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Opening General Session & Breakfast
How China’s Global Reach is Altering the World Map

In today’s world of changing global economic and political power China is no longer just a destination for globalization but an economy with a global reach of its own. A renowned public commentator will chart the economic and political development in and out of China and what it means for the world’s future.

Sourcing Travel Suppliers
The sourcing process is a fine balancing act between numbers and relationships. The Request for Proposal (RFP) which is the standard way to evaluate and select suppliers in many parts of the world is now entering the Chinese travel marketplace as well. Whether you rely on a RFP process or strong personal relationship to source suppliers, this session will examine:

• useful data about your company to bring to the negotiation table
• sample scorecards to help you evaluate supplier bids
• the role of  3rd parties in the sourcing process
• how to balance the benefits of a standardized process and personal relationships

Airline Commission Cuts
Airlines in many parts of the world have already cut commissions down to zero. As this “pay for value” trend gradually comes to China, travel managers need to explore new financial relationships across the travel supply chain.  Business travel experts will discuss what airline commission cuts mean to the industry and how they impact corporate travel programs by focusing on:

• scale of possible industry disintermediation
• negotiating new (net) fares
• new  TMC role and transaction-based pricing models
• GDS implications

General Session & Luncheon
An Overview of the Current Reality of the Airline Industry
The airline industry is resilient and will continue to grow as it becomes increasingly important in connecting emerging markets.   A leading aviation analyst describes how the business is reinventing itself to stay relevant in a global economy that seeks cheaper and greener transportation alternatives.

Tapping Travel Technology
Using the right travel technology tools can empower you to cut costs, gain visibility into your travel spend and create efficient processes. Industry experts will discuss available booking and expense management solutions, and how they can be best utilized in the Chinese business environment. The discussion will focus on:

• implementing self-booking tools
• data automation and aggregation options
• expense management solutions

Surviving in Tough Economic Times
The global economic downturn puts a heavy toll on all segments of the travel industry including airlines, hotels, and TMCs. In such an environment, it is more important than ever to not let your customers’ needs drop out of your sight.  Join this session to learn what you can do to endure tough economic times and build stronger customer relationships by:

• utilizing innovative ways to reduce costs
• forming smart alliances
• offering flexible rates, perks and contract terms

Skills for Running a Successful Corporate Travel Programme
The major task of a corporate travel manager is to save travel costs while assisting company employees to conduct their business operations in a productive manner. This session will examine how to develop and improve the skills you need in:

• smart negotiations and relationship building
• effective communications to improve compliance
• data management and analysis for better ROI

Payment Methods Evolution
Cash based payments and settlements via invoice are still widely used practices in China. In recent years, however, the industry has welcomed a new generation of payment options that decrease processing times, improve compliance and data tracking. Join this session to learn about the pros and cons of various options, including:

• invoicing and direct billing
• corporate cards
• bank settlement plans

Strategic Meeting Management Programme (SMMP)
Drawing from the Strategic Meetings Management (SMMP) framework developed by NBTA this session will guide you how to develop and manage such a program at your company. It will focus on:

• building the business case for an SMMP
• creating effective policies
• identifying cost savings and process efficiencies
• using technology strategically

From 2008 Beijing Olympics to 2010 Shanghai World Expo
As a major economic and cultural center, China has become the host of two of the most prestigious events in the world. These mega events bring both enormous opportunities and tough challenges to the travel industry. This session will focus on the impact of the events on the airline and hotel industry, highlighting:

• overall economic  impact of major events
• how to best handle fluctuations  in supply and demand
• effects on the corporate travel market segment
• how Shanghai 2010 can benefit from lessons learned in Beijing 2008

Closing General Session & Luncheon
Impact of Creativity on Innovation and Business Strategies in China
As the Chinese economy moves ahead from a manufacturing powerhouse to a technologically innovative nation, creativity emerges as a major success factor among entrepreneurs and business leaders. Join this session to learn what it takes to harness the power of creativity. Mr Sinha is the author of several books on travel and business related topics, and his latest publication, China’s Creative Imperative: How Creativity is Transforming Society and Businesses in China, provides a daring perspective on how creativity could be used as a tool for an economic reform to benefit both businesses and individuals alike.