Travel Leaders Concludes Client Executive Forum

travel agentTravel Leaders reports it recently concluded its first-ever Travel Leaders Client Executive Forum attended by nearly 60 business travel clients, travel industry executives and Travel Leaders member owners.

“We believe that an engaged client can become a long-term client," noted Travel Leaders Franchise Group President Roger E. Block. "To better engage our members’ top business clients, our goal was to present high-level, in-depth discussions covering all segments of our industry that impact business travelers. 

"We wanted our invited guests to gain a greater understanding of the industry’s cost-structure and how we can assist them in building ‘best-in-class’ travel programs to meet their companies’ and travelers’ needs," Block said.

Feedback received from the corporate executives invited to attend the Houston conference included:

·         “This was one of the best events of its type that I’ve attended,” commented Dwight James, Sr., Buyer and Corporate Travel Manager for Allscripts Healthcare. “There was a lot of content packed into the day and a half we had together.”

·         “(United Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Sales) Dave Hilfman’s presentation had some very good information such as comparing airline industry profit margins with other sectors, and how critical ancillary fees are to the airlines today. Also, (Lanyon’s Chief Commercial Officer) Michael Boult’s discussion of the corporation versus the corporate traveler and how the business traveler’s needs are changing was very compelling,” said Liz Lock, Manager, Corporate Travel for HID Global Corporation. “It was also great to be exposed to the excellent minds running Travel Leaders. I enjoyed meeting with other Travel Leaders clients and gained insight into other corporations’ travel needs and programs.”

Travel Leaders cited the diverse subjects covered during the two-day conference including:

·         An In-Depth Look at Today’s Travel Industry – Michael Batt, Founder and Co-Chairman of Travel Leaders Group, provided an overview of today’s travel industry, along with its growth and consolidation, as well as Travel Leaders Group’s standing in the industry as a growing powerhouse.

·         Foreign Flag Carrier’s View of the Airline Industry – Geert Boven, Senior Vice President Americas, Etihad Airways, discussed how various airlines are working to bring luxury and exceptional service back to the air industry, particularly to routes outside of the traditional European hubs cities.

·         Hotel Panel: Meeting the Needs of a Changing Workforce – This panel, comprised of executives from Hyatt Corporation, Sofitel Hotels and Travel Leaders Group’s Worldwide Hotel Program, addressed the “evolving workplace” and how the hotel industry is adapting to the needs of business travelers – from understanding female business travelers’ unique needs to health-conscious and environmentally-friendly offerings, along with a frank discussion about complimentary WiFi and technology upgrades.

·         Keeping Pace with Business Travel Technology – Dan Westbrook, Vice President and General Manager, Distribution Sales and Services for Travelport, explained ways in which the GDS is working to make all information available to travel managers and travel agents – particularly in the “new world” of ancillary fees – so that companies can make fully-informed travel decisions.

·         Managing an Unknown Spend – Timothy R. Gregory, Director of Industry Sales, Carey International, provided insights into how chauffeured transportation shouldn’t be solely viewed as a luxury, but rather a safe and secure transportation option that allows business to be conducted while in transit. 

·         The Current State of Business Travel Management – Michael Boult, Chief Commercial Officer of Lanyon, challenged participants to identify what a “best-in-class” travel program would be for their company.  Particularly, how they can satisfy the needs of the company and the traveler – especially when younger business travelers are less likely to comply with a corporate travel program.

·         The Ever Changing Role of Car Rental Companies – Ron Cerko, Vice President of Travel Industry Relations for Enterprise Holdings, offered a particularly insightful look into the “games suppliers play” and offered a “list of demands” every corporate travel manager should consider when negotiating contracts.

·         The Evolution and Future of Airline Alliances, Pricing Trends and Ancillary Fees – David Hilfman, Senior Vice President of Sales for United Airlines, addressed the challenges and opportunities with merging two major airlines, as well as an overview on ancillary fees in the airline industry.

·         Where are my Travelers? The Challenge of Traveler Safety and Security – Scott Ackerman, Vice President of Retail Sales, Property Management and Corporate Accounts for Travel Guard, offered an important look into the responsibility of corporations to understand “Duty of Care” particularly with regard to business travel and the safety of their employees.

Travel Leaders cited Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) data that  there is a relatively high likelihood that international business travelers will report health issues and seek medical care while traveling or immediately upon return. The global nature of business travel exposes travelers to a greater potential of “risk.” Corporations must know who “owns” risk management for their company and travelers and have a plan to control unexpected traveler expenses, whether for travel delays, medical issues and/or medical evacuations, Travel Leaders said.

Travel Leaders also said the topic of traveler safety and “Duty of Care” resonated with attendees.

·         “The forum presented a great cross-section of suppliers, customers, and various representatives in the business travel trade and exceeded my expectations of the event. Of particular benefit was the presentation on ‘The Challenge of Traveler Safety and Security’ and the discussion around ‘Duty of Care,’” commented Kathy McDuffie, Vice President, Supply Chain for Interface. “It really brought into perspective the benefit of having a travel safety plan.  Should any additional forums be scheduled in the future regarding business travel, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to again participate.” 

·         “ The most beneficial information for me was the ‘Duty of Care’ since I was unfamiliar with the term and the swell currently underway in Europe,” said Brian Lee, Director of Purchasing for InComm. “Knowing it’s only a matter of time before Duty of Care makes its way to our doorstep, I am already having discussions regarding the steps we need to take here at InComm. That information was definitely the biggest takeaway for me.”  

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