Check-In with Suzanne
Inspiring Many More Voices Through the GBTA Membership Offer
In our work and lives we know that words matter – but putting action behind them is critical to having an impact. Onstage at the GBTA Convention in San Diego, in celebration of the new era for GBTA and its member-focused journey, we committed to award 500 free GBTA memberships. Now it’s time to put that commitment into action.
Simply by completing this survey, you can register for a chance to receive a free one-year membership for yourself or to gift to someone else who may not be otherwise able to join our GBTA community. [Please note: under association bylaws, as with our COVID honorary campaign in 2020-21, individuals with free memberships are not eligible to run for elected GBTA positions nor to vote in GBTA elections. They do have full access to the Hub, our research, recorded education sessions, and other member benefits.]
Over the past year as we were reimagining the new brand for GBTA, we knew our tagline would not only be about words. We know that GBTA’s commitment to community, learning and advocacy helps collectively move the industry forward – and our strength as an association and industry comes from our many voices and one purpose.
At a time when our industry is looking to rebuild and grow its workforce and talent, we know being a part of and gaining the benefits of peer-to-peer connections and learning are critical to our current and next generations of professionals.
And importantly, completing the survey also provides your voice and views to help GBTA serve your needs when it comes to future education and programming needs, while also gaining professional and career growth for yourself or someone else who could benefit.
We thank all of you who take a minute to take the survey. We will announce the granted memberships later in the year.
And building even more on our community, there are just a few more days remaining in the WINIT annual awards nomination process. You can submit nominations until end of day September 29, and winners will be announced around/at the WINiT Gala in New York City October 27.
Recognize yourself or pay it forward – it’s a win-win for our industry.
Suzanne
News to Know:
DOT to demand fee transparency from airlines and ticket sellers
The Department of Transportation will propose a rule requiring sellers of airline tickets to disclose extra fees upfront. Airlines, third party sellers and metasearch sites will have to clearly disclose baggage fees, change fees, cancellation fees and family-seating fees to consumers whenever fare and schedule information is provided for flights to, within and from the U.S., the DOT said in a news release. Further, the DOT will also propose to require carriers and ticket agents to enable consumers traveling with a young child to purchase the seats with the fare at all points of sale. (Travel Weekly)
Business travel recovery accelerates ‘more quickly’ than expected
The recovery of business travel during 2022 has happened more quickly than most travel buyers had expected at the start of the year. A survey of North American and European travel and procurement specialists, published by corporate travel technology firm HRS and the GBTA, found that 54 per cent had seen travel accelerate either “more quickly” or “much more quickly” this year than they had anticipated back in January. (BTN Europe)
Border vaccine rules, mandatory use of ArriveCAN, mask mandates on planes and trains to end on Oct. 1
The federal government says it’s dropping all COVID-19 measures at borders on Saturday, meaning travelers will no longer need to provide proof of vaccination when entering Canada or wear masks on planes and trains. Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said Monday’s decision is not a sign Canada is out of the pandemic, but said the government’s data showed the importation of new variants was no longer having an effect on the evolution of the virus in country. (CBC News)
GBTA News and Reminders:
Increase Traveler Satisfaction and Value With a Modern Personalized Shopping Experience
Join us as Spotnana shares details about the deep integration they’ve built to deliver superior traveler experiences, and discuss the future of personalization in travel.
GBTA Italy Annual Conference Milan – 5 October, 9:30 – 16:00 CEST. The annual gathering of the Italian Business Travel and MICE community. During a full day conference, 25 speakers will deep dive into the current main business travel market trends: Sustainability, New Market Opportunities, Diversity & Inclusion, Digitalization and the evolution of the meetings management. With the active involvement of the audience, we will define the market priorities and design the strategies to fulfil them. Networking, best practice sharing and education sessions will provide the knowledge and the critical take-aways to face the future successfully.
Fundamentals of Strategic Meetings Management™
Pioneers and thought leaders in meetings, procurement, and travel management have collaborated to create a road map and share best practices on how to create and manage an effective strategic meetings management program for your company. The program covers 6 modules and includes 3 two-hour live sessions with an instructor.
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