Check-In with Suzanne

Strength in Community,
Power in Coming Together

There is something uniquely powerful about a community — especially when it comes together in person. In our industry, we often operate across time zones, cultures and continents. It is when we gather face-to-face that we can truly move forward. Ideas spark, relationships thrive and progress accelerates.

We experienced that energy last month at our GBTA APAC Conference where over 1,100 delegates from 35 countries came together in Singapore for formal sessions, networking and informal conversations. As I shared with attendees on stage and with CNBC Asia, Bloomberg and other media outlets, APAC is the largest and one of the still fastest growing business travel markets — reinforcing the importance of the region as well as the opportunity ahead for our GBTA community and industry constituents.

That spirit of connection continues as we look ahead to GBTA Convention 2026, only weeks away in Chicago. Our Convention represents the largest annual gathering within our industry, underscored by GBTA’s core mission to move business travel forward. Among other new offerings, this year we are proud to debut the GBTA Foundation Gala as a pre-Convention highlight event, celebrating and supporting meaningful progress for People and Planet. Community is not just about connection, but also about contribution and impact.

We are also continuing to invest in how our community connects every day. The recent launch of GBTA Learning and GBTA Community+ marks an important step forward in strengthening our member digital experience. And your ongoing engagement in these online platforms will be invaluable in making them a place to connect, learn, collaborate and grow professionally.

Finally, I’d like to encourage you to make your collective voices heard in another important way. Voting for the 2026 GBTA Board of Directors election is now open for active members through July 7th. Check out the 17 candidates running for five open seats and help guide what comes next for GBTA. Every vote helps ensure we continue to reflect the perspectives and priorities of our growing global membership. (To vote, please look for your personal link in your email and, if any questions, contact gbtahelp@electionservicescorp.com.)

Together, these and other community moments reinforce one simple truth: our strength lies in our collective collaboration. Thank you for being part of this vibrant global community! I look forward to seeing many of you in person very soon.

Suzanne

Industry Spotlight

GBTA Convention 2026
Showcase Your Organization at Sustainability Row

Put your organization's sustainability efforts in front of the buyers shaping the future of business travel. The Sustainability Row at GBTA Convention 2026 offers a turnkey placement that makes it easy to exhibit. It is the most efficient way to showcase how your organization is helping green business travel and connect with attendees who are actively building more sustainable travel programs. Reserve your placement in Chicago, August 3–5, 2026. Expo rates increase this Friday, June 5.

Learn More    View the Expo Map

GBTA Foundation
Join the Global Movement for Sustainable Business Travel

Free Maturity Assessment Open Through August 28

Companies of every size, in every region, are taking meaningful steps toward reducing their business travel emissions. The GBTA Sustainability Acceleration Challenge supports the journey to Net Zero by 2050 with practical benchmarking and a roadmap to scale. Submit one assessment per company or region, save your progress as you go, and receive a confidential organization report once the global assessment closes.