Global Business Travel Association - GBTA

GBTA-DFW January Chapter Meeting - GTP Credit Approved
2026-01-22 10:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Chapter/Committee/Partner Name:
GBTA-DFW Chapter
Description: Kick off 2026 with GBTA-DFW’s first meeting of the year! Join us on January 22, 2026, for an exciting and insightful event featuring a panel of AI Superstars who are shaping the future of travel technology. This is your chance to learn how artificial intelligence and blockchain are transforming the business travel industry, hear from top innovators, and network with peers in the travel community. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving landscape.

Event Speakers:
Hank Benedetti, Chief Commercial Officer, Blockskye
Hank leads sales, marketing, communications, and industry partnerships at Blockskye, a company revolutionizing business travel technology through blockchain and AI.
Mike Daly, Senior Vice President, Sales, Serko Ltd
With over 30 years of travel technology experience, Mike has played a pivotal role in developing corporate online booking solutions at GetThere, Travelocity, and Sabre.
Matt Beck, VP Customer Solutions, Cerebri AI
Matt brings extensive expertise in global travel and expense technology, having held leadership roles at Serko, Travelport, Deem, GetThere, and Sabre.
Location of Event: In-Person at American Airlines Headquarters
Skyview 6 Ballroom
4501 Hwy 360, Fort Worth, TX 76155
Price:
$50.00 Members
$70.00 Guest of Member
$50.00 ALL ACCESS MEMBERS ONLY – Subject to Verification
$75.00 Guest Non Member

GBTA US Chapter Leadership Summit 2026
2026-02-02 - 2026-02-03 | Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, 1633 N. Biscayne Drive, Miami, FL, 33132, United States
The GBTA is proud to host the 22nd Annual GBTA US Chapter Leadership Summit! This event brings over 200 US Chapter volunteer leaders from across the country for 2 days of learning including professional development, networking and collaboration to enhance GBTA’s 38 US Chapter organizations.
All US Chapter board members and volunteers are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Event Dates:
Monday, February 2 – Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
1633 N. Biscayne Drive
Miami, FL 33132
305-374-3900
Learn More

GBTA TN Chapter Meeting: "Mastering AI: ChatGPT for Corporate Travel Professionals" - GTP Credit Approved
2026-02-10 11:00 - 13:00
GBTA Tennessee
Are you trying to do more with less in your growing, day-to-day responsibilities? Struggling to analyze data, craft reports, or generate professional internal/external emails? It’s time to unleash the full power of ChatGPT and transform the way you work!
Join us for an interactive, hands-on education session designed exclusively for travel professionals. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to fine-tune your expertise, this session will take you from basic prompts to expert-level mastery—turning ChatGPT into your ultimate travel assistant.

Watch ChatGPT transform a basic travel prompt into a ninja-level expert response!
📊 See how AI can digest massive data files in seconds, providing actionable insights.
🎨 Experience ChatGPT’s image generation for travel marketing, policy guides, and presentations.
🔥 Who Should Attend?
✈️ Corporate Travel Professional who want to save time, cut costs, and make smarter decisions.
📊 Travel Procurement & Finance Professionals looking to optimize travel spend.
🧳 Operations & HR Leaders seeking AI-powered solutions for traveler safety & experience.
🎯 Why Attend?
Because time is your most valuable asset. Walk away with practical AI skills that help you work smarter, not harder freeing up time to focus on strategy, not spreadsheets.
Theo Szymanski, SkyLink, Head of Global Enterprise Sales
Margaritaville Hotel Nashville
425 Rep. John Lewis Way S
Nashville, TN 37203
Tickets
$40.00 GBTA-TN Member Registration
$50.00 after 8:00 am February 6
$40.00 GBTA All-Access Registration
$50.00 after 08:00 am February 6
$60.00 Guest Registration
$70.00 after 8:00 am February 6

What Travel Managers Want: Insights from Industry Leaders - GTP Credit Approved
2026-02-12 11:00 - 13:00
Chapter/Committee/Partner Name: Utah Chapter
Description: Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring 5–6 travel managers from diverse industries as they share their top priorities, biggest challenges, and expectations for the future of corporate travel. We’ll explore key topics such as policy compliance, traveler experience, sustainability, and the role of technology in shaping modern travel programs. Gain actionable insights and practical strategies to better align with what travel managers truly need in today’s evolving landscape.

Event Speakers: 5-6 Panelist from different companies around the Wasatch Front
Location of Event:
Element Salt Lake City Downtown
145 S. 300 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Price:
$0.00 MEMBER TICKET
$15.00 after 11:45 pm February 9
$35.00 GUEST TICKET
$50.00 after 11:45 pm February 9

GBTA San Diego February Meeting
2026-02-12 11:30 - 13:30
GBTA San Diego
Join GBTA San Diego for our first education meeting of 2026!
We look forward to saying Happy New Year to our returning attendees and Hello to our first time guests!
Topic: 2026 Industry Outlook – Kavin Schieferdecker, Chief Sales Officer for San Diego Tourism Authority is joining us to speak about San Diego’s Travel Industry Trends & Outlook!
We are also very excited to have Leanne Davidson, Sales & Loyalty Market Manager with Alaska Airlines providing us with updates for one of the fastest growing carriers at San Diego International Airport!
Location: Rancho Bernardo Inn
17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego, CA 92128
$30 Buyers
$60 Member Supplier
$85 Non-Member Supplier

Flying with Southwest - February 18, 2026
2026-02-18 17:30 - 19:30
Join the GBTA Las Vegas chapter to hear about the exciting changes happening at Southwest Airlines this year! Our guest, Kyle Brown, Director of National Sales, will discuss how Southwest’s business transformation will affect your travel program and how these new features will benefit travelers.
WHEN: Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 5:30pm
WHERE: Location is being finalized – Check back soon!
COST: Members $40 | Guests $50
Get a $5.00 discount by buying your ticket 30 days in advance! $5.00 late fee applies for same-day registration.

GBTA-DFW Chapter Meeting
2026-02-19 10:30 - 13:00
Please join us February 19, 2026
GBTA-DFW Chapter Meeting
10:30am -1:00pm
Omni Frisco at the Star
Changing the Narrative: Cultivating Supplier Relationships
Strong supplier relationships are built with intention, not transactions. In this session, we’ll share a buyer’s perspective on what truly drives trust, transparency, and long-term value—and where partnerships often break down. Attendees will leave with practical, real-world strategies to strengthen collaboration and create mutually beneficial outcomes.
Tickets
$50.00 Members
$70.00 Guest of Member
$50.00 ALL ACCESS MEMBERS ONLY – Subject to Verification
$75.00 Guest Non Member

GBTA Georgia February 19 In Person Luncheon Meeting
2026-02-19 11:00 - 13:30
Join Us For An In-Person Luncheon Meeting on February 19, 2026
Dr. Maureen Gannon, PhD Vanderbilt University Presents …
Take Your Career To The Next Level
Ever felt like you don’t belong – you are not “good enough” – even when you’ve earned your seat? That’s Imposter Syndrome! It can hold back even the most accomplished professionals.
In this Interactive Workshop, you will:
Learn how Imposter Syndrome impacts your Career
Interpret your own scores from the Clance Imposter Syndrome assessment
Discover actions you can take to overcome Imposter Syndrome
This is a unique opportunity to learn from a nationally recognized expert on how to to gain practical tools for your Confidence and Career Growth.
About Our Speaker:
By every objective measure, Dr. Gannon’s career has been an unqualified success. She completed a PhD at Cornell and is now a tenured faculty member at Vanderbilt University. She leads and chairs multiple organizations and committees, and is invited to speak internationally about her work.
And yet, for much of her training, Dr. Gannon didn’t feel successful. She sometimes attributed her personal wins to outside forces or good luck. She wondered when others would discover her shortcomings.
Then, she attended a workshop that put a name to the feelings: Impostor Phenomenon. With the name came a realization that many of her peers were experiencing the same thing.
Now, Dr. Gannon speaks to students, faculty, and professional groups (including Delta Air Lines) about her experience of overcoming Impostor Syndrome and getting on with their careers.
Venue
Sandy Springs Performing Arts and Conference Center
1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Seats are limited—Reserve Yours Today!
Early Bird : $50 Members / $70 Guests.
After February 12: $90 Member/Guest
Networking & Registration Begin at 11:00am. Meeting Adjourns at 1:30pm.
50/50 Raffle
1 Ticket $10. 3 Tickets $25
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
Fox World Travel
Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
Delta Air Lines

The Hundred Live: Turning Corporate Travel Insights into Action
2026-02-26 08:30 - 12:30
GBTA | Chicago Chapter

Join Katie Virtue and Paul Tilstone of temoji consulting for a high-energy session that brings The Hundred to life. Built on interviews with 100 leaders across corporate travel suppliers, this session goes beyond the report to explore how the industry’s priorities are evolving right now and what that means for 2026.
We will unpack the six themes from The Hundred, with real-time perspective on how each theme has shifted since the research was completed and buyer views on how these trends are playing out inside their programs today.
Buyers and suppliers will then turn insight into action by working together in an interactive workshop to rank the themes by their impact on 2026 and define what those priorities will mean in practice. Hear forward-looking insights, discuss priorities for the sector in 2026, and capture takeaways to take back to your business.
Speakers:
Paul Tilstone:
Founder, temoji
Paul started his career 30 years ago in Travel Management Company sales and marketing, moving to CEO for the UK & Ireland’s Institute of Travel Management (ITM) in 2005. He launched the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) in Europe in 2010, moving to SVP Global Development in 2012 with a brief to develop GBTA regions outside of the USA.
He was a co-founder of specialist consultancy Festive Road and is founder of specialist travel and meetings supplier consultancy “temoji”
Paul has been twice listed as one of the world’s top 25 business travel industry influencers by the Business Travel News, USA.
Katie Virtue:
Katie Virtue is passionate about helping the business travel industry grow and thrive. After six years at consultancy Festive Road, she joined temoji Consulting, where she works closely with travel suppliers to sharpen their strategies, connect with the right customers, and bring real value to corporate travel programs.
Katie’s perspective comes from years of working across multiple aspects of the travel space, giving her a unique ability to see both supplier and buyer needs clearly.
She’s also committed to giving back to the industry, serving on the Board of the Global Business Travel Association and leading next generation engagement with the GBTA Ladders program.
Katie is also a professional speaker, trainer and coach, helping leaders escape the 100% trap to beat burnout, elevate their performance and show up to make a sustainable impact using her signature Sustainable Performance Playbook.
Location:
OLC Education & Conference Center
9400 W. Higgins Road, Suite 100
Rosemont, IL 60018
Price: $100 Member Registration
$150 Guest Registration
Direct Members of Chicago Chapter: Free!

Game On! GBTA Michigan Madness: Travel Tech Tip-Off!
2026-02-26 09:00 - 17:00
Get ready to go courtside with GBTA Michigan as we kick off our Travel Tech Tip‑Off! This February, we’re bringing March Madness energy to the world of travel innovation with our first‑ever Travel Tech Bracket Challenge. Eight travel technology topics will go head‑to‑head argued by some of the Travel industries GREATEST tech contributors, and YOU get to decide who advances. Join us for an engaging, interactive session where fresh ideas, bold solutions, and friendly competition collide as we crown this year’s ultimate champion.
🏀 Suit up in your favorite college basketball gear and show us who you’re rooting for! Jerseys, T-Shirts, hats, kicks, 90s adidas windbreaker pants, whatever brings your spirit alive! Whether you’re repping with pride or trash‑talking with style, we’ll see which team’s fans take the crown for the strongest turnout. 🏀
Agenda:
8:30am: Registration, Breakfast & Networking
9:30am: Welcome Announcements
9:45am: Sponsorship Presentation
10:00am: GBTA Michigan Business Meeting
10:30am: Networking Break
10:40am: Travel Tech Tip-Off
Referee: Jen Bankard Panelists: Brooks Armstrong, Mike Daly
Sam Hilgendorf
Get ready to go courtside with GBTA Michigan as we kick off our Travel Tech Tip‑Off! We’re bringing March Madness energy to the world of travel innovation with our first‑ever Travel Tech Bracket Challenge. Eight travel technology topics will go head‑to‑head and argued by some of the Travel industries GREATEST tech contributors, and YOU get to decide who advances.
12:10pm: Charity Reveal
12:25pm: Networking Lunch
1:25pm: AI Crystal Ball: Hype, Reality, or Revolution?
Referee: Jen Bankard Panelists: Brooks Armstrong, Mike Daly
Sam Hilgendorf
Game on! Will AI truly eliminate expense reports? Can it really replace human agents? The buzz around AI’s impact on business travel is endless—but which predictions will actually come true? In this interactive session, our panel of industry experts will put their boldest AI forecasts on the table. The audience votes: Game-changing innovation or just overblown hype? Then, our panelists must defend their positions under scrutiny. Will their AI prophecies hold up, or will they be debunked?
2:45pm: Final Announcements and Drawings

GBTA Ohio Valley Quarter 1 Education day
2026-03-05 18:00 - 2026-03-06 20:00 | North America, United States
OVBTA Q1 Education Day – join us for an exciting meeting !

GBTA TN March Chapter Meeting The Generational Power Panel: Women Shaping Business Travel
2026-03-10 11:00 - 13:10 | North America, United States
GBTA Tennessee
Join us on March 10th as we celebrate International Women’s Day with GBTA-Tennessee! This month’s chapter luncheon is dedicated to the career paths of women in business travel. We will spotlight Nashville’s very own leaders and the mentors who uplift them. Join us to hear diverse perspectives, share wisdom, and inspire the next generation of women in our industry.
What It’s About:
This session isn’t just a conversation; it’s a commitment to your professional growth. Whether you are just starting your journey or are a seasoned executive, you will gain practical insights on:
Identifying critical skills for the modern travel landscape
Pursuing growth opportunities with intentionality
Mentorship & Allyship: Celebrating the champions who support and elevate women in our community
We are thrilled to announce that Amy Brodrick, Founder & CEO of Walk In It, will serve as our moderator, guiding us through what promises to be an energizing and meaningful session.
Amy Brodrick, Founder & CEO of Walk In It, Moderator

Crisis Averted: Closing the Gap on Travel Risk
2026-03-12 11:00 - 13:00 | Courtyard Downtown Salt Lake City, 345 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT, 84101, United States
Chapter/Committee/Partner Name: Utah Chapter
Description: Every major travel crisis has a turning point, a moment where the outcome could have been different. This presentation will examine real-world travel risk incidents and asks a hard question: where these events truly unavoidable, or were there warning signs that went unaddressed? Through practical case studies, we’ll explore how legal exposure, medical emergencies, geopolitical instability, and emerging digital threats can escalate quickly when preparation and communication fall short.
Grounded in ISO 31030 and modern duty of care expectations, the presentation moves beyond theory and into what changes outcomes.
Event Speaker: Christine Connolley – GBTA Risk Committee – Travel Risk Management Service Account Manager – Everbridge
Location of Event: Courtyard Downtown Salt Lake City – 345 W 100 S Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Price:
$0.00 MEMBER TICKET
$15.00 after 11:45 pm March 9
$35.00 GUEST TICKET
$50.00 after 11:45 pm March 9

Women in Executive Leadership in the Business Travel Industry
2026-03-12 15:00 - 17:00 | Newport Marriott, 25 America's Cup Ave, Newport, RI, 02840, United States
GBTA New England – March Chapter Meeting
Join us for our March Chapter Meeting featuring a powerful moderated panel on Women in Executive Leadership in the Business Travel Industry.
📅 Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
🕒 Time: 3:00–5:00 PM (Cocktail reception with cash bar to follow)
📍 Location: Newport Marriott

As the corporate travel landscape continues to evolve, strong leadership, strategic vision, and inclusive decision-making have never been more important. This session spotlights accomplished women executives who are shaping the future of travel through innovation, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership.
Our moderated panel will bring together senior women leaders from across the travel and hospitality ecosystem to share candid insights on their leadership journeys and the realities of leading at the executive level. Panelists will explore both the opportunities and challenges women face in leadership roles and discuss how organizations can build more diverse and effective leadership pipelines.
Discussion topics will include:
• Navigating the path to executive leadership in the travel industry
• Leading through disruption, transformation, and change
• Sponsorship, mentorship, and building strong professional networks
• Driving business outcomes while fostering inclusive cultures
• Advice for the next generation of women leaders in travel
Expect an engaging, authentic conversation filled with real-world perspectives, actionable takeaways, and inspiration for professionals at every stage of their career.
Agenda:
• Interactive moderated panel discussion
• Audience Q&A
• Networking with peers and industry leaders
This session is ideal for travel managers, suppliers, and industry professionals who want to learn from trailblazing women leaders and gain practical leadership insights they can apply within their own organizations.
Sponsor: ITS
Moderator:
Jen Bankard – Executive Director of Conference Content & Strategy, The BTN Group
Jen’s mission is to transform the way corporate travel managers succeed, helping them empower their travelers, elevate their companies, and advance their careers to run best-in-class travel programs. Jen draws on 25+ years of experience in non-profit and association sectors, specializing in training and development. Currently with The BTN Group, she was named one of the 2024 WINiT Top 50 where she was recognized as a Global Leader with Global Impact for her groundbreaking work in corporate travel education.
Before joining The BTN Group, Jen served as Manager of Global Education at the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), where she built industry-leading learning experiences based on cutting-edge research and best practices.
Speakers:
Karen Catlin – Managing Director of Sales Effectiveness, United Airlines
Karen Catlin is the Managing Director of Sales Effectiveness. She leads a team of nearly 100 employees who support multiple functions for Worldwide Sales including sales & leadership training, sales service, internal communication, worldwide budget & resource management and policy & procedure. Since joining United in 1986, Karen has had 15 positions in a variety of leadership & headquarters based Sales roles as well as a tour in Airport Operations Business Management. She has lived in Connecticut, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Melbourne & Sydney Australia and Chicago.
A native of Illinois, Karen received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Karen enjoys interior decorating, travel- especially to Australia to visit friends, and loves all furry animals. She has been married to Bob for 34 years and their daughter, Grace, is currently a senior at Boston University.
Liz Batsche – Founder, Well Hosted
Liz Batsche is the founder of Well Hosted, where she helps students & professionals develop the soft skills that accelerate careers and elevate client experiences—what she calls The Practice of Hosting. Her career spans real estate investment banking (during the subprime mortgage crisis) and 11 years in luxury alcohol marketing, giving her a unique perspective on leadership under pressure and in high-touch, relationship-driven industries.
An alumna of NYU Stern and ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business and Barrett Honors College, Liz is a passionate advocate for executive women and the power of presence, hospitality, and human skills in shaping modern leadership.

Greater Phoenix Economic Update
2026-03-18 11:00 - 13:30 | FOGO DE CHÃO, 6300 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85253, United States
GBTA Arizona
March Education Meeting
March 18, 2026
11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

FOGO DE CHÃO
6300 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
https://fogodechao.com/location/scottsdale/
Directions
Tickets:
$65.00 member Ticket
$75.00 after 05:00 pm March 17
$80.00 Non-Member/Guest
$90.00 after 05:00 pm March 17
Join us for the Greater Phoenix Economic Update, a must-attend event for industry leaders, professionals, and decision-makers. Don’t miss out on this highly anticipated, insightful, and informative session featuring local experts.
Seize this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with industry peers. Bring your clients, colleagues, and boss for a comprehensive update on the Greater Phoenix economic landscape.
Secure your spot now for a meeting that promises to shape your business perspective!
Eric Kerr, Vice President of Insights and Development
Visit Phoenix
Eric tracks the visitor industry’s impact on the local economy and the impact of the Visit Phoenix programs on the area hotel market. He also contributes to business-development strategies across all functional areas of Visit Phoenix.
Since joining Visit Phoenix as an intern in 2006, Kerr has acquired a broad range of work experience in communications, media relations, marketing, government affairs, research and tourism advocacy. He is an active member in the Travel and Tourism Research Association and serves on the board of the Western Chapter of the Travel and Tourism Research Association.
Thomas Maynard, Senior Vice President of Business Development
Greater Phoenix Economic Council
Thomas Maynard, the GPEC Senior Vice President of Business Development, has been with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council since August 2013. Thomas co-manages the Business Development team and oversees GPEC’s international business attraction efforts. Over the years, Thomas has worked with hundreds of companies evaluating Greater Phoenix, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups.
Thomas has served as an Honorary Commander from 2022-2024, a unique program that pairs community members with leaders from Luke AFB. He also serves on NAIOP’s Developing Leader Steering Committee.
Thomas was named to the 2020 list of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers and was recognized a 40 under 40 Economic Developers Class of 2021. Thomas is an Arizona native, grew up in Tucson and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in journalism with a focus in public relations.
Pending Approval for 1 GTP Credit
Register now and secure your spot!
Registration Questions:
Please email: azbta@azbta.org
If you have an item you would like to donate to our raffles and be recognized, please email us at azbta@azbta.org
We appreciate your consideration!

Managing Traveler Expectations, Satisfaction & Budget
2026-03-19 10:30 - 13:00 | Hall of Lights, 4421 Charles Street, Carrollton, TX, 75010, United States
GBTA-DFW Chapter Meeting March 2026
Managing Traveler Expectations, Satisfaction & Budget
Join us for an engaging and practical discussion with experts across key sectors of travel. Our panel will explore strategies and insights to better support traveler needs while balancing organizational priorities.
Moderator:
Marilyn Townsend, Buyer
Panelists:
John Sell – Air Representative
John Hampton – Transportation Representative
Stacey Benedetti – TMC Agency Representative
Joseph Wheat – Hotel Representative
Location of Event:
Hall of Lights
4421 Charles Street
Carrollton, TX 75010
Tickets
$50.00 Members
$70.00 Guest of Member
$50.00 ALL ACCESS MEMBERS ONLY – Subject to Verification
$75.00 Guest Non Member

March Networking Event - Celebrating Women's History Month
2026-03-19 16:00 - 18:00
Rocky Mountain Chapter//Kimpton Claret Hotel
Description: Celebrate Women’s History month in March, we are delighted to welcome Candace L. Strother, Membership Engagement manager, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce!
Enjoy the beauty of the Kimpton Claret and our FIRST Happy Hour Networking Event
Event Speaker: Candace Strother, Membership Engagement Manager, Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Location of Event: In Person at the Kimpton Claret
$10 member and $20 non-member

GBTA South Carolina Networking Mixer
2026-03-26 16:00 - 18:00
Comp Networking Mixer for Members in Charleston, SC at the Bella Grace Hotel.

The Intrapreneurial Mindset: The New Superpower in Corporate Travel
2026-04-09 11:00 - 13:00 | Hilton Garden Inn – Lehi, 3150 N Hotel Loop, Lehi, UT, 84043, United States
Chapter/Committee/Partner Name: Utah Chapter
Description: The corporate travel ecosystem is shifting fast and thriving in this dynamic environment requires more than just process management. It takes intrapreneurs: individuals who think and act like entrepreneurs within their organizations to drive change, innovate smartly, and deliver value.
In this 60-minute interactive workshop, Greeley Koch introduces The Intrapreneurial Mindset. A framework empowering both corporate travel managers and their supplier partners to challenge the status quo and lead from within.
The session begins with a fast-paced introduction to the concept:
· What it means to be an intrapreneur in today’s travel landscape
· Why both buyers and suppliers need this mindset now more than ever
· How intrapreneurs build stronger, more strategic partnerships
Then, the room turns into a conversation: Participants are invited to share how they’ve embraced intrapreneurial thinking, taken calculated risks, and navigated change in their programs or offerings. Suppliers are engaged to talk about how they have supported travel managers who are intrapreneurial. Greeley facilitates the dialogue, highlighting patterns, success traits, and transferable lessons.
This is not a lecture, it’s an energizing exchange of real-world ideas and experiences designed to inspire action, collaboration, and forward momentum.
Event Speaker: Greeley Koch – Global Consulting Leader in Travel & Hospitality | Business Strategist Driving Revenue Growth & Customer Satisfaction | NYU Adjunct Professor
Location of Event:
Hilton Garden Inn – Lehi
3150 N Hotel Loop
Lehi, UT 84043
Price:
$0.00 MEMBER TICKET
$15.00 after 11:45 pm March 9
$35.00 GUEST TICKET
$50.00 after 11:45 pm March 9

Business Travel & the 2026 Political Landscape: What You Need to Know
2026-04-15 12:00 - 13:15
Join us for an upcoming virtual event featuring Shane Downey, Vice President of Government Relations at Global Business Travel Association.
Shane will provide insights into the evolving political landscape and what it means for business travel in 2026. With the year already off to a turbulent start, this session will help break down the key issues impacting our industry, how they affect you and your travelers, and how you can support efforts to keep business travel moving forward.
Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and engaged with the policies shaping our industry.
Meet our speaker:
Shane Downey is Vice President of Government and Community Relations at The Global Business Travel Association, the voice of the $1.357 trillion business travel industry. GBTA is the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations on six continents. GBTA and the GBTA Foundation deliver world-class education, events, research, advocacy, and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts.
Prior to joining GBTA, Shane was a Senior Associate at a lobbying firm in Washington, D.C., and before that Shane worked on Capitol Hill and several Congressional Campaigns. Shane received his B.A in History from The Ohio State University. Shane also served in the United States Marine Corp and is a Desert Storm veteran.
We are excited to invite both GBTA Arizona members and non-members to join us for this impactful update.
Register now and secure your spot!
Location: Virtual Meeting – Note: the call-in link will be sent to registrants on April 14th.
Virtual Meeting – Member Tickets: $15.00
Virtual Meeting – Non- Member / Guest Tickets: $25.00

*Buyers Only* Benchmarking Session: In Person
2026-04-15 12:00 - 17:00
Buyers: Please join us in person for a half day benchmarking session. These sessions are “Vegas Style” where anything said in the room, stays in the room. Use industry experts to discuss important topics such as economic landscape, current struggles, policy considerations, risk management, new projects, improvements/enhancements etc.
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Catered Lunch
1:00pm – 5:00pm: Buyers Benchmarking

Bridging Travel, Mobility and Government Perspectives
2026-04-23 09:30 - 11:30 | Roost White House DC, 1425 New York Avenue NW, Washington DC, 20005, United States
In-Person at Roost White House DC
1425 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
In today’s environment, global business travel and workforce mobility are influenced by evolving regulations, border processes, and international coordination. Understanding how these systems work, and how public and private sectors can collaborate effectively has never been more important.
Join the GBTA Greater DC Metro Chapter for an educational, solutions-focused Legislative Breakfast bringing together leaders from industry for a constructive dialogue.
Confirmed Contributors Include:
Shane Downey, SVP Government & Community Relations, GBTA
Cornerstone Government Affairs, public policy advisors supporting GBTA
Mike Jackson, Government Relations Leader, WERC
Nan Park (Moderator), Senior Vice President of Newland Chase/CIBT
What This Session Is — and Isn’t
This is not a partisan forum.
It is an educational discussion designed to:
Provide clarity on current regulatory and border developments affecting business travel and mobility
Share how GBTA, WERC and other industry associations engage constructively with policymakers
Explore how public and private stakeholders can improve transparency, efficiency, and traveler experience
Encourage cross-functional dialogue between travel, mobility, immigration, and government professionals
As a timely example, we will briefly touch on upcoming large-scale international events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one illustration of how global attention and elevated cross-border movement can test systems and require proactive planning. The broader focus, however, remains on long-term readiness and collaboration across our industry.
Why Attend
For corporate travel managers and global mobility leaders, this session offers practical insight into how regulatory environments evolve and how industry feedback is communicated.
For government and embassy professionals, it provides direct exposure to operational realities companies face when deploying global workforces.
For suppliers and TMC partners, it offers a strategic view of advocacy priorities and collaborative opportunities.
As the chapter based in Washington, DC, we are uniquely positioned to create thoughtful, respectful conversations that strengthen understanding across sectors.
Join peers from government, industry, and multinational organizations for a morning of insight, dialogue, and connection.
Seats are limited to encourage meaningful interaction. We look forward to welcoming you.

GBTA South Carolina Golf Tournament
2026-05-12 11:00 - 17:00
Here’s your reservation link your guest can use to make reservations:
Book your group rate for GBTA Golf Tournament
You will find the information for your online reservation link below. If you have questions or need help with the link, please do not hesitate to ask. We appreciate your business and look forward to a successful event.
Event Summary:
GBTA Golf Tournament
Start Date: Monday, May 11, 2026
End Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Coastal Carolina Conway for 159.00 USD per night – Last Day to Book : Monday, April 27, 2026

Book your group rate for GBTA Golf Tournament

GBTA South Carolina Networking Mixer
2026-06-11 16:00 - 18:00
Comp Networking Mixer for Members at the Embassy Suites Greenville Downtown.

UBTA 2026 Trade Show – Attendee & Booth
2026-10-02 11:00 - 13:00 | 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
