The Summit that Shapes the Future of Business Travel

ladders summit 2026 (2)

The GBTA Ladders Summit is where the brightest rising stars and the industry’s most influential leaders come together to shape what’s next. This is the annual gathering for ambitious business travel professionals ready to elevate their leadership, expand their influence, and collaborate with the innovators redefining the industry.

For three immersive days, the Season 12 Ladders community – emerging talent, seasoned mentors, program alumni, and top executives – unites for an experience built to ignite growth, spark ideas, and accelerate careers.

What Awaits You

Exclusive Keynotes 
Hear directly from visionary leaders and influential thinkers shaping the future of business travel. 

Expert Driven Learning
Absorb powerful insights designed to strengthen your leadership, sharpen your skills, and fuel your professional evolution.

Dynamic Collaboration 
Connect and problem-solve with standout professionals in an energizing, supportive environment. 

Breakthrough Presentations 
See Ladders top four teams unveil bold, forward-thinking concepts that push the industry forward. 

High Impact Networking 
Build meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, and industry trailblazers who can open doors and expand your world. 

ladderssummit2

Qui participe ?

  • Season 12 GBTA Ladders participants, mentors, alumni, and board members
  • GBTA organizational representatives
  • GBTA Ladders partners and guest speakers

Réserve cette date

May 19–21, 2026 Charlotte, NC
Cette invitation‑only Summit is your chance to be part of a transformative experience that will influence the next era of business travel.

Ordre du jour*

Season 12 Theme:
“Agents of Change in the Age of AI”

This season challenges us to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming business travel – and what it will take for the next generation of leaders to guide that transformation with purpose.
As AI accelerates innovation across the travel ecosystem, the finalist teams will present their vision on where it can streamline, predict, and personalize – and where human creativity, collaboration, and leadership remain essential.

(all times Eastern Daylight Time)

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Déjeuner

1:00pm – 1:10pm

Welcome Remarks/ Opening Session

  • Ben Ford, Hotel Growth, Amex GBT
  • Edgar Sams, Sports and Entertainment Sales Director, Choice Hotels
  • Katherine Tomasi, Director of Sales, BCD Travel

1:10pm – 1.15pm

GBTA Bienvenue

  • Rosemary Maloney, Senior Director, Corporate Travel, Freeman, and President of the GBTA

1:15pm – 2:15pm

Industry Leaders Panel

During this session, we’ll hear from industry leaders and ask what they think the future holds for corporate travel.

  • Katharine Henry, SVP Business Ops & Planning, Sabre
  • Mahesh Veda, Managing Director of Digital Channels and Personalization, United Airlines
  • Peter Hunn, Senior AI Advisor, Southwest Airlines

    Modérateur: Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA

2:15pm – 3:00pm

Mise à jour de la Fondation GBTA

  • Bev Heinritz, Senior Director, Foundation People Program
  • Delphine Millet, Managing Director of the GBTA Foundation

3:00pm – 3:45pm

Pause réseautage

3:45pm – 4:10pm

Networking Masterclass

4:10pm – 5:30pm

Interactive Engagement Session

5:30pm – 5:40pm

Closing Remarks – Day 1

  • Ben Ford, Hotel Growth, Amex GBT
  • Edgar Sams, Sports and Entertainment Sales Director, Choice Hotels
  • Katherine Tomasi, Director of Sales, BCD Travel

6:30pm – 7:30pm

Réception de bienvenue

Made Possible by Grand Bohemian Hotel

7:30pm – 9:30pm

Dîners d'équipe informels

8:30pm –  late

Rencontre informelle

8:00am – 8:45am

Petit-déjeuner

8:45am – 9:00am

Day 2 Welcome Back

  • Ben Ford, Hotel Growth, Amex GBT
  • Edgar Sams, Sports and Entertainment Sales Director, Choice Hotels
  • Katherine Tomasi, Director of Sales, BCD Travel

9h00 – 10h00

Ladders Voices

10:00am – 10:30am

Finalist presentation – Team 1 

10:30am – 11:00am

Pause réseautage

11h00 – 11h30

Season Awards

11:30am – 12:pm

Finalist Presentation – Team 2 

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Déjeuner de réseautage

Made Possible by American Airlines

1:00pm – 1:30pm

Finalist Presentation – Team 3

1:30pm – 4:00pm

Education Breakout Sessions

4:00pm – 4:20pm

Pause réseautage

4:20pm – 4:50pm

Final Presentation – Team 4

4:50pm – 5:10pm

Final Presentation Scoring

5:10pm – 5:20pm

Closing Remarks – Day 2

  • Ben Ford, Hotel Growth, Amex GBT
  • Edgar Sams, Sports and Entertainment Sales Director, Choice Hotels
  • Katherine Tomasi, Director of Sales, BCD Travel

7:00pm – 9:00pm

Group Dinners

9h00 – 12h00

Give-Back Event & Announcement of Winning Team

  • Ben Ford, Hotel Growth, Amex GBT
  • Edgar Sams, Sports and Entertainment Sales Director, Choice Hotels
  • Katherine Tomasi, Director of Sales, BCD Travel

CONFIRM YOUR REGISTRATION BEFORE ARRIVAL IN CHARLOTTE

Please ensure that you are registered for the 2026 Ladders Summit before you arrive in Charlotte. This will ensure your check-in and badge pick-up goes smoothly.  Also, please prepare to enter the e-mail address you’re registered with to claim your badge.  

PLEASE DON’T BE A “NO SHOW”!

If you’ve registered for the 2026 Ladders Summit and cannot travel to Charlotte, please let us know by Thursday, May 14th. You may cancel your participation by sending an e-mail with your confirmation number to events@gbta.org.

SUMMIT AGENDA

Review the latest conference agenda ici.

HEURES D'INSCRIPTION :

  • Tuesday, May 19th: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday, May 20th: 7:30 am – 2:00 pm
  • Emplacement:   4e Floor – Pre-function space/outside Palace Ballroom

PENSEZ DURABLEMENT !

Please bring your refillable water bottle – there are conveniently located water refilling stations inside the Palace Ballroom. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day!

TEMPÉRATURE MOYENNE:

Later in May, you can expect warm and pleasant weather in Charlotte, NC. High temperatures will typically be in the low to mid-80s°F (27°-29° C) and overnight lows in the upper 50s to low 60s°F (14°-17° C). Days are often sunny to partly cloudy.  Check your favorite weather app before you head to Charlotte or check the latest weather here.

CODE VESTIMENTAIRE:

Expect a ‘polished casual’ vibe for our meetings! Since indoor temperatures can be chilly, keep a light layer or blazer handy. When we head off-site, feel free to keep it casual and comfortable.

MEALS: 

Les repas suivants seront fournis gratuitement par la conférence aux participants :

  • Tuesday: Lunch & Welcome Reception (appetizers)
  • Wednesday: Breakfast, Lunch, Group Dinners (by assignment)
  • Thursday: Light breakfast (For Give Back participants)

Group dinners – Wednesday night

All Ladders Summit participants will be assigned to a restaurant for Wednesday’s sponsored group dinners. Teams will receive a notification prior to arrival as to their assigned restaurants.  Group dinner assignments will also be available at Registration on-site.  If you are attending the Summit but do not plan to attend Wednesday evening’s dinner, please let us know prior to arrival so we can plan accordingly. Each dinner is being carefully coordinated keeping capacities, any self-reported dietary needs and balanced groupings in mind.  We kindly ask that dinner assignments remain as assigned.

WHILE IN CHARLOTTE:

Looking for fun activities to do while you’re in Charlotte? Look no further than these resources provided by Visit Charlotte!

Digital Charlotte Visitor’s Guide Special Offers/Packages

Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you in the Queen City!

GBTA Ladders Summit is the exclusive Invitation-Only Event.

Event registration is complimentary* for all current Ladders participants.

*Please note: To attend the Ladders Summit, you must be a GBTA member in good standing. If your membership needs renewal, click here.

Need help presenting the value of your attendance to your employer? We’ve created a document détaillé décrivant les principaux avantages du Ladders Summit pour soutenir votre dossier.

Vous souhaitez participer mais vous n'êtes pas un participant actuel ou passé à Ladders ? Contactez-nous à échelles@gbta.org pour plus d'informations.

Emplacement

The GBTA Ladders Summit 2026 will be held at the
Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Autograph Collection

grand bohemian hotel charlotte autograph collection


Located in the heart of downtown Charlotte, Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Autograph Collection is surrounded by vibrant nightlife and an inspiring art scene. Our hotel is close to Truist Field, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

Hotel Room Block Update: The group block at the Grand Bohemian Charlotte pour Monday, May 18 is sold out. Limited rooms remain for Tuesday, May 19 et Wednesday, May 20.
Room rate: $289.00 USD per night (plus taxes) 

Guests may continue to check directly with the hotel for availability (group rate not guaranteed) or explore other hotels in the Downtown Charlotte area.  

Last Day to Book: Monday, May 4, 2026 

Help Us Keep the Ladders Summit Free

Registration for the GBTA Ladders Summit is complimentary, made possible through the generous support of our Ladders Annual Sponsors. Your registration includes full access to all Summit programming, networking events, and hosted meals throughout the experience. To help us continue offering the Ladders Summit at no cost to participants, we kindly encourage attendees to book their stay at the official Summit host hotel.

Our host hotel provides important discounts and benefits to GBTA Ladders participants, which directly support our ability to deliver this program at no charge. The only costs for attendees are transportation and hotel accommodations.

Thank you for supporting the Ladders community and helping us invest in the development of future leaders in business travel.

GBTA Ladders Summit 2026 Sponsorship Prospectus

Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your brand, generate leads and network with business travel professionals from across the country at the GBTA Ladders Summit. This exclusive gathering brings together current leaders and rising stars to learn, network and shape the industry’s future.

Engage this select group of business travel professionals and join GBTA as a sponsor of the Ladders Summit 2026. Contactez notre équipe de sponsoring avec toutes les questions.

ladders summit sp photo

Parrainages premium

DeliverablesCommanditaire Or
$8 500 USD
Commanditaire Argent
$5,500 USD
Commanditaire Bronze
$3,500 USD
Complimentary Ladders Summit registration be redeemed by May 5, 2026.311
Reconnaissance du logo sur le site Web de la GBTA, les documents officiels et les diapositives de reconnaissance des sponsors.*
All-attendee registration list distributed 1-week prior and 1-week post: (name, title, company, email).**
Logo recognition at GBTA Ladders Education Session presentation at GBTA Convention 2026.
Three (3) minute speaking opportunity during general session. Stage introduction video (60-second max) is required. Video must be relevant to Ladders mission. Total stage time includes video, speech and/or presentation. 
One (1) 60-second video relevant to Ladders mission to be shown during Main Stage education session at GBTA Ladders Summit.

*If sponsor purchases multiple sponsorship opportunities at various tiers, sponsor will be recognized at the highest tier purchased sponsor level.

**Subject to GBTA Private Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Opportunités supplémentaires

$6 000 USD

  • One (1) complimentary Ladders Summit registration be redeemed by May 5, 2026.
  • Reconnaissance du logo sur le site Web de la GBTA, les documents officiels et les diapositives de reconnaissance des sponsors.*
  • All-attendee registration list distributed 1-week prior and 1-week post: (name, title, company, email).**
  • Logo recognition at GBTA Ladders Education Session presentation at GBTA Convention 2026.
  • Company name recognition in agenda.
  • L'événement Ladders Give Back offre aux participants de Ladders l'occasion de donner de leur temps et de redonner à leur communauté du Sommet et à une œuvre caritative locale sélectionnée. Le parrainage couvre le coût des fournitures pour l'activité de l'événement.
ladders summit give back sponsor

$8 500 USD

  • One (1) complimentary Ladders Summit registration be redeemed by May 5, 2026.
  • Reconnaissance du logo sur le site Web de la GBTA, les documents officiels et les diapositives de reconnaissance des sponsors.*
  • All-attendee registration list distributed 1-week prior and 1-week post: (name, title, company, email).**
  • Five (5) minute introduction on Main Stage (may be used for video commercial (90-second max), speech and/or presentation).
  • Logo recognition at GBTA Ladders Education Session presentation at GBTA Convention 2026.
  • Company name recognition in agenda.
  • Sponsor may provide two (2) pop-up banners to be displayed during sponsored general session.
ladders summit keynote sponsor

$7 500 USD

  • One (1) complimentary Ladders Summit registration be redeemed by May 5, 2026.
  • Reconnaissance du logo sur le site Web de la GBTA, les documents officiels et les diapositives de reconnaissance des sponsors.*
  • All-attendee registration list distributed 1-week prior and 1-week post: (name, title, company, email).**
  • Verbal mention and logo recognition at general session in reference to Headshot Studio.
  • Logo recognition on one (1) sign within the Headshot Studio booth, provided by GBTA (logo will not be in headshot background).
  • Logo recognition on email delivery of the headshots to attendees.
  • Logo recognition at GBTA Ladders Education Session presentation at GBTA Convention 2026.
  • Company name recognition in agenda.
  • Sponsor may provide up to two (2) pop-up banners to be displayed at Headshot Studio.
confident woman in business casual outfit, portrait photography

$15 000 USD

  • One (1) complimentary Ladders Summit registration be redeemed by May 5, 2026.
  • Reconnaissance du logo sur le site Web de la GBTA, les documents officiels et les diapositives de reconnaissance des sponsors.*
  • All-attendee registration list distributed 1-week prior and 1-week post: (name, title, company, email).**
  • Five (5) minute speaking opportunity during Main Stage lunch (may be used for video commercial (30-second max), speech and/or presentation).
  • Un (1) rachat de Daily News Brief (DNB).
  • Logo recognition at GBTA Ladders Education Session presentation at GBTA Convention 2026.
  • Company name recognition in agenda.
  • Le commanditaire peut fournir jusqu'à deux (2) bannières pop-up à afficher pendant le déjeuner sur la scène principale.
  • Opportunity to provide sustainable branded giveaways for seat drop during Lunch. Recommended quantity to be provided by GBTA.
ladders summit lunch sponsor

$7 500 USD

  • One (1) complimentary Ladders Summit registration be redeemed by May 5, 2026.
  • Reconnaissance du logo sur le site Web de la GBTA, les documents officiels et les diapositives de reconnaissance des sponsors.*
  • All-attendee registration list distributed 1-week prior and 1-week post: (name, title, company, email).**
  • Mention verbale et reconnaissance du logo sur la scène principale en référence à la réception de bienvenue.
  • Logo recognition at GBTA Ladders Education Session presentation at GBTA Convention 2026.
  • Company name recognition in agenda.
  • Le commanditaire peut fournir jusqu'à deux (2) bannières pop-up à afficher lors de la réception de bienvenue.
ladders summit welcome reception sponsor

$2 500 USD

  • One (1) complimentary Ladders Summit registration be redeemed by May 5, 2026.
  • Reconnaissance du logo sur le site Web de la GBTA, les documents officiels et les diapositives de reconnaissance des sponsors.*
  • All-attendee registration list distributed 1-week prior and 1-week post: (name, title, company, email).**
  • Logo recognition at GBTA Ladders Education Session presentation at GBTA Convention 2026.
  • Sponsor may provide up to two (2) pop-up banners to be displayed during Networking Break.
ladders summit networking break sponsor

$2 500 USD

Organisez un dîner hors site le dernier soir du GBTA Ladders Summit avec 10 à 12 membres GBTA Ladders.

ladders summit dinner sponsor

*If sponsor purchases multiple sponsorship opportunities at various tiers, sponsor will be recognized at the highest tier purchased sponsor level.

**Subject to GBTA Private Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Nous contacter

Ready to sponsor GBTA Ladders or need expert advice on which opportunity is best for your organization? Fill out the form below and a member of our team will reach out shortly.

Merci à nos sponsors!

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