Thanks, My Plate’s Full 
As I look back at 2019, I think the biggest lesson that I learned is that as much as things change, they stay the same. We continue to see new technology entrants into the marketplace, but they still struggle for strong adoption within managed travel. So as much as we say we want more innovation in our programs, something is stopping buyers from taking the risk and trying something new. I think we are so busy wearing so many hats that adding more projects to our plates can be overwhelming, especially since so many buyers are really “one man shows.” I look forward to seeing what 2020 brings and hope to see more innovation brought to the managed travel space.
– Jennifer Steinke

Going Mobile
Over the years I’ve seen a lot of change, and this year was no exception. Having just completed a travel management company RFP, the big eye opener is that online booking tools are becoming obsolete. Mobile devices have taken over and are definitely the preferred means of booking travel for the foreseeable future.

The biggest surprise as we begin the implementation of a new travel management company is that we will not have a ‘travel portal’ website provided by the TMC. All our communications and booking online will be directed through a mobile portal. Traditionalists that we are, we will transfer most of the information that we previously had on a TMC portal to an internal webpage. Progress is being accelerated using mobility.  
– Mark Ziegler

Carping Diem
What I have learned in 2019: Nothing, I’m already perfect and there is nothing new for me to learn (LOL). Now this is quite possibly the most ridiculous thing that I’ve ever written – and I’ve been known to quote Homer Simpson. Seriously, I’ve learned a lot in 2019 and reinforced some lessons I’d learned previously.

I started this year with a completely different leadership line, people who understood that travel is complex and left me on my own to manage it. In a six-week period last spring, my professional world was turned upside down, and I had to completely change how I worked and communicated with my leaders. It’s still a process, but I’m also learning how to better explain the complexities of corporate travel.

Here’s another one: Regardless of how much you put into an organization (we’re talking about extra-curriculars now), there will always be someone complaining. While this was something I knew from my sorority days, it hit harder this year when other professionals were talking about the way I managed things. People who are unwilling to volunteer seem to feel that they can be your loudest critics. It doesn’t matter how old you are, it still kills to hear a rumor about yourself.

My final lesson is that no matter how much I think I have my stuff together, I still have the ability to trip over a nephew and break an ankle.
– Rosemary E. Maloney

Always Room to Grow
Lessons learned – where do I begin?! It has been a year of shifting priorities and opportunities to examine every aspect of our program. If I have learned nothing else, I’ve been reminded that we cannot ignore our own personal growth. If you do, not only will your program suffer, but so will you. To be challenged is to grow, whether it is in your personal or professional life. Don’t get so busy building a winning program for your company that you forget to build the career you desire. So, go for the brass ring – whatever that means for you – and never accept mediocrity in your daily life.
– Cheryl Benjamin

Keep Calm & Carry On 
Breathe.

It sounds simple, but it’s not. Managing travel, resolving issues, updating policies, dealing with internal deadlines and other tasks are some of the items we tackle daily. It’s pretty impossible to get everything done in your eight-hour work day. At this point, a bad habit gets started – continue to work at home. I understand at times we all must take work home. However this can easily become the new routine.

I love working, staying busy, being social. But at the end of the day, I have come to realize that I do need to sit still and just breathe. By doing this I have found that my focus is better and I am calmer throughout the day. I now stop and take a breath before reacting to a stressful issue. I do have to give kudos to iwatch and the app CALM – it keeps me on track.
– Gloria Gonzalez