In a time of global economic uncertainty, and with cost-cutting a growing priority among travel managers, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) offered "recession insurance" guidelines to attendees of its "End-to-End Travel Solutions and Expense Management Solutions" PowerTalk held in Zurich on 10 April.

Fifty percent of the companies represented at the event were corporate buyers. Some of the largest international financial institutions at the ACTE PowerTalk included UBS and Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch & Cie, the Swiss Government Travel Centre, and Fortune 500 companies such as Kraft Foods.

"The biggest concern in the business travel industry today is the stability of the global economy," Christine Dunton-Tinnus, ACTE Regional Director, Western & Southern Europe, said. "By holding educational events in key cities such as Zurich, ACTE provides our members with comprehensive programs that emphasize higher levels of cost-containment, new sources of savings, and techniques that save time, effort and, ultimately, money."

The program addressed highly advanced techniques regarding integrated processes, how multi-step processes could be combined into one automated system, and how a system of this nature could reduce labor while boosting efficiency. Post-conference information is available on the ACTE website.

Commented Nicola Monfregola, Associate Director, UBS AG, "I think the PowerTalk event today was excellent, especially the discussion session where you could exchange ideas and interact with your colleagues in the sector. ACTE's educational events are a valuable asset to anyone in the corporate travel industry."

"The PowerTalk was very interesting; the presentation and discussion addressed the issues we face in the business travel industry, and provided good ideas for solutions," noted Monica Beusch, Manager, Market Intelligence International, Jet Aviation Management AG.

"ACTE educational events provide really high level presentations delivered by high level presenters. I always learn something valuable to apply to my job," Elisabeth Koehl, Event Management Officer External Services, Bank for International Settlements, said.

In 2008, ACTE will host a series of educational events throughout the European region:  Rome, Stuttgart, London, Helsinki, Paris, Madrid and Milan.

In the United States, the ACTE Global Education Conference in Washington, D.C. will take place 18-20 May, and will feature a stellar line-up of international keynote presenters: world renowned economist Dr. Kjell Nordstrom; Ambassador John Bruton, European Union Commission Head of Delegation; Marion C. Blakey, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA); David Sanger, White House Correspondent, The New York Times, and Amber MacArthur, Canadian tech journalist and social networking expert.

One session, entitled "The Upside of An Economic Downturn," will examine the latest initiatives undertaken by companies in demand management, including drivers for spend, alignment of consumption to business needs and the elimination of unnecessary spend. Recently improved low-cost technology solutions have emerged which offer companies the opportunity to generate significant savings through virtual meetings/telepresencing tools.