GBTA Canada Conference 2026: Energizing Our Community, Inspiring Progress

In this feature series, GBTA’s Board of Directors share their perspectives on topics that matter most to members, the industry and the way forward for business travel. Today’s guest author is Liz Oliveira, Global Travel Manager at OMERS.   

As someone who has attended the GBTA Canada Conference for many years, I’ve come to appreciate how powerfully it brings our industry together. This year’s event in Toronto feels especially energizing, not only because of the momentum in Canadian business travel, but because GBTA’s three pillars of community, learning, and advocacy are more visible than ever.

The Conference agenda is filled with both familiar sessions that have provided valuable insights in previous years and new offerings that promise fresh perspectives.

One of the additions I’m most looking forward to is the new GBTA Family Feud experience. It’s playful, interactive and exactly the kind of community‑building moment that reminds me why this conference feels like a reunion every year. It’s a chance to laugh, learn and connect with colleagues in a way that goes beyond traditional programming.

The main stage lineup is another highlight for me. Andrew Kirsch, drawing on his background as a CSIS intelligence officer, will bring a fresh and much‑needed perspective on global travel risk, which is something every travel manager navigates. I’m equally excited for the return of Sarah Ying from CIBC Capital Markets. Her FX insights last year sparked some of the most thoughtful conversations I had onsite, and I know she’ll deliver another session full of practical takeaways.

Advocacy remains a core part of why I attend, and I’m eager to find out about the work GBTA is doing to elevate Canadian voices and influence policy that impacts our travelers and programs. I also hope to take away some new ideas on how I can contribute to our industry.

But the heart of the conference, at least for me, lies in the educational and the buyer‑only sessions where I gain the most actionable insights through real conversations with peers who understand the challenges and opportunities we face.

And of course, there’s the networking. Every hallway chat, supplier connection and unexpected introduction is part of what makes this conference invaluable to my work.

GBTA Canada 2026 isn’t just another event on the calendar, it’s where our community comes together to learn, advocate and move our industry forward. Hope to see you there!