In each issue of Business Travel Executive, the members of our Buyer Think Tank offer their individual thoughts on what’s hot, what’s cool and what’s coming next in managed travel.
The Think Tank is a team of eight veteran travel managers from programs that run the gamut in size and complexity – but each member contributes a unique viewpoint. Travel Buyer’s POV brings fresh perspectives and ideas to inspire innovation and thought leadership in the corporate travel industry.
The Global Business Travel Association’s Convention 2022 is in the history books. And in many ways, after years of turmoil and COVID-related chaos, the San Diego event was historic for the association, as its success clearly marked a turning point toward new momentum for the organization and a fresh vision for the industry.
For our Think Tank, and most buyers we spoke with, the week felt like a cross between a family reunion and the season opener for their favorite team. It’s clear from the Travel Buyer’s Point of View, GBTA Convention 2022 was both memorable and hopeful.
Return to Form
The 2022 GBTA Convention in San Diego was such a pleasant return to a pre-pandemic form. I was able to meet with all the vendors that I needed and also learn from our peers during the education sessions. While the convention arena speakers may not have been the Hollywood or political types of the past, they energized the crowd from the stage in the middle of the room.
All these parts of the convention were great, but what made it truly fantastic was the way that everyone came together. We were able to reconnect with people we hadn’t seen in a long time, catch up with people in person for the first time rather than on Zoom, and even get to meet new friends. San Diego’s get-together was truly a return to form for the GBTA Convention.
– Rosemary E. MaLoney
Focused, Renewed & Reengaged
After two years and all the disruption COVID caused, I was unsure what to expect from my return to GBTA 2022. Travel at my company has certainly ramped up and the state of travel services left plenty of problems to solve. I was pleased to walk back into the convention hall, see many familiar faces and, of course, make new connections while struggling to stay on schedule (typical for me).
I also enjoyed the slight changes GBTA had made to the speakers, timings and format to be more focused on our industry’s needs and challenges. For me the reengagement was great and gave me a few more tools to consider as I adjust our travel program for the upcoming year. The convention always makes one realize how important corporate travel and our roles are. This year was no different.
– David Smith
Back in the Game
I attended the GBTA conference in August for the first time in four years. Although I have attended GBTA in the past, I wasn’t sure what to expect after a four-year break. I felt I was busier this conference than in years past, meeting with a dozen current suppliers, trying to attend educational sessions as well as the evening events.
Sustainability was the major theme this year and it is a top priority for my travel program. I felt I came out of the conference with a much better understanding of opportunities to meet my goals as well as a roadmap on how to move forward. In the coming months, I look forward to continued discussions with current suppliers and potential new partners I met to move our program to the next level.
– Chris Brockman
Refreshing & Inspiring
Attending GBTA this year was refreshing and inspiring. Being able to gather with friends and colleagues in what seemed like normal times was amazing. I think GBTA is moving in the right direction with the new branding and trying to “mix it up” with multiple different delivery opportunities for education sessions.
The attendee numbers felt good – just big enough to get business done but not overwhelming. I look forward to seeing how the association continues to reimagine their events and evolve their brand. There is value in attending convention for me personally but also for the industry as a whole.
– Jennifer Steinke
