GBTA Sustainability Summit: Building a Greener Future for Business Travel

GBTA will be hosting its second global Sustainability Summit on building a greener future for business travel on June 13 in Washington, DC. This one-day, high-level event, will bring together experts, industry and policy leaders to outline concrete solutions to manage the environmental impact of business travel.

It will address key topics that require radical industry collaboration, such as the development of clean travel solutions, sharing of information and data, and empowerment of business travelers to select greener travel options

This must-attend, interactive event will foster connections and exchange by providing a forum for frank discussions about challenges and opportunities to drive climate action in the business travel sector. The Sustainability Summit will also inform discussions at the GBTA Legislative Summit in the two days to follow, where attendees will advocate for policies that help finance and accelerate the green transition. 

Who should attend? 

  • Corporate travel buyers working to integrate sustainability into their program  
  • Suppliers providing sustainable solutions for corporate travel programs  
  • Policymakers laying the groundwork for a sustainable travel ecosystem  
  • Civil society advocating for the next generation of sustainability solutions 

Taking place at:

The Westin Washington, D.C. City Center
1400 M St NW,
Washington, DC 20005

This event builds upon GBTA’s inaugural Sustainability Summit, held in Brussels in November 2022. See event speakers, photos, and key takeaways here

Agenda*

*subject to change

7:00am-4:00pm

Registration

8:30am – 9:30am

 Sustainability Showcase and Networking Breakfast

9:30am – 9:45am

Welcome Address   

Suzanne Neufang, CEO GBTA

9:45am – 10:05am

Opening Fireside Chat: U.S. Blueprint to Decarbonize Travel

The availability of more sustainable and efficient travel options is constantly growing. But how can governments enable this shift and accelerate the transition, as we race toward net zero goals? In this fireside chat, a representative from the Biden Administration will present the U.S. strategy to decarbonize transportation, including what the federal government is doing to incentivize SAF uptake, invest in clean and renewable energy, and harmonize reporting requirements. 

10:05am – 10:45am

Industry Leaders: En Route to Net Zero  

What role can business play in leading the transformation?  

The role businesses play in leading the Net Zero transformation is critical. The private sector is pioneering the green transition by setting ambitious targets and implementing measures to transform their business models, champion climate action and reduce their carbon footprint. Private sector leaders will discuss how they are integrating ESG at the core of their business strategy and supporting the transition to sustainable travel. 

Moderator: Elizabeth West, Editorial Director, The BTN Group

10:45am – 11:00am   

Case Study 1: Building a Sustainable Travel Program – How to Get Started 

The role businesses play in leading the Net Zero transformation is critical. The private sector is pioneering the green transition by setting ambitious targets and implementing measures to transform their business models, champion climate action and reduce their carbon footprint. Private sector leaders will discuss how they are integrating ESG at the core of their business strategy and supporting the transition to sustainable travel. 

11:00am – 11:30am

Sustainability Showcase and Networking Coffee Break  

11:30am – 12:15pm

Decarbonizing Air Travel: From SAF to zero Emissions Technologies

The aviation industry is responsible for a significant share of business travel emissions and is a hard to abate sector. In this panel discussion, we will explore the latest developments in SAF and zero-emissions technologies, their potential to decarbonize air travel, and the role the corporate travel can play in supporting and accelerating the transition. 

Moderator: Nancy Young, Chief Sustainability Officer, Gevo  

12:15pm – 12:45pm  

Beyond Air: Adding High Speed Rail to the Mix

Modal shift to high-speed rail has a huge potential to reduce the overall impact of travel emissions. This panel of international experts and industry representatives will explore the opportunities and challenges related to rail for business travel. 

Moderator: Andrea Giuricin, Chief Executive Officer, TRA Consulting

12:45pm – 1:00pm 

Case Study 2:  Tracking Your Programs’ Impact – Emissions Accounting and Reporting

As businesses strive to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the global effort to tackle climate change, it is crucial to measure and report emissions accurately. We’ll be exploring the best practices and challenges of emissions accounting and reporting, and the tools and frameworks available, and how it can help businesses to set and achieve their sustainability goals. 

Presenter: Brian Komar, Vice President, Global Sustainability Solutions, Salesforce

1:00pm – 2:00pm 

Sustainability Showcase and Lunch

2:00pm – 2:35pm

Activating the Point of Sale: How to Nudge Travelers Towards Greener Choices?

Educating, engaging and empowering business travelers to make smart and sustainable travel decision at the time of booking is a critical success factor. This panel will explore the role of the point of sale in promoting sustainable business travel and the potential of behavioral nudges to encourage greener choices. Our panelists will share their insights and experiences on the most effective ways to achieve behavioral change – and how technology can serve these goals.  

Moderator: Joel Fisher, VP Product, Travelport 

2:35pm – 3:15pm 

The Cost of Green: What’s the Premium and How to Finance the Transition?

More often than not, there are additional costs associated with efforts to reduce your business carbon footprint and adopt more sustainable practices. This panel will discuss this “green premium” and what’s needed to help finance the transition – including the role every actor can play to support the uptake of low carbon fuel and travel technologies. 

Moderator: Ryan Panchadsaram, Technical Advisor to the Chairman, John Doerr, Kleiner Perkins

3:15pm – 3:30pm

Case Study 3: Sustainability is a Team Sport

Accurate carbon accounting is graded on a curve. Suppliers’ emissions are buyers’ emissions, and buyers’ emissions are their customers’ emissions. As disclosure regulations around the world present themselves, the importance of not only getting the numbers right, but showing real reductions will become differentiators in the low carbon economy. This case study will track how one company is engaging their upstream suppliers to deliver better results downstream, showing how supplier engagement and strong analytics can achieve both emissions reductions and a strong reputation with customers.

3:30pm – 4:00pm   

Sustainability Showcase and Networking Coffee Break  

4:00pm – 4:30pm  

Carbon Removals and Offsetting: Navigating the
Complexities

Carbon offsetting is often seen as a bridge to the future,  to compensate emissions that cannot be abated. There are equally many questions as to their effectiveness and role in the road to net zero. This panel will explore the different types of offsets available, and the challenges and opportunities of navigating this controversial space.

Moderator: Angela Foster Rice, General Counsel/SVP Policy & Market Innovation

4:30pm – 4:55pm

Regenerative Business Travel: Leaving a Net Positive Impact

Today, businesses are being asked to “leave the place better than they found it.” Regenerative practices that create positive outcomes for people and the planet are gaining momentum. This panel will explore questions such as “How can business travel be truly regenerative?”, and “What are the strategies for leaving a net positive impact on the environment and local communities?”, in the hope to spark interest and discussions for these emerging practices. 

Moderator: Kelsey Frenkiel, Senior Manager, Sustainability, GBTA 

5:30pm – 7:00pm

Networking Cocktail Reception

Link to last year’s program here

Link to last year’s Summit Highlights here

Elizabeth (Beth) Caligiuri Sullivan
SVP, Business Operations Executive,
Bank of America

Mark Cuschieri
Vice President, GBTA;
Head of Global Travel Management, UBS

Wesley Espinosa
Interim Executive Director
Center for Responsible Travel (CREST)

Joel Fisher
Vice President, Product
Travelport

Daniella Foster
Board Chair, UN Global Compact USA; Trustee, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance; SVP, Sustainability, Bayer

Angela Foster-Rice
General Counsel/SVP Policy & Market Innovation
Everland LLC

Kelsey Frenkiel
Senior Manager, Sustainability, GBTA

Andrea Giuricin
CEO
TRA consulting

Jean Garris Hand
Vice President Global ESG, Hilton

Jason Hochman
Co-Founder & Senior Director, Direct Air Capture Coalition

Sam Israelit
Chief Sustainability Officer, Bain & Company

Brian Komar
Vice President Global Sustainability Solutions, Salesforce

Andy Kunz
President & CEO, US High Speed Rail Association

Tim Loonen
Head of Product & Partnerships
Travalyst

Shelby Luzzi
Convention Sales Coordinator
Destination DC   

Nora Lovell Marchant
Vice President of Global Sustainability, AMEX GBTA

Alexander D Menotti
VP, Government Affairs, Policy, and Sustainability, LanzaJet

 

Curt McKee
Principal Solutions Consultant, SAP Concur

 

Delphine Millot
SVP Sustainability and Advocacy, MD GBTA Foundation for GBTA

Suzanne Neufang
CEO, GBTA

Sean Newsum
Managing Director, Environmental Affairs
Airlines for America (A4A)

Mike Nicholus
Global Environment Operations Director, Accenture

Ryan Panchadsaram
Technical Advisor to the Chairman, John Doerr,
Kleiner Perkins

Carol “Annie” Petsonk
Assistant Secretary, Department of Transportation

Lauren Riley
Chief Sustainability Officer and Managing Director, Global Environmental Affairs at United Airlines

Dan Rutherford
Program Director
International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT)

Agustin Silvani
SVP, Conservation Finance, Conservation International

Kevin Welsh
Executive Director, Environment & Energy
Federal Aviation Administration

Elizabeth West
Editorial Director, The BTN Group

Nancy N. Young
Chief Sustainability Officer, Gevo

Save by bundling your registration with the GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit:

The Sustainability Summit will inform discussions at the GBTA Legislative Summit in the two days to follow, where attendees will advocate for policies that help finance and accelerate the green transition. Register to both events and save $100.

Need to convince your boss? Download this template on why you should attend the Sustainability Summit.

Registration Type: Sustainability Summit Only, June 13Open Until April 14, 2023April 14, 2023 through On-site
GBTA Members$275$350
Non-Members$350$450

Save on registration by signing up for both GBTA U.S. Legislative Summit (June 14-15) and Sustainability Summit (June 13).

Bundle Registration: Sustainability and Legislative Summit, 13-15 JuneOpen Until April 14, 2023April 14, 2023 through On-site
GBTA Members$450$600
Non-Members$600$800

Cancellation Policy

• All cancellation requests must be made in writing to GBTA at eventsupport@gbta.org

• Cancellations are accepted until May 19, 2022.

• A full refund less a $75 administrative fee will be given for cancellations.

• No refunds will be given after May 19, 2022.

• There are no refunds for “no shows.”

• Refunds will be credited back to the original credit card used for payment.

Substitution Policy

• A GBTA attendee may transfer his/her registration to another eligible party if he/she is unable to attend.

• All substitution requests must be made in writing to GBTA at eventsupport@gbta.org and handled on the backend of the registration system.

• The substitute is responsible for any and all financial arrangements between the original registrant and the substitute.

Registration Powered by

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Sponsorship opportunities

Platinum Sponsor  
(2 available) 
USD $ 20,000
Gold Sponsor 
(3 available) 
USD $ 12,500 
Exhibitor
USD $ 5,000 
New entrant*
Exhibitor              
USD $ 2,500 
Complimentary supplier registrations 5311
Complimentary buyer registrations (non-transferable) 8422
Logo recognition on Summit website and marketing collateral 
Branding at the venue
Sponsored address and video played on mainstage  2 mins address  and
60 sec video 
60 sec video 
Banner ad to run on GBTA.org website 3 months1 month
One Exhibit Tabletop  Space ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 
Live interview at the event, promoted on GBTA social  ✔ ✔ Recorded virtual interviewRecorded virtual interview
Attendee registration list with name, title, company, email address (GDPR compliant) 
One reserved table for sponsor and registered guests 

* New entrant price for companies smaller than 50 employees or NGOs (or 501c3) OR first-time exhibitor.

Brand awareness opportunities

USD $17,500 

  • Opportunity to address the audience at the start of the general session (up to 5 minutes, may be used as time for video, speech, or presentation) 
  • Two (2) complimentary event registrations 
  • Five (5) complimentary buyer registrations  
  • Logo recognition on event website communication, pre- and post-event 
  • Banner ad in the GBTA Daily News Brief (1 month) 
  • One reserved table for sponsor and registered guests 
  • Pre- and post-attendee registration list (GDPR compliant)

USD $8,000 

  • Sponsor to provide 300 lanyards 
  • Lanyard to be distributed to all delegates at the registration desk 
  • One (1) complimentary conference registration 
  • Logo recognition on GBTA Summit website 
  • Pre- and post-attendee registration list (GDPR compliant) 

USD $4,000 

  • Pop-up banner displayed in coffee area 
  • One (1) complimentary conference registration 
  • Logo recognition on GBTA Summit website 
  • Pre- and post-attendee registration list (GDPR compliant)

USD $12,500 

  • Opportunity to address attendees (speaking time: 2 minutes) 
  • Pop-up banner displayed in reception area 
  • Two (2) complimentary conference registration 
  • Logo recognition on GBTA Summit website 
  • Pre- and post-attendee registration list (GDPR compliant) 

Interested in learning more about sponsorship and exhibit opportunities at GBTA Sustainability Summit 2023? Please fill out the form below.

Thank you to our event sponsors

Platinum
Climate Action Partner
Partner
Featured
Tabletop
Venue Sponsor

Sponsors and Company Descriptions

OrganizationWhat They Do 
AmtrakFor more than 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and modernized train travel, while offering a safe, environmentally efficient way to reach more
than 500 destinations across the US and Canada. The mission of our company-wide Sustainability Program is to increase awareness and integrate better
practices throughout our operations in transparent, measurable ways, for decades to come.
BCD TravelBCD Travel helps companies make the most of their business travel. We guide travelers to make smart decisions and keep them safe and productive. We
advise travel managers how to improve their programs and build for a sustainable future. In short, we help our clients travel smart and achieve more.
CiriumCirium is the industry leader in aviation analytics; helping the aviation industry understand the past, present and predicting what will happen tomorrow in air travel. Cirium’s mission is to transform the industry by enabling airlines, airports, travel companies, tech giants, aircraft manufacturers, financial institutions and many, many more to accelerate their own digital transformation and help build a more efficient and sustainable future.
CventCvent believes in protecting the environment, running our business in a sustainable way, and minimizing our environmental impact for future generations. Cvent now measures greenhouse gas emissions using a third-party platform, is working to reduce, and offset its environmental impact, and is committed to joining the Science Based Targets initiative.
HiltonHilton recognizes its obligation to protect the planet and preserve destinations for generations to come. Travel with Purpose is Hilton’s Environmental,
Social and Governance (ESG) strategy focused on paving the way toward a net-zero future and committed to creating an engine of opportunity in the
communities where we operate. Learn more at esg.hilton.com.
South PoleSouth Pole is the world’s leading climate solutions provider and carbon project developer, having developed nearly 1,000 projects in over 50 countries
since its creation in 2006. South Pole turns climate action into long-term business opportunities, devising and implementing comprehensive strategies
and digital solutions for thousands of leading companies on their sustainability journeys to achieve net-zero emissions.
TROOPTROOP provides planners with instant access to data that details the total impact of an in-person meeting with metrics including total cost, total travel
time and total carbon emissions.
TROOP enables faster, informed decisions and fosters a greener future in meeting planning, with clients saving up to 17% CO2 emissions on each
meeting.
UberUber for Business brings the best of Uber to organizations around the globe with a seamless platform built to help them better support and engage those they employ and serve. With global scale, integrated solutions and exceptional service, Uber for Business empowers organizations to streamline business travel, reimagine employee wellbeing, and elevate the customer experience – all while enabling employees to effortlessly leverage the Uber they love and trust in their professional lives.
United for BusinessAs an industry that depends on fossil fuels, United recognizes our contribution to climate change and responsibility to solve it. We’re committed to
reducing our carbon emissions by 100% by 2050 – without the use of traditional offsets. Through SAF and direct air capture technology, we’re leading the
industry toward real solutions.

Hotel and Venue

A room block has been secured at The Westin Washington, D.C. City Center for the duration of the summit.  Room accommodations can be secured through the reservation link or by calling the Reservations Department at 202-429-1700. Individuals must identify themselves as being with the group “GBTA Sustainability Summit “at the time the reservation is made to receive the special group rate.

The reservation cut off date is May 8th, 2023.

The Westin Washington, D.C. City Center
1400 M St NW,
Washington, DC 20005

Single/Double: $299 (plus applicable taxes)
Room rate includes- Workout Facility, Wi-Fi in all guestrooms, Discount on overnight valet parking
Hotel room, tax, incidentals, airfare and other expenses are the responsibility of the attendee. 

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

Room cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance of arrival.

Valet parking is $38 per night + Applicable tax.
Green transport options

Ways to be greener while attending the Summit

Do you want to help make Sustainability Summit greener? Commit to the following green actions as part of your experience:

  • Calculate and offset your travel emissions using the GBTA offsetting tool (in partnership with South Pole)
  • Walk or take public transport to and from all GBTA programming
  • Bring your own water bottle to all GBTA programming
  • Separate your waste thoughtfully and use the correct bins
  • Try an all-vegan or all-vegetarian meal during your trip to Washington, DC

Visit these local restaurants

Continue the greener food journey after Sustainability Summit while in DC! Below are a few fun, unique, and locally-owned restaurant options within 1 mile of the hotel that consider their impact and yours.

Infamy Bar & Restaurant (0 miles)

This trendy restaurant situated inside the Westin offers wholesome dishes featuring responsibly sourced and locally grown ingredients.

Founding Farmers DC (0.9 miles)

Everything matters at Founding Farmers, which means thoughtfully sourced ingredients turn into meals made fully from scratch. Recycling and composting programs divert 90% of food waste from landfills and LEED and Green Restaurant Association certifications mean the restaurant operations and building itself are sustainable.

Immigrant Food at the White House (0.7 miles)

Immigrant Food is D.C.’s first cause-casual restaurant. A celebration of cultural and gastronomic diversity, dishes are cooked up by Michelin-star Chef Enrique Limardo and inspired by the stories of the very people serving the food.

Seylou Bakery (0.6 miles)

Seylou is a wholegrain, locally sourced, fresh milled sourdough bakery located in Washington DC. They exclusively source their grains, produce, and meat from the mid-Atlantic region to support the regenerative grain economy of our area.

Little Sesame (0.7 miles)

Little Sesame is committed to building a healthier planet for the next generation by partnering with regenerative agriculture pioneers. Their flagship hummus is made with everyday plant-proteins, and they believe climate-friendly food is the best way to care for our planet.

Sweet Leaf Café (0.1 miles)

Sweat Leaf is a community café serving honest food, made from great-tasting, healthy, organic ingredients.

DC Vegan (0.5 miles)

DC Vegan believes in co-creating a better world with our clients. Our shared values around cruelty-free living, clean & delicious food and building a sustainable future are the foundation of everything we do.

Ways we are making our event greener

With the help of our suppliers, vendors, and partners, GBTA is on a journey to make Sustainability Summit 2023 as green as possible.

 2023 Sustainability Summit (Washington D.C.) – Climate Action Partner

GBTA is on a journey to make Sustainability Summit 2023 as green as possible and believes in the importance of taking responsibility for our carbon emissions. GBTA has partnered with South Pole to provide attendees with a convenient and effective way to offset the carbon footprint of their travel to the Summit. Explore various options to calculate and offset your carbon emissions here.

Join us in reducing our impact on the environment by offsetting your carbon emissions today!

2022 Sustainability Summit (Brussels)

In 2022, GBTA calculated the carbon emissions of the European Conference + Sustainability Summit in Brussels and used this calculation to offset venue emissions and staff travel. GBTA purchased 75 tons of CO2e, mainly from the Bhadla Solar project in India, which installs a 70 MW solar power facility to harness the area’s famous sunshine. This project, chosen by Sustainability Summit participants, will export clean and renewable energy to the Indian national grid.

You can learn more about our efforts to green European Conference + Sustainability Summit in 2022 here.

Venue

Marriott has taken steps to introduce more sustainable practices within their hotels.

The initiatives so far are:

  • Water conservation program – all rooms plumbing and kitchens.
  • Energy management program – to reduce carbon footprint.
  • Occupancy driven light controls.
  • We completed an installation for motion sensors HVAC at guest rooms this month as well.
  • Guest Room Recycling

For more information about Marriott’s sustainability efforts, click here

The Westin Washington D.C. City Center
1400 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
+1 202-429-1700

Between 15th St. NW and 14th St. NW
Check In Time: 3:00PM
Check Out Time: 12:00PM

Valet Parking is available for $58 per night

Tuesday June 13th
7:00 AM-4:00PM
Located in the National Ballroom Foyer – Ballroom Level

Business Casual Attire is recommended

June Average Temperature: 85° F/29° C
The humidity can be above 50%, so be sure to plan accordingly.
Please see this link for more information about the forecast.

Ground transportation to and from the hotel will be the responsibility of the registrant.

Download the Mobile App to access all information related to Sustainability Summit on your mobile device. You can access sessions, speakers, attendees, instant updates, sponsors and exhibitors. Enable push notifications so that you can receive special updates and alerts.

Quick Tips to Get Started
  1. Download the event app​ from the App Store or Google Play
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GBTA App Use and Privacy: Through use of this GBTA Sustainability App, you agree to the GBTA Privacy & Cookie Policy. This App allows for interaction and sharing of contact information between event attendees, which was provided during the GBTA Sustainability Summit 2023 registration process. Use of this App is voluntary and is provided as a benefit to registered attendees of the GBTA Sustainability Summit 2023. You can configure your privacy settings and access permissions at any time in “My Profile” within the App.

Registration will be in the National Ballroom Foyer
The General Session will be in the National Ballroom A/B/C
Networking Breakfast/Lunch & Breaks will take place in the Foyer and East/West Rooms – Ballroom Level

The Ballroom Level can be accessed via escalators from Lobby Level OR use Elevators next to Starbucks to “B” level.

The reception will be held in the Vista Terrace – please access via 1400 North Restaurant – Mezzanine Level
Vista Terrace can be accessed via Elevators next to Starbucks to “MZ” level OR use guestrooms elevators to “Mezzanine” (need guestroom key card)

Calculate and offset your carbon emissions during your travel to GBTA Events here.
Bring your own water bottle.
Walk or take public transportation when possible

Thank you to our Foundation Sustainability Partners & Donors