The State of Corporate Travel Policies: What a Modern Policy Looks Like in the U.S. and Canada
2026-03-26 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
In business travel, there is nothing more universal than a corporate travel policy. Based on GBTA research, this webinar will discuss the current state of corporate travel policies. Topics include:
1. Travel policy evolution: How are travel policies changing? Are policies becoming stricter or more lenient over time? How long is a typical travel policy? How can AI help educate employees about travel policies?
2. Risk management: Why is a well-designed travel policy important to keep employees safe? What risk-related considerations are important when designing a corporate travel policy?
3. Air travel: How often is business class allowed? In which scenarios is it allowed? How often are employees allowed to purchase various air-related add-ons and amenities—such as seat selection and early boarding—at company expense? Do travel programs have “lowest logical fare” (LLF) and “advance purchase” policies?
4. Meals: Do travel policies outline per diems or spending limits for employee meals?
Do companies set their own meal rates – or use a government benchmark?
5. How do travel policies address hotel stays? Do they outline per diems or spending limits – or do they advise employees to purchase “reasonably” or “moderately” priced accommodations?
Speaker Info:

Dr John Rose
Chief Risk Advisor
ALTOUR

Michael J. Boult
SVP Chief Commercial Officer
ALTOUR
Start Date and Time: 3.26.26 11am EST
End Date and Time: 3.26.26 12pm EST
Location: Webinar

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

GTP® Certification Program Spring Exam - Registration Closes
2026-04-02 | 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
Spring Application Deadline: April 2, 2026
Spring Testing Window: April 25 – May 23, 2026
LEARN MORE>>

The Fundamentals of Business Travel Management (Americas)
2026-04-07 - 2026-04-28 | Virtual
Course dates: April 7 – April 28 (Tuesdays)
Our Fundamentals of Business Travel Management course equips you with the knowledge you need to confidently own business travel management function at your organization, develop and implement an efficient business travel policy, oversee business travel vendors and technology procurement, and much more. The learning modules covered during the training include:
– Overview of Travel Management
– Travel Policy
– Creating a Service Model
– Strategic Sourcing/Vendor Management
– Travel Technology Basics
– Data and Analytics/Measuring Success
– Travel Risk Management
After the course you receive your GBTA Professional Development Certificate. GTP holders will earn 14 GTP® Recertification credits.
Registration closes on March 29.
Questions? Please reach out to learning@gbta.org.

The GBTA APAC Business Travel Forum 2026 | Hyderabad
2026-04-08 12:00 - 18:00 (Asia/Kolkata) | Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel, 15/1, Nanakramguda Rd, Financial District, Hyderabad, IN-TG 500032, India
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.
Details:
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
12:00 Noon – 6:00 PM followed by an evening cocktail reception and gala dinner 6:00PM–9:00 PM.

The Intrapreneurial Mindset: The New Superpower in Corporate Travel
2026-04-09 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | 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 (America/New_York)
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 (America/New_York)
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

GBTA Italia Breakfast | Bologna
2026-04-16 08:30 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | SAVHOTEL FIERA, Via Ferruccio Parri, 9, 40128, Bologna BO,, Italy
Le Breakfast di GBTA Italia sono un’occasione di incontro, aggiornamento e confronto, dalle 8.30 alle 10.00.
EVENTO PER SOLI TRAVEL MANAGER
Location:
SAVHOTEL FIERA è facilmente raggiungibile in treno e in aereo, nonché comodissimo per chi arriva in auto dall’autostrada e dalla tangenziale. La Stazione Centrale di Bologna dista 1,3 km
DIVENTA MEMBRO GBTA

GBTA APAC Business Travel Forum 2026 | Melbourne
2026-04-22 09:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, 25 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
The GBTA APAC Business Travel Forums returns in 2026 with four regionally focused events across Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Auckland, running from March to April.
About the GBTA APAC Business Travel Forum 2026 | Melbourne
The GBTA APAC Business Travel Forum 2026 in Melbourne will examine data-driven travel programs, ESG accountability and complex travel ecosystems, aligned with the city’s concentration of large corporates, professional services firms and multinational headquarters. Discussions will focus on using analytics, AI and supplier partnerships to optimise spend, compliance and sustainability outcomes.
Key sessions:

Sustainability & Carbon-Aware Travel Policy
Duty of Care in a Complex World

GBTA LATAM Business Travel Forum | Bogotá
2026-04-23 08:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Salvio Parque 93 Bogota, Curio Collection by Hilton, Cra. 12 #93 – 75, Bogotá, Colombia
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.

Bridging Travel, Mobility and Government Perspectives
2026-04-23 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | 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 Canada Conference 2026 - Toronto
2026-04-27 | The Westin Harbour Castle, 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, ON, M5J 1A6, Canada
[Learn More]
Join us in Toronto for the GBTA Canada Conference, taking place April 27–29 at our new venue, The Westin Harbour Castle. This three-day event brings together the business travel community to network, learn from industry experts, and engage in peer-to-peer education.
Curated by regional thought leaders, the conference will focus on the key issues and opportunities shaping the business travel industry today. Experience an agenda designed to foster learning, community and collaboration, empowering professionals to drive meaningful change across the sector.
Connect with peers, expand your network, and be inspired by innovative content that will deepen your understanding of industry challenges and accelerate your career growth.
Start Date: Monday, April 27,2026
End Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Venue: The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto | 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6, Canada.
Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are now available.

The Fundamentals of Business Travel Management (Europe)
2026-04-28 - 2026-05-19 | Virtual
Course date: April 28 – May 19 (Tuesdays)
Our Fundamentals of Business Travel Management course equips you with the knowledge you need to confidently own business travel management function at your organization, develop and implement an efficient business travel policy, oversee business travel vendors and technology procurement, and much more. The learning modules covered during the training include:
– Overview of Travel Management
– Travel Policy
– Creating a Service Model
– Strategic Sourcing/Vendor Management
– Travel Technology Basics
– Data and Analytics/Measuring Success
– Travel Risk Management
After the course you receive your GBTA Professional Development Certificate. GTP holders will earn 14 GTP® Recertification credits.
Registration closes on April 19.
Questions? Please reach out to learning@gbta.org.

GBTA APAC Business Travel Forum 2026 | Auckland
2026-04-30 09:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Sofitel Auckland, 21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
The GBTA APAC Business Travel Forums returns in 2026 with four regionally focused events across Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Auckland, running from March to April.
About the GBTA APAC Business Travel Forum 2026 | Auckland
The GBTA APAC Business Travel Forum 2026 in Auckland will explore trans-Tasman and Asia-Pacific connectivity, integrated travel and meetings strategy, and technology adoption, recognising New Zealand’s gateway role and growing convergence between corporate travel and business events. Content has been shaped to reflect the needs of both multinational and mid-market organisations.
Key sessions:

Technology Adoption & Supplier Innovation
Integration of Travel + Meetings & Events

GBTA LATAM Business Travel Forum | Santiago
2026-05-06 08:30 - 13:00 (America/Sao_Paulo)

GBTA APAC Conference 2026 | Singapore
2026-05-12 - 2026-05-13
GBTA APAC Conference 2026 | Singapore
Join us in Singapore for the 2026 GBTA APAC Conference at Marina Bay Sands on May 12-13, where the business travel community will come together to connect, learn, and grow. Curated by regional thought leaders and backed by GBTA’s global insights, this two-day event will tackle the most pressing issues and emerging opportunities shaping the business travel landscape in Asia Pacific.
Date: May 12-13, 2026
Location: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

GBTA South Carolina Golf Tournament
2026-05-12 11:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
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 Ladders Summit 2026
2026-05-19 - 2026-05-21 | Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Autograph Collection, 201 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC, 28202, United States
The GBTA Ladders Summit is the signature annual gathering of the business travel industry’s next generation of leaders. Designed to inspire, develop, and elevate emerging talent, the Summit brings together rising professionals, senior mentors, program alumni, and industry executives for two days of high-impact learning and collaboration.

GBTA Italia Roadshow | Roma
2026-05-21 09:45 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Best Western Premier Hotel Royal Santina, Via Marsala, 22, 00185, Roma RM, Italy
Il Roadshow di GBTA Italia unisce Masterclass, Talk, Tavole Rotonde e Insight finalizzati ad esplorare in modo smart e pratico le tematiche più attuali di Mice e Business Travel.

AI Prompting Workshop (Buyer Only)
2026-05-21 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Are you new to AI? Have you tried ChatGPT before but would like to get started in a more structured way? Are you interested in using AI to increase productivity in your role as a business travel buyer but aren’t sure where to begin?
In this two-hour online session, participants are introduced to the art of prompting – the formulation of targeted input that leads to better, more relevant output from tools such as ChatGPT. The session focuses on buyer-relevant, real-world scenarios, helping participants understand how AI can support common tasks such as drafting communications, organizing information, and working more efficiently day to day.
Learners will practice effective prompting in a small‑group setting while observing tools on a shared screen. No prior AI knowledge is required.
The course is limited to 15-seats.
To express interest in more AI-courses like this, please reach out to learning@gbta.org.

GBTA Canada Regional Direct (Buyer) Talks
2026-05-26
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.
May 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET
To learn more and register for the GBTA Canada Direct Talks, please contact: Canada@gbta.org

Webinar - Navigating Middle East Uncertainty: Implications and Strategies for Business Travel Leaders
2026-06-03 14:00 - 15:00 (Asia/Baghdad)
As conditions in the Middle East continue to evolve, business travel programmes are experiencing increased complexity that extends well beyond the region. Route changes, airline capacity constraints, fuel-related challenges, and rising costs are creating new pressures for travel managers and suppliers, often requiring decisions to be made in real time.
Join GBTA on June 3, 2:00–3:00 PM (Arabian Standard Time +1 / GMT +4) for a live webinar featuring industry experts:
– Sebastien Bedu, General Manager, Middle East, International SOS, who brings extensive experience in enterprise risk, crisis preparedness, and operating in high-risk environments.
– Andrew Emms, Head of Account Management, Middle East & Africa, FCM Travel, who leads multinational travel programs and regional account
teams, with expertise in customer governance, service performance, and translating client needs into measurable outcomes.​
– Maura Geertsma, Divisional Vice President Corporate Travel, dnata Travel Group, who leads regional travel strategy and works closely with multinational clients navigating complex travel programmes.
– Mohamad Halawi, Owner, Fuel Up, who brings over 26 years of experience in strategic procurement and global travel programs, with expertise in
travel operations, risk management, and end-to-end Procure-to-Pay transformation.
Together, they will examine the latest regional developments, assess their global implications, and share practical strategies being used across the industry today.
You’ll learn how to:
– Navigate operational disruption and cost volatility
– Adapt supplier strategies and programme design
– Strengthen traveller communication and policy flexibility
This session is designed to help business travel leaders move from uncertainty to informed action, with clear, practical guidance grounded in real-world experience.

U.S. Legislative Summit 2026
2026-06-09 - 2026-06-11 | Reserve Organization of America, One Constitution Avenue, NE, Washington, DC, 20001, United States
The GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit is the premier advocacy event uniting business travel professionals from across the country to influence the policies that shape our industry. Over three impactful days in Washington, D.C., attendees step directly into the heart of government to champion smarter, stronger, and more sustainable policies that support the business travel industry.

GBTA LATAM Business Travel Forum | São Paulo
2026-06-09 08:30 - 14:00 (America/Sao_Paulo)

Buyer Only Exchange | Ottawa
2026-06-11 | AC Hotel Ottawa Downtown, 201 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON, K1N 5X8, Canada
The GBTA Canada Buyer Only Exchange is a series of half-day, hosted events designed exclusively for corporate travel buyers.

Held in Ottawa and Edmonton, these sessions provide a dynamic environment for education, peer networking, and knowledge sharing. More than just learning opportunities, these events foster a sense of community—encouraging open dialogue, shared challenges, and fresh ideas to help buyers of all company sizes thrive in today’s business travel landscape.
June 11
AC Hotel Ottawa Downtown
201 Rideau Street, Ottawa
ON, K1N 5X8

GBTA Italia Roadshow | Padova
2026-06-11 09:30 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | SAVHOTEL MANTEGNA PADOVA, Via Niccolò Tommaseo, 61, 35131 Padova PD, Italy

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

GBTA Canada Buyer Only Exchange | Edmonton
2026-06-16 12:30 - 16:00 (America/Denver)
Held in Ottawa and Edmonton, these sessions provide a dynamic environment for education, peer networking, and knowledge sharing. More than just learning opportunities, these events foster a sense of community—encouraging open dialogue, shared challenges, and fresh ideas to help buyers of all company sizes thrive in today’s business travel landscape.
If you are a corporate travel buyer interested in attending one of the GBTA Canada Buyer Only Exchange events, please contact Canada@GBTA.org for more information.

Research Webinar - Innovation and the Pursuit of the “Perfect Business Trip”
2026-06-17 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
GBTA Sponsored Webinar – Direct Travel, Marriott International and Spotnana Research
Innovation and the Pursuit of the “Perfect Business Trip”
Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
Today, business travel is far from perfect for employees and the travel programs that serve them. Yet, innovation has never been stronger – or faster. Based on GBTA research, this webinar will explore three innovation-focused “hot topics” within the industry:
– Artificial Intelligence (AI): How are travel programs using AI today? Which use cases are the most interested in? Are travel managers comfortable with different AI use cases?
– Hotel distribution: The GDS remains an effective model for accessing hotel content. However, new models are emerging. How will these models change the shopping experience for travel programs?
– Global travel programs: Global travel programs face unique challenges – from siloed data to inconsistent service. What are these challenges – and how can TMCs and tech companies solve them?
Based on GBTA research conducted in North America and EMEA and sponsored by Direct Travel, Marriott International and Spotnana
Interested in the full research? Learn more here.
