Reflections on 2025 and Aspirations for 2026—Strengthening Connections and Driving 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 GBTA Board Vice President Alison Rogan, Head of Travel, Events and Expense Management at HSBC.
 

As we close 2025, I’m proud of what we have achieved in advancing GBTA’s mission. This year has been defined by progress, purpose and stronger alignment to our focus areas – Community, Education, Advocacy and Research – each strengthened with real action and meaningful impact. We can’t list everything here, but these are some key highlights:

Community – We strengthened our global network with record participation at GBTA Convention and hosted regional forums in Europe,LATAM and APAC.WiNiT continued to grow, expanding mentoring circles and elevating visibility and allyship across our industry.

Education – Our learning forums, workshops and events equipped members with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate emerging technologies, evolving risk and sustainability.

Advocacy – We amplified the industry’s voice with policymakers by advancing important dialogue on sustainability, duty of care, border mobility and the strategic role of business travel in global economic growth. We also actively collaborated with ICAO, EU regulators, TSA and APAC government agencies to ensure business travel’s role is understood, protected and “future proofed.”

Research – Through GBTA’s Business Travel Index Outlook,Sustainability Toolkit and ongoing industry sentiment reports, we provided trusted insights for organisations navigating changing cost pressures, technology disruption and environmental commitments. More members than ever are using GBTA data to design smarter, greener, and more resilient travel programs.

Looking ahead to 2026, we will continue to strengthen our community, deepen our insights, champion sustainability and inclusion, and prepare our industry for the next era of travel – where connection, innovation and responsibility work hand in hand.

On a personal note, as a newly appointed Board of Directors member this year, it has been a privilege to serve as Vice President. I am inspired every day by the passion and purpose of this association, and excited by what lies ahead.

Wishing you all a restful and festive season, filled with time well spent with those who matter most, and a successful and fulfilling year ahead.

Here’s to continued partnership, progress, and possibility in 2026.