Friday, July 26, 2024

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GBTA Convention 2024 in Atlanta brings together 5,400 industry professionals for premier networking, insight and innovation in global business travel.

The global business travel industry gathered in Atlanta, Georgia for the GBTA Convention 2024, held July 22-24 at the Georgia World Congress Center. The event drew 5,400 registered participants from 50 countries, including 1,100 travel buyers and 310 travel supplier exhibitors representing more than 600 companies. This essential industry gathering featured more than 200 dynamic speakers, 86 peer-reviewed and curated educational sessions, unparalleled networking opportunities and the latest forecast for global business travel.

The conference’s focus areas were designed to address the most pressing issues facing the sector and its professionals. Key topics include the state of the industry, understanding human behavior, driving innovation, tackling sustainability challenges and exploring the future of business travel.

“The GBTA convention offers a unique, annual opportunity for industry professionals to learn, network and experience the best that the global business travel community has to offer – and this year was no exception. The week, in general, was also a testament to the ongoing importance of managed travel programs and their support systems, as we witnessed the industry’s resilience in navigating global IT system disruption to come together in Atlanta,” GBTA CEO Suzanne Newfang said.

“At its core, business travel is about making human connections. By understanding what drives our behaviors and decision-making, with the increasing role of technology in helping us, we can better understand where the industry is going, but it “That’s why we’re so optimistic about what’s next for business travel – and for those who work in and with the industry.” said Neufang.

Keynote sessions emphasize human connections, technology and sustainability

This year’s keynote keynote speakers showcased a dynamic trio of experts in their respective fields, aligning with the convention’s theme by presenting diverse perspectives and encouraging the audience to adopt forward-thinking approaches. Speakers include:

  • Dan ArielyA behavioral economist, best-selling author, speaker and professor who captivated audiences with stories and research-based insights into human behavior and the reasons behind everyday choices.
  • Carla HarrisInternational public speaker and senior client advisor at Morgan Stanley, who provided inspiring insights and examples on building trust and refining leadership approaches for maximum impact.
  • Dr. Bertrand PicardInitiator and Chairman of Solar Impulse Foundation, who shared his adventures of record breaking balloon around the world in 1999 and the first global circumnavigation in a solar-powered electric airplane in 2016. He emphasized “how it is impossible”. Aviation can stimulate human ingenuity to solve challenges such as decarbonisation.

Other key stage sessions included engaging fireside chats and panel discussions with leaders from companies such as Delta Air Lines, Enterprise Mobility, Gooder, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott, Shell, United for Business and Visa Inc.

Business travel industry outlook points to post-pandemic stabilization and record spending levels

During Monday’s main stage session, the GBTA unveiled the 2024 GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook – Annual Global Report and Forecast (GBTA BTI™) report, supported by Visa. Now in its 16th year, the report combines data and analysis from 4,100 business travelers across five global regions. GBTA BTI™ has revealed that global spending on business travel is expected to reach a record $1.48 trillion USD by the end of 2024, surpassing $2 trillion by 2028 due to economic stability, pent-up demand and recovery momentum.

Key findings from the GBTA BTI report include:

  • 64% of business travelers reported an increase in spending compared to 2023.
  • Business travelers estimated they spent an average of $834 per person on their last business trip.
  • 81% of business travelers find that business travel is effective in achieving their objectives.
  • 58% reported more blending business and leisure travel than ever before.

An executive summary of the 2024 GBTA BTI™ report is available for download, and GBTA members can access the full report on the GBTA Hub.

Identifying a dedicated volunteer network

GBTA honored outstanding volunteers for their contributions to the association and industry. Award recipients include:

  • GBTA Direct Member of the Year: Leslie Andrews, GTP, GLP, Global Travel Category Director, JLL
  • GBTA Allied Member of the Year: Anja Turner-Schulz, Vice President, Global Marketing and Communications, BCD
  • 2024 GBTA President’s Award: Mark Ziegler, CCTE, GLP, GTP, Senior Travel Manager, NetApp, Inc.

At the Global Leaders Reception on July 21 at the Georgia Aquarium, GBTA leadership and regional directors celebrated with association volunteers and GBTA Global Leadership Professional (GLP) program recipients. Kate King, Director of Global Travel Partnerships at International SOS, received the GBTA Committee Member of the Year Award and 20 members from North America, LATAM, EMEA and APAC received Business Travel Service Awards.

Making headlines, sharing breaking news and leader insights

During the GBTA Media Day on July 22, 15 industry companies announced their breaking news and industry firsts, with a full replay available online. Throughout the convention, the GBTA Broadcast Studio hosted 45 executive interviews with leading and innovative companies in the business travel industry.

Future GBTA conventions and other events around the world

As the event concluded, the GBTA announced that the 2025 convention would be held in Denver, Colorado from July 23–25, and Chicago would host the 2026 convention from August 3–5. Upcoming regional events include:

  • GBTA + VDR Conference 2024 in Copenhagen from November 4-6, 2024
  • GBTA Canada Conference in Toronto from April 28-30, 2025
  • GBTA APAC Conference in Singapore from May 27-28, 2025
  • GBTA LATAM Conference from September 24-25, 2025 in Mexico City

Photos from the GBTA Convention 2024 are available online, and attendees can access on-demand replays of education sessions through the convention mobile app starting next week.

Tags: Atlanta, Delta Airlines, Educational Sessions, GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook, GBTA Convention, GBTA Regional Events, Georgia World Congress Center, Global Business Travel, Innovation, Technology, Travel News

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