-05 | McCormick Place, Chicago, 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL, 60616, United States
Join us for the 57th annual GBTA Convention, the premier global event for the business travel industry where diverse voices come together for a common purpose.

CONNECT in person with thousands of industry peers, suppliers, and partners, as they benefit from unparalleled opportunities for professional and business growth
LEARN from and be inspired by insightful speakers and leading experts on timely topics that matter most
GROW your career and skills with unmatched sessions for learning, training and professional development tailored for all levels and interests
DISCOVER tools, research and resources – from the latest industry outlook and trends, to best practices and technologies – that empower you to advance your organization, travelers, and teams

Be part of the collective movement shaping the future of global business travel.

12 GTP® Credits Included with Attendance
GBTA Convention offers attendees the opportunity to earn 12 GTP® credits through its comprehensive educational programming, including education sessions, Braindates, and Main Stage content.

GBTA Learning LATAM - Fundamentals of Business Travel Management live course in São Paulo, Brazil
2026-08-25 - 2026-08-26
The first in-person GBTA Learning course to boost the development of professionals in corporate travel management in Brazil.
The course will be taught in Portuguese by a certified GBTA Learning instructor, combining a global perspective with content relevant to the challenges and opportunities of the Latin American market. Participation will be exclusively by invitation, aimed at Travel Managers and professionals involved in corporate travel program management.
More information in Portuguese at: https://gbta.org/pt/gbta-latam-learning/

GTP® Certification Program Fall Exam - Registration Closes
2026-09-02 | Virtual
The Global Travel Professional® Certification program is designed for individuals who are committed to leadership and knowledge of business travel. The program establishes the business travel industry standard of knowledge and positions Certification holders as credible and influential leaders. The GTP® Certification Program brings three key benefits to those who earn their certification:
– Advance your career in business travel management
– Showcase your career commitment to peers and leadership team
– Amplify your ability to contribute to strategic business objectives
Fall Application Deadline: September 2, 2026
Fall Testing Window: October 3 – November 7, 2026
LEARN MORE>>

GBTA APAC Business Travel Forums 2026 | Pune
2026-09-11
The GBTA APAC Business Travel Forums are a must-attend event for business travel professionals, offering a full day of expert insights, dynamic discussions, and valuable networking followed by an evening gala dinner.
Taking place in Hyderabad on April 8, 2026, and Pune on September 11, 2026, these forums bring together industry leaders to explore the most pressing challenges and opportunities in India business travel.
Join us in Hyderabad and Pune, for a forward-thinking program designed to equip you with the knowledge, strategies, and industry relationships needed to stay ahead in corporate travel.

Carrefour des Experts 2026 | France
2026-09-16
Le Carrefour des Experts Travel & MICE par GBTA se tiendra au sein de l’IFTM Top Résa, le salon professionnel du tourisme et des voyages, en septembre 2026. Rejoignez-nous pour une série de tables rondes pour partager des retours d’expérience concrets et aborder les enjeux clés de l’industrie.

GBTA Canada Regional Direct (Buyer) Talks
2026-09-17
GBTA Canada recognizes the importance of peer networking and best practice sharing. Unique to GBTA Canada are our Regional Direct (buyer) Talks. Direct (buyer) members gather virtually, to exchange ideas, and understand market dynamics.
September 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET
To learn more and register for the GBTA Canada Direct Talks, please contact: Canada@gbta.org

GBTA | All Florida - Day of Education
2026-09-24 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
GBTA | All Florida invites you to a dynamic two‑day education and networking experience hosted at the one‑and‑only SeaWorld Orlando. Designed for travel buyers, suppliers, and industry partners, this regional event brings together business travel professionals from across the state to explore the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of corporate travel.
The education program will cover all things business travel— from airline and ground transportation strategy to hotels, sustainability, technology, policy, and the evolving traveler experience. Attendees will gain practical insights from industry leaders, participate in meaningful peer‑to‑peer conversations, and leave with ideas they can immediately apply within their organizations.
What truly sets this event apart is the opportunity to network in a relaxed and memorable setting. An opening reception and dedicated networking moments are complemented by two hours of exclusive park time, giving attendees the chance to connect in ways that go far beyond the ballroom.
Whether you prefer to scream your lungs out on a roller coaster, mingle with penguins, or simply enjoy informal conversations in a truly unique environment, this event makes relationship‑building natural, engaging, and—dare we say—fun.
GBTA attendees engaged
Whether your goal is to stay ahead of industry change, strengthen your Florida network, or experience business travel education in a whole new way, GBTA | All Florida at SeaWorld Orlando delivers insight, inspiration, and unforgettable connections you won’t want to miss.
Schedule at a Glance
Wednesday, September 23
Meliá Orlando Celebration: 225 Celebration Pl, Celebration, FL 34747
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM – Opening Reception
Thursday, September 24
SeaWorld Orlando: 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, FL 32821
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM – Registration & Breakfast
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM – Opening Remarks: Dana Fischbeck, Chapter President
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM – Global Business Travel Update & Forecast: Rosemary Maloney, GBTA Board President
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM – The Importance of Accessibility in Travel Panel
Dominique Dewitt, Warrior Experience Senior Specialist at Wounded Warrior Project
TBD, Southwest Airlines
Geoff Schiebel, Regional Vice President at IHG
Buyer, Travel Specialist at Wounded Warrior Project
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM – Networking Break
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM – Building Your Personal Brand: Stacey Perlmutter, Director of Strategic Sales at Enterprise Mobility
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM – Leisure & Convention Travel Overview & Forecast: Robert Leavitt, Market Research & Insights Senior Analyst at Visit Orlando
12:00 PM – 1:00PM – Networking & Sponsor Showcase Lunch
1:00 PM – 1:45 PM – Travel Risk Mitigation: Jon Moody, Manager at Federal Aviation Administrator
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM – Shark Tank
The Sharks (Buyers):
Tarsha Clark, Travel manager at Element
Stacy McGrath, Travel Manager at Wallenius Wilhelmsen
Jennifer Siracusa, Travel Manager at DPR Construction
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM – Afternoon Break
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM – SeaWorld’s Mission: TBD at SeaWorld
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM – Closing Remarks & Prize Drawing
4:00 PM – 6:00PM – Time to enjoy SeaWorld & Network
*Agenda Not Final and May Change
Tickets
$150.00 Member Registration
$180.00 after 05:00 pm September 10
$130.00 Earlybird rate before July 26
$170.00 Non-member registration
$200.00 after 05:00 pm September 10
$150.00 Earlybird rate before July 26
$150.00 Member (Tampa Bay, South Florida Chapter & All Access)
$180.00 after 05:00 pm September 10
$130.00 Earlybird rate before July 26
$60.00 Opening Reception Only (for those unable to attend Day of Education)
$70.00 after 05:00 pm September 10
$50.00 Earlybird rate before July 26

LATAM Conference
2026-10-01 08:00 - 19:30 (America/Mexico_City)
Durante más de 16 años, la Conferencia GBTA LATAM se ha convertido en el principal punto de encuentro de la región para generar oportunidades de negocio, intercambiar conocimientos e inspirar a la comunidad de viajes corporativos y reuniones. Hoy es el evento de referencia donde se reúnen las personas y las ideas que están dando forma al futuro de los viajes de negocios en América Latina.
Con contenidos relevantes, ponentes reconocidos y herramientas prácticas, desde proyecciones y analítica de datos hasta mejores prácticas y tecnologías emergentes, la conferencia te brinda lo necesario para impulsar resultados en tus viajeros corporativos, organizaciones y equipos.
Únete a más de 450 participantes y vive una jornada de networking de alto nivel, con sesiones lideradas por expertos, conversaciones con líderes del sector y más de 40 expositores, todo en un mismo lugar.

GBTA Conference 2026 Milano
2026-10-01 08:45 - 16:00 (Europe/Rome)
The GBTA Italia Annual Conference, the meeting point for the Business Travel community, is back!
International speakers, Travel Managers, Event Managers, Mobility Managers and Suppliers from the Business Travel and MICE value chain meet to discuss the main issues on the agenda, share best practices and build the future of the events and business travel sector together.

UBTA 2026 Trade Show – Attendee & Booth
2026-10-02 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Hilton City Center, 255 West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT, 84101, United States
UBTA
Business Travel Trade Show
Location:
Hilton City Center
255 West Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Fundamentals of Business Travel Management (Live Online Course)
2026-10-08 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-15 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-22 10:00 - 12:00, 2026-10-29 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM US Eastern
Dates: October 8, 15, 22, 29
Course Instructor: Jennifer Steinke
Course Purpose
This course equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to:
– Own the business travel management function at your organization
– Develop and implement an effective travel policy
– Oversee vendor relationships and technology procurement
– Leverage data and analytics to measure success
– Manage travel risk and ensure traveler safety
– Upon completion, you will receive a GBTA Professional Development Certificate and earn 14 GTP® Recertification credits for GTP holders.
Who Should Enroll
Ideal for professionals who are:
– New to corporate travel management
– Seeking a deeper understanding of foundational travel policy elements
– Looking to expand or reframe their current travel programs
Roles include:
– Corporate Travel Managers and Directors
– Procurement or Fiscal Managers overseeing travel budgets
– Regional/District Sales Managers for travel suppliers
Course Structure
The course is delivered over four weeks, with:
– Seven learning modules organized into four live classes
– Live instructor-led sessions via Zoom
– Final class featuring peer presentations
Course Pricing:
– $295 members
– $675 non-members

Sustainability Summit - GBTA + VDR + ABTA Conference 2026
2026-11-02 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Vienna)
The GBTA Sustainability Summit takes place on Day 1 of the GBTA + VDR Europe Conference 2026 in Partnership with ABTA | Vienna. The Summit is also included as part of the full GBTA + VDR + ABTA Conference 2026 programme.
See more about the GBTA + VDR + ABTA Conference 2026

GBTA + VDR Europe Conference 2026 in Partnership with ABTA | Vienna
2026-11-02 08:00 - 2026-11-04 14:30 (Europe/Vienna)
Join us in Vienna for the GBTA + VDR Europe Conference 2026 in Partnership with ABTA, the most important annual gathering for business travel professionals in Europe. For the first time, this flagship event will take place in Vienna, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and peers in a vibrant new host city for an inspiring and unmissable experience.

Workforce Mobility and Travel Summit
2026-11-09 17:00 - 2026-11-10 17:00 (America/Chicago)
The Workforce Mobility & Travel Summit 2026 brings together buyers and suppliers managing complex, high-movement travel programs across sectors such as energy, sports, emergency management, and construction.
Kicking off with an evening networking reception, the summit continues with a focused, one-day interactive program designed to deliver practical insights and real-world strategies for project-, crew-, and team-based travel. Attendees will explore key topics including duty of care, risk management, operational challenges, and supplier partnerships, alongside a dedicated supplier showcase.
Informed by industry experts, this event is the go-to forum for professionals navigating the unique demands of workforce mobility and specialized travel programs.

GBTA Canada Regional Direct (Buyer) Talks
2026-12-03
GBTA Canada recognizes the importance of peer networking and best practice sharing. Unique to GBTA Canada are our Regional Direct (buyer) Talks. Direct (buyer) members gather virtually, to exchange ideas, and understand market dynamics.
December 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET
To learn more and register for the GBTA Canada Direct Talks, please contact: Canada@gbta.org

Le Carrefour des Échanges Travel & MICE par GBTA
2026-12-03 13:30 - 19:00 (Europe/Paris) | Le Méridien Paris Arc De Triomphe, Le Méridien Paris Arc De Triomphe 81 Boulevard Gouvion Saint-Cyr, Paris, France, 75017, Paris, 75017, France
Le Carrefour des Échanges Travel et MICE du 3 décembre réunit des acheteurs, travel managers et fournisseurs pour échanger et bénéficier de retours d’expérience d’autres professionnels de l’industrie. Un format interactif, qui permet aux participants d’échanger en petits groupes sur des sujets ciblés et croiser leurs regards sur les pratiques de chacun.
