Event Fosters High-Level Discussion on Prominent Topics in Corporate Travel Industry
Caleb Tiller , +1 703-684-0836, ext. 138
Courtney Leigh Beisel , +1 703-684-0836, ext. 133
London (September 27, 2006) – More than 100 corporate travel managers and suppliers gather today in at the London Hilton Park Lane Hotel for the first-ever National Business Travel Association (NBTA) Corporate Travel Buyer Think Tank. The event is designed to foster high-level discussions of the most prominent topics in the corporate travel industry, including developments in the GDS marketplace, changes in the aviation industry and other practices of effectively managing global travel programs.
NBTA President and CEO Suzanne Fletcher commented, “NBTA is pleased to offer the first Corporate Travel Buyer Think Tank to serve as a forum for the free exchange of ideas on topics vital to the industry. This event is the ideal opportunity for travel managers and suppliers to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences to advance their own travel programs and the industry.” She continued, “NBTA is committed to providing educational and networking events for corporate travel managers around the world. Through the Corporate Travel Buyer Think Tank and upcoming events in Mexico City; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Shanghai, China, corporate travel professionals are enabled to expand their knowledge and expertise of the global marketplace so that they are better prepared to address changes in the industry.”
Topics of discussion at the event include a look into recent changes in the GDS marketplace, an analysis of benchmarking practices, a debate on travel management vs. procurement strategies, a discussion on fleet management and an examination of the airline industry.
Ian Flint, Head of Global Consultancy for Ian Flint & Associates, a Hogg Robinson Group company, served as Education Chair for the event. He commented, “Even in mature markets such as the United Kingdom the need for efficient travel management is immense. With it, companies are enabled to control costs more effectively and drive more strategic value in their travel programs. I am pleased to act as Education Chair of the NBTA Corporate Travel Buyer Think Tank to help global organizations maximize their travel spend and foster lively discussions between corporate travel buyers and suppliers.”
For a complete list of speakers participating at the event, please visit www.nbta.org/thinktank. To view a listing of upcoming international events hosted by NBTA and its partners, please visit www.nbta.org/global.
The National Business Travel Association is the source for critical information on the business travel industry. For more than 35 years, NBTA has dedicated itself to the professional development of its members through advocacy, education and training, and networking opportunities. NBTA represents over 2,700 corporate and government travel managers and travel service providers, who collectively manage and direct more than $170 billion of expenditures within the business travel industry. For more on NBTA, visit www.nbta.org.
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