Education Day

GBTA-Los Angeles Education Day is our signature annual event designed to inspire, inform, and connect members of the Los Angeles business travel community. This full-day program brings together top industry professionals, thought leaders, and innovators to explore the trends, challenges, and technologies shaping the future of corporate travel.

Attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of keynote speakers, expert panels, and interactive sessions. This event allows for networking opportunities to foster new connections and strengthen existing relationships across all sectors of our industry.

Whether you’re a travel buyer, supplier, or industry advocate, GBTA-Los Angeles Education Day offers fresh insights, actionable takeaways, and the opportunity to engage with the community driving business travel forward in Southern California and beyond.

Agenda:

9:00 AM – Check-in Opens with Breakfast-(Regency 1 Ballroom and Regency Foyer)
10:00 AM – Sponsor Tabletop Exhibits open
11:00 AM – Program starts
11:15 AM – Session 1
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM – LUNCH
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM – Sponsor Tabletop Exhibits open
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Session 2
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM – BREAK
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Session 3
4:30 PM – Reception / Networking-(Penthouse 280)

Session #1
Distribution 101 -The Facts Presented by Cory Garner

About Cory Garner: Cory Garner transforms corporate travel programs with strategic insights and innovative technology. As the CEO of Garner, he guides corporate travel managers, travel technology companies, travel sellers, and airlines through the complexities of airline distribution. During his 20-year tenure at American Airlines, Cory led strategies for distribution, travel agency incentives, and corporate customer programs, driving technological advancements as a co-founder of the NDC trend. Cory is widely quoted in mainstream and trade media, has twice been chosen by readers of The Beat to headline their annual conference, is one of LinkedIn’s most-followed personalities in his subject matter area, and hosts his own conference, making him one of the most influential voices in corporate travel.

What to expect from this session:
An in-depth review about today’s travel landscape and the distribution channels that are shifting with the rise of IATA’s New Distribution Capability (NDC). Traditionally reliant on Global Distribution Systems (GDSs), airlines are now increasingly using NDC to connect directly with travel agencies and buyers. This enables more dynamic pricing, personalized offers, and richer content that GDSs can’t always support. As a result, the landscape is becoming more fragmented, with a mix of traditional and NDC-enabled channels. Travel managers must now navigate this hybrid environment to ensure access to the best content while maintaining efficiency, compliance, and traveler support.

Session #2
Global Safety & Security in Business Travel – Moderated by Kevin Coffey, https://www.kevincoffey.com

About Kevin Coffey: Detective Kevin Coffey is an internationally known safety expert, who helps organizations keep their employees traveling safe and smart. He is also a leading resource to the meeting and hospitality industries as a duty of care and risk reduction expert.

Detective Coffey’s background is unique. A highly decorated officer, Kevin founded the Los Angeles Airport’s Crime Investigation Detail and he is now an instructor with the University of Southern California’s Safer Communities Institute. When the media needs an expert they look to Kevin as a subject matter expert. Kevin’s media appearances include: The Oprah Winfrey Show, 20/20, The Travel Channel, NBC, CNN and he has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, INC, Los Angeles Times, plus many more publications and broadcasts.

His message resonates with travel industry associations, top corporations, and US government agencies including the FBI.

His first-hand crime experience with his assignment of investigating airport and travel related crime gave him insight as to how travelers are victimized and more importantly how to avoid it. He now shares this information in a series of risk reduction and response presentations for the public, as well as the travel, meeting, and hospitality industries.

What to expect from this session:
Join LABTA for a compelling and timely program focused on Global Safety and Security in business travel. As organizations continue to expand globally, staying ahead of evolving risks and compliance requirements is more important than ever.

Global travel risk management and emergency response
Immigration compliance and regulatory updates
Best practices for duty of care and protecting mobile employees

From geopolitical disruptions to technological innovation, our panel will provide critical takeaways to help you build a safer, more resilient travel program. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the experts shaping global travel safety and security. Whether you’re a travel manager, supplier, or industry professional, this conversation will provide actionable insights and essential tools to help protect your travelers and strengthen your travel program. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and connected with global experts at the forefront of travel risk management.
Panelists:
Michael Boshnaick- Partner-Fragomen
https://www.fragomen.com/people/michael-boshnaick.html
Mike Anderson-Director of Risk Solutions-Crisis24

Session #3
Transformative World of AI Presented by Mary Flor

About Mary Flor: Mary started her career with luxury hotels and resorts after graduating from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Mary was on the opening team at the Resort at Pelican Hill and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Las Vegas. During her involvement in these preopening teams, Mary’s passion for training and development grew as she crafted and delivered materials aimed at enhancing sales metrics and guest satisfaction scores.

Mary’s dynamic approach to facilitation has enabled her to travel the world as a Master Trainer and speaker working with senior sales professionals and leaders. Mary specializes in creating and translating a company’s service standards from theory into usable practices. She has a unique ability to communicate with diverse groups of people from leadership to hourly staff.

She is driven by her commitment to hospitality and her passion for service excellence. Mary on-boards our new facilitators and consultants and works closely with Cindy Novotny (Managing Partner) on market trends and ensuring our content is up to the minute.

What to expect from this session:
In this dynamic session, attendees will dive into the transformative world of AI and explore how it’s revolutionizing various aspects of travel management.

Industry leaders will share real-world case studies that highlight practical applications of AI, from optimizing travel policies to enhancing sales strategies. This interactive session will provide hands-on guidance on how to effectively integrate AI into your daily operations, making it easier to streamline processes and achieve measurable results. Speakers will cover a wide range of topics, including:

Communicating Travel Policies with AI
AI to support Sales Activities
Interactive Case Studies: Hear from experts who have successfully implemented AI across various travel functions, sharing challenges faced and the solutions that worked.
This session is perfect for travel managers, sales professionals, and anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Exhibit at LABTA Education Day – Maximize Your Visibility at Our Premier Event

Secure your Sponsorship here

As GBTA Los Angeles’ highest-attended annual event, Education Day offers an unmatched opportunity for suppliers and industry partners to connect directly with key decision-makers in the business travel space. By purchasing a tabletop exhibit, your brand will be front and center with travel buyers, managers, and influencers from top corporations throughout Southern California.

✔️ Targeted Exposure – Showcase your services and solutions to a highly engaged audience of travel professionals actively seeking partners and new ideas.
✔️ Lead Generation – Build valuable relationships and gain direct access to corporate travel buyers in one dynamic setting.
✔️ Brand Positioning – Align your company with LABTA’s mission of education and innovation while demonstrating your commitment to the business travel community.
✔️ Networking Opportunities – Engage in meaningful conversations before, during, and after the program through dedicated exhibitor time and networking breaks.
Space is limited — secure your tabletop early to ensure your place at this must-attend event!

Location:
HYATT REGENCY-LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
6225 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Valet Parking is $34
Self Parking at Quick Park on 98th St. for $35