As business travel continues its long road to recovery, it’s fair to say the Global Business Travel Association’s Convention 2021 will be the most important event in the association’s history – perhaps the most important in the history of the industry. This year’s convention will be critical for buyers and suppliers alike to reconnect, rediscover and re-energize business travel worldwide.

In a year like no other, GBTA Convention 2021 is responding with a unique approach. To empower this year’s theme of Ready. Safe. Travel. Convention 2021 is adopting a future-oriented strategy to maximize the impact of the event by offering two options for members to participate:

In Person
From Nov. 17 through 19, business travel buyers and suppliers will gather at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center to meet on site for the first time in nearly two years. The convention gives in-person attendees plenty of face-to-face opportunities to reconnect during extended Expo hours, explore critical industry topics at main stage presentations, and participate in a variety of educational sessions and special events.

To ensure the safety of all attendees at the live event, GBTA leadership is promising to follow elevated COVID-19 guidelines during the conference, such as proof of vaccination or negative pre-arrival test results, requiring masks and a no-touch policy, and implementing enhanced cleaning protocols.

Convention Replay
GBTA recognizes the challenges that may keep some from attending a live event this year, so in addition to the in-person gathering in Orlando, the association is offering a virtual Convention Replay. 

Features include:
• Five livestreaming Main Stage presentations – keynotes, an overview of the state of the industry and more – live from the convention Nov. 17-19.

• In addition, Convention Replay will offer some 20 recorded educational sessions that will be available on-demand from Nov. 29, 2021 through Jan. 28, 2022.

• Convention Replay also allows members to connect virtually with exhibitors
Details and special pricing can be found at gbta.org/home/convention-replay.

Getting Business Travel Ready
With the world of business travel regaining momentum, travel management leaders are looking for the right solutions across a range of issues to advance their corporation’s programs, their personal careers and the industry. GBTA Convention 2021 will offer some 75 education and professional development sessions centered on an array of current and future-oriented issues:

• Post-Pandemic Business Travel 
• Sustainability
• Risk Management & Duty of Care 
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Technology & Innovation
• Meeting & Events
• Career & Personal Development
• Data Analytics 
• Booking & Distribution 
• Mobility Solutions
• And More

Convention 2021 at a Glance

Wednesday, Nov. 17
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
State of the Industry
Main Stage

12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
DEI: A Different Perspective
Main Stage

2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Expo

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Expo Floor
#BusinessNeedsTravel 
Opening Day Reception

Thursday, Nov. 18
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Uncover the Future of Work
Main Stage

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Sustainability: Mobilizing Our Industry for Change
Main Stage

2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Expo

Friday, Nov. 19
6:30 AM - 7:30 AM
3rd Annual GBTA Awareness 
5K Run/Walk
Proceeds benefit ECPAT-USA

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Expo

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Balancing Personal and Professional Success
Main Stage