Elevate Your Business Travel Leadership at the GBTA Ladders Summit!

gbta summit 2025

The GBTA Ladders Summit is the premier event for professionals in the business travel industry. This exclusive gathering brings together current leaders and rising stars, offering unique opportunities to learn, network, and shape the industry’s future.

What to Expect

Attendees will experience:

  • Collaborative Sessions: Engage with top talent in a vibrant, supportive setting.
  • Inspiring Presentations: Discover groundbreaking innovations presented by Ladders teams.
  • Expert-Led Content: Grow both personally and professionally with targeted insights.
  • Networking Opportunities: Expand your circle with peers, mentors, and industry experts.
  • Exclusive Keynotes: Gain insights from leading keynote speakers and thought leaders.

Who’s Attending?

  • Season 11 GBTA Ladders participants, mentors, alumni, and board members
  • GBTA alumni and representatives
  • Renowned industry leaders and guest speakers

Mark Your Calendar

Don’t miss this invitation-only event in Austin, May 20-22, 2025. Be part of a transformative experience shaping the future of business travel!
**Note**: This event is by invitation only.

Agenda*

Season 11 Theme:
“If We had a Crystal Ball”

Re-shape, re-frame and reinvigorate a trend for the future of our industry. Choose a trend that unites or divides your team and look into the future. How will buyers and suppliers across the travel industry ecosystem work together to reframe and future proof the industry we all love. Responding to changing market dynamics, man-made and natural disruption and technical advancements is part of our daily lives. Which trends of our ever-evolving industry are ripe to be turned upside down once again?

This season we invite you to look into your crystal ball and plan for the next decade.

(all times Central Daylight Time)

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Lunch

1:00pm – 1:10pm

Welcome Remarks/ Opening Session

  • Katherine Tomasi, Director of Sales at BCD Travel
  • Edgar Sams, Corporate Sales Director at Choice Hotels
  • Ben Ford, Hotel Growth at Amex GBT

1:10pm – 1.15pm

GBTA Welcome

  • Rosemary Maloney, Senior Director, Corporate Travel at Freeman and Vice President of the GBTA
  • Delphine Millot, Managing Director GBT Foundation

1:15pm – 2:15pm

Power Hour | Sponsored by Sabre Travel

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

  • Rosemary Maloney, Senior Director, Corporate Travel at Freeman (moderator)
  • Lauri Reishus, President and CEO at Arc
  • Dan Raine, CEO and Founder of Unlocked Data 
  • Justin Lyons, AVP Global TMC Sales at Enterprise Holdings

2:15pm – 2:50pm

GBTA Foundation Update | Sponsored by Delta – Next Gen Workforce / UT pilot program

  • Bev Heinritz – Foundation Program Director
  • Katie Virtue – Head of Sales & Marketing, Festive Road
  • Chris Kroger – University of Texas Professor 

2:50pm – 3:15pm

Networking Break

3:15pm – 4:20pm

Daniel Levine, Passport to tomorrow: Unpacking the future of travel trends | Sponsored by BCD

4:20pm – 5:30pm

The Crystal Cup | Sponsored by Southwest

What will travel management look like in 2035? That’s a BIG question … but one YOU will answer!  Having heard the views of our futurist, Daniel Levine, you’ll now get to unleash your creative minds to pitch your predictions for our industry to the room.

  • Paul Tilstone, temoji Consulting
  • Daniel Levine, Avant-Guide Institute
  • Kevin Sullivan, Southwest Airlines
  • Sarah Whiting, BCD Travel

5:30pm – 5:35pm

Closing remarks

  • Katherine Tomasi, Director of Sales at BCD Travel
  • Edgar Sams, Corporate Sales Director at Choice Hotels
  • Ben Ford, Hotel Growth at Amex GBT

6:30pm – 6:45pm

First Timers invited to join the Welcome Reception early

  • Hosted by Omni Austin Hotel Downtown

6:45pm – 7:30pm

Welcome Reception – Atrium

  • Hosted by Omni Austin Hotel Downtown

7:30pm – 9:30pm

Informal team dinners

8:30pm –  late

Informal meet up

8:00am – 8:45am

Breakfast

8:45am – 9:00am

Day 2 Welcome Back

  • Katherine Tomasi, Director of Sales at BCD Travel
  • Edgar Sams, Corporate Sales Director at Choice Hotels
  • Ben Ford, Hotel Growth at Amex GBT

9:00am – 9:45am

The Value of Travel & Meetings to your organisation | Sponsored by Festive Road

  • Barbara Rose, Americas Travel, Meeting and Events Lead at EY
  • Lindsay Straub, Global Sales Leader at FCM Travel

10:00am – 10:30am

Finalist presentation – Team 1 

10:30am – 11:00am

Networking break

11:00am – 11:30am

Season Awards | Sponsored by United

11:30am – 12:pm

Finalist presentation – Team 2 

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Networking lunch – Sponsored by American Airlines 

1:00pm – 1:30pm

Finalist presentation – Team 3

1:30pm – 1:45pm

Breakout session introduction | Sponsored by Enterprise

Julie Stuckey, Director of Product at BCD Travel

1:55pm – 4.00pm

Rotating breakouts

Overall Breakout Schedule

1:55 PM – 02:30 PM

Breakout 1

10 min transition

Managing Diversity – Join us for a guided, inclusive, and enlightening discussion where we’ll dive into managing Diversity. Together, we’ll explore the essence of Diversity, delving into the principles of perception and examining how these often overlooked perceptions shape our interactions. We’ll define bias and discuss ways to identify and effectively address it in the workplace. Plus, we’ll cover practical strategies to foster collaboration and highlight the benefits of managing Diversity in practice. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and actionable tips to champion Diversity in your professional journey. 

Led by Leslie Andrews, JLL and Adil Kanji, Porter Airlines 

02:40 PM – 03:15 PM

Breakout 2

10 min transition

Ditch the Pitch – So…what do you do? If that question has you fumbling through a response, this session is for you. Supercharge your networking and practice the skills you need for engaging introductions, during this workshop-style breakout. As a bonus, we’ll even share tips on how to gracefully bow out when your convo has run its course. Join this session and learn how to start conversations with confidence. Because better introductions lead to better conversations.

Led by Ali Prejean, BCD Travel and Cari Wurzbacher, United

03:25 PM – 04:00 PM

Breakout 3

10 min transition

Bold Moves, making a career pivot – Join us for an inspiring session where our panelists will share their journeys of making bold career moves! Whether you’re looking to advance within your current role or explore new opportunities in different industries, we’ve got you covered. Hear firsthand how our panelists successfully navigated internal career shifts and ventured into new verticals. Get ready for valuable advice, captivating stories, and actionable tips to help you make your own career pivot with confidence!

Led by Christina Reichelt, Regeneron, Katie Bragan-Anderton, Festive Road, and Paul Coverdale, Concertiv.

3:55pm – 4:15pm

Networking Break and transition back to Main Room

4:15pm – 4:45pm

Final presentation – Team 4

4:45pm – 5:00pm

Final Presentation Scoring

5:00pm – 5:15pm

Closing Day 2

7:00pm – 9:00pm

Group Dinners

9:00am – 12:00pm

Give-Back Event & Announcement of Winning Team

  • Katherine Tomasi, Director of Sales at BCD Travel
  • Edgar Sams, Corporate Sales Director at Choice Hotels
  • Ben Ford, Hotel Growth at Amex GBT

*(Subject to change)

CHECK OUT THE FULL SUMMIT AGENDA

Review the latest conference agenda, complete with speaker information.

REGISTRATION HOURS:

  • Tuesday, May 20th: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday, May 21st: 7:45 am – 2:00 pm
  • Location: 2nd Level, Bridge Ballroom Foyer

THINK SUSTAINABLY!

Please bring your refillable water bottle – there are conveniently located water refilling stations inside the Bridge Ballroom as well as the restrooms located adjacent to the Boardroom Foyer.  Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day!

TRAVEL SUSTAINABLY!

Your Giving & Sustainability Committee is excited to see you in Austin in a few weeks. Help us out and complete this form if you’re interested in sharing a trip from the airport to the hotel(s) in downtown Austin.   We will share a file closer to summit so you can connect with each other and arrange shared rides.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE:

In May, Austin average temperatures typically range from the mid-60s°F (about 18°C) in the early mornings to the mid-80s°F (around 29°C) during the day. Check your favorite weather app or here for the latest weather forecast.

DRESS CODE:

Business Casual for the meetings. Please note the meeting room may be cool so a light jacket is recommended. For off-site activities, casual dress is acceptable.

MEALS:

The following meals will be provided by the conference at no cost to attendees:

  • Tuesday: Lunch & Welcome Reception (appetizers)
  • Wednesday: Breakfast, Lunch, Group Dinners (by assignment)

WHILE IN AUSTIN:

Looking for fun activities to do and special offers or discounts while you’re in Austin? Look no further than these resources provided by Visit Austin!

Austin Insider Deals                                                         Digital Austin Visitor’s Guide

Note: Information on after-hours meet-ups will be circulated on site.

Location

The GBTA Ladders Summit 2025 will be held at the
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
700 San Jacinto at 8th Street, Austin, Texas, 78701
512-476-3700

The official Ladders Summit room block is now closed, and the cutoff date has passed. You may call the hotel directly at (512) 476-3700, and identify yourself as being with the GBTA Ladders Summit, and book at the prevailing rate, based on availability. 

If you are already booked and wish to modify your reservation, you may use this link.

Hotel room, tax, incidentals, airfare and other expenses are the responsibility of the attendee.

Check-in Time: 3:00 PM
Check-out Time: 12:00 PM

Room Cancellation Policy
Any guaranteed reservation not cancelled 72 hours prior to arrival will be subject to one night room and tax cancellation fee. Cancel by 12:00PM CDT on 16-MAY-25 to avoid $355.08 penalty.

Registration

Exclusive Invitation-Only Event

Registration for the GBTA Ladders Summit is complimentary* for all current Ladders participants.

Need help presenting the value of your attendance to your employer? We’ve created a detailed document outlining the key benefits of the Ladders Summit to support your case.

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

Interested in attending but not a current or past Ladders participant? Contact us at ladders@gbta.org for more information.

register now

Registration Powered by

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GBTA Ladders Summit 2025 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.

Engage this select group of business travel professionals and join GBTA as a sponsor of the Ladders Summit 2025. Contact our sponsorship team with any questions.

gbta foundation summit 2025

Premium Sponsorships

DeliverablePlatinum $8,500 USDGold $5,500 USDSilver $3,500 USD
Complimentary Ladders Summit registrations to be redeemed by May 6, 2025.211
Logo recognition on GBTA website, official materials, and sponsor recognition slides.*✓✓✓
All-attendee registration list distributed one time.**✓✓✓
Logo recognition at GBTA Ladders Education Sessions presentation at GBTA Convention.✓✓✓
One (1) 60-second video relevant to Ladders missions to be shown during Main Stage education session at GBTA Ladders Summit.✓✓ 
Two (2) minute speaking opportunity on Main Stage. May be used for video commercial (30-second max), speech and/or presentation.✓  

Additional Opportunities

$6,000 USD

Ladders Give Back event provides opportunity for Ladders participants to volunteer their time and give back to their Summit community and selected local charity. Sponsorship covers the cost of supplies for event activity.

You’ll also receive:

  • Logo recognition on GBTA website, official materials, and sponsor recognition slides.*
  • All-attendee registration list distributed one time.**
give back event

$8,500 USD

  • Two (2) complimentary Ladders Summit registrations to be redeemed by May 6, 2025.
  • Logo recognition on GBTA website, official materials, and sponsor recognition slides.*
  • All-attendee registration list distributed one time.**
  • Five (5) minute introduction on Main Stage. Stage time includes walk-out video (90-second max), speech and/or presentation.
  • Sponsor may provide up to two (2) pop-up banners to be displayed during sponsored Main Stage.
keynote sponsor

$7,500 USD

  • Logo recognition on GBTA website, official materials, and sponsor recognition slides.*
  • All-attendee registration list distributed one time.**
  • Sponsor may provide up to two (2) pop-up banners to be displayed during Welcome Reception.
  • Verbal mention and logo recognition on Main Stage in reference to Welcome Reception.
welcome reception

$11,500 USD

  • Three (3) complimentary Ladders Summit registrations to be redeemed by May 6, 2025.
  • Logo recognition on GBTA website, official materials, and sponsor recognition slides.*
  • All-attendee registration list distributed one time.**
  • Five (5) minute speaking opportunity during Main Stage Lunch. May be used for video commercial (30-second max), speech and/or presentation.
  • Sponsor may provide up to two (2) pop-up banners to be displayed during Main Stage Lunch.
  • One (1) VIP table during Ladders Summit (8 people per table).
  • One (1) Daily News Brief (DNB) takeover.
lunch sponsor

$2,500 USD

  • Logo recognition on GBTA website, official materials, and sponsor recognition slides.*
  • All-attendee registration list distributed one time.**
  • Sponsor may provide up to two (2) pop-up banners to be displayed during Welcome Reception.
networking

$2,500 USD

Host off-site dinner on final night of GBTA Ladders Summit with 10-12 GBTA Ladders members.

dinner add on

* If sponsor purchases multiple sponsorship opportunities at various tiers, sponsor will be recognized at the highest tier purchased sponsor level.
**1 week post (May 28) with name, title, company and email, subject to GDPR Compliance and GBTA Terms & Conditions.

Contact Us

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

Thank you to our generous sponsors.

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

Showcase your company as a passionate leader who invests in the future of the travel industry. Summit attendees are buyers and suppliers who are both veterans and rising stars alike. To download the Sponsorship Brochure, click here.

Platinum

Thought Leadership

Gold

Silver

Airline Discounts

Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for GBTA 2025 Ladders Summit.
Please click here to book your flights.
You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1-800-328-1111
* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (ET) and refer to Meeting Event Code  NY3UJ

*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.

We are pleased to partner with United Airlines for air travel to the GBTA 2025 Ladders Summit.
To make flight reservations online please click on discount code ZQYM994888
MileagePlus members earn valuable miles for their travel when using the Meetings discount code.
You may also call United Meetings Reservation Desk Monday – Friday at (800) 426-1122 for booking assistance.  Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations.

International customers may contact their local United Reservation Desk.