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GBTA Convention 2024- A Gathering of 5,400 Industry Professionals in Atlanta

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GBTA Convention 2024 in Atlanta brings together 5,400 industry professionals for premier networking, insights, and innovation in global business travel.

The global business travel industry gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, for the GBTA Convention 2024, held from July 22-24 at the Georgia World Congress Center. The event drew 5,400 registered participants from 50 countries, including over 1,100 travel buyers representing more than 600 companies and 310 travel supplier exhibitors. This essential industry gathering showcased over 200 dynamic speakers, 86 peer-reviewed and curated educational sessions, unparalleled networking opportunities, and the latest forecast for global business travel.

The convention’s focus areas were tailored to address the most pressing issues facing the sector and its professionals. Key topics included the state of the industry, understanding human behavior, driving innovation, tackling sustainability challenges, and exploring the future of business travel.

“The GBTA Convention offers a unique, annual opportunity for industry professionals to learn, network and experience the very best the global business travel community has to offer − and this year was no exception. This week was also a testament to the ongoing importance, in general, of managed travel programs and their support systems, as we felt the industry’s resilience for ourselves in navigating the global IT system disruption in order to come together in Atlanta,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA.

“At its core, business travel is about making human connections. By understanding what drives our behaviors and decision making, coupled with the increasing role technology plays in aiding us, we can better understand not only where the industry is going, but why it’s trending in that direction. We are very optimistic for what lies ahead for business travel – and for those who work in and with this industry,” said Neufang.

Main Stage Sessions Emphasize Human Connections, Technology, and Sustainability

This year’s Main Stage keynote speakers showcased a dynamic trio of experts in their respective fields, aligning with the convention’s theme by presenting diverse perspectives and encouraging the audience to adopt forward-thinking approaches. The speakers included:

Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist, best-selling author, speaker, and professor, who captivated the audience with stories and research-based insights into human behavior and the reasons behind everyday choices.

Carla Harris, an international public speaker and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, who provided inspiring insights and examples on building trust and refining leadership approaches for maximum impact.

Dr. Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation, who shared his adventures of a record-breaking around-the-world balloon journey in 1999 and his first global circumnavigation in a solar-powered electric airplane in 2016. He emphasized how “it’s impossible” can spur human ingenuity to solve challenges like aviation decarbonization.

Other Main Stage sessions included impactful fireside chats and panel discussions with leaders from companies such as Delta Air Lines, Enterprise Mobility, Goodr, IHG Hotels andamp; Resorts, Marriott, Shell, United for Business, and Visa Inc.

Business Travel Industry Outlook Points to Post-Pandemic Stabilization and Record Spending Levels

During Monday’s Main Stage session, GBTA unveiled the 2024 GBTA Business Travel Index Outlook – Annual Global Report and Forecast (GBTA BTI™) report, supported by Visa. Now in its 16th year, the report combines data and analysis from 4,100 business travelers across five global regions. The GBTA BTI™ revealed that global spending on business travel is expected to reach a record $1.48 trillion USD by the end of 2024, with projections surpassing $2 trillion by 2028 due to economic stability, pent-up demand, and recovery momentum.

Key findings from the GBTA BTI report included:

64% of business travelers reported increased spending compared to 2023.

Business travelers estimated their spending averaged $834 per person on their last business trip.

81% of business travelers found that business travel is effective in achieving their objectives.

58% reported blending business and leisure travel more than ever before.

The Executive Summary of the 2024 GBTA BTI™ report is available for download, and GBTA members can access the full report on the GBTA Hub.

Recognizing a Dedicated Volunteer Network

GBTA honored outstanding volunteers for their contributions to the association and the industry. Award recipients included:

GBTA Direct Member of the Year: Leslie Andrews, GTP, GLP, Director of Global Travel Category, JLL

GBTA Allied Member of the Year: Anja Turner–Schulz, Vice President, Global Marketing andamp; Communications, BCD

2024 GBTA President’s Award: Mark Ziegler, CCTE, GLP, GTP, Senior Travel Manager, NetApp, Inc.

At the Global Leaders Reception on July 21 at the Georgia Aquarium, GBTA leadership and regional directors, along with association volunteers and GBTA Global Leadership Professional (GLP) program recipients, were celebrated. Kate King, Director of Global Travel Partnerships at International SOS, received the GBTA Committee Member of the Year Award, and 20 members from North America, LATAM, EMEA, and APAC received Business Travel Service Awards.

Making Headlines, Sharing Breaking News and Leader Insights

During GBTA Media Day on July 22, 15 industry companies announced their breaking news and industry firsts, with a full replay available online. Throughout the convention, the GBTA Broadcast Studio hosted 45 executive interviews with leading and innovative companies in the business travel industry.

Future GBTA Conventions and Other Events Around the World

As the event concluded, GBTA announced that the 2025 Convention will be held in Denver, Colorado, from July 23-25, and Chicago will host the 2026 Convention from August 3-5. Upcoming regional events include:

GBTA + VDR Conference 2024 in Copenhagen from November 4-6, 2024

GBTA Canada Conference in Toronto from April 28-30, 2025

GBTA APAC Conference in Singapore from May 27-28, 2025

GBTA LATAM Conference in Mexico City from September 24-25, 2025

Photos from the GBTA Convention 2024 are available online, and attendees can access on-demand replay of the education sessions via the convention mobile app starting next week.

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