The future of corporate travel management comes under the microscope this autumn when the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) holds one…
The future of corporate travel management comes under the microscope this autumn when the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) holds one in its series of Executive Forums in the UK. The Forum is being held at London’s Melia White House Hotel on September 9.
The event is designed to give delegates both an insight into industry trends and an opportunity to contribute to ACTE’s ongoing research and work. Over 100 senior level corporate travel executives from around the world are expected to attend.
An extensive line-up of top-level speakers from across Europe will be addressing issues as diverse as airline regulations and the impact of the internet on travel purchasing. Guest speakers include:
- David Radcliffe, chief executive of BTI, who will open the event with his views on the role of travel agencies in the distribution process.
- Philip Carlisle, Chief Executive of GBTA and Ann Cleveland-Oey, Global Travel Manager at Sweden’s Wartsila group, who will speak on the financial implications for companies of out-dated regulations.
- Mark Avery, Head of Business Services at PWC who will be joined by Floyd Widener, Managing Director of Sabre’s GetThere, Dirk Verhoeven of GM OnlineSales and Global Contracts and
- KDS chief executive officer, Yves Weisselberger and BSkyB`s travel procurement manager Ray Wooldridge will discuss online access to content strategies.
Martin Warner, Senior Vice President of Carlson Wagonlit, in a talk on the consequences of GDS deregulation.
The Forum will also include a round-table debate on distribution technologies, led by Professor Fariba Alamadari and Dr. Keith Mason, both researchers from the acclaimed Air Transport Group at Cranfield`s College of Aeronautics, Cranfield University.
Professor Alamadari says: “The issue of deregulation of the global distribution systems is one of the hottest topics in the industry today. Gathering together some of the leading thinkers in the field will ensure an event that is both colourful and enlightening.”
Nadine Dewart, ACTE EMEA Regional Council Chair, adds: “Corporate travel’s pace of change in areas like new technologies is simply breathtaking, but in other areas – notably restrictive airline practices – change is all but non-existent. The Executive Forum will provide a unique opportunity to share experience and expertise on a wide range of critical issues. Delegates will be able to leave the session with a collection of stimulating data, as well as knowing that they have contributed to our ongoing research programme.”
October sees the major event in ACTE’s calendar – the Global Conference in Stockholm, which will feature the world’s foremost management debating key issues facing the travel industry. This three-day conference promises to be ACTE’s most innovative programme to date, thanks to an exciting line up of keynote speakers, educational sessions and roundtable discussions.
To register for the exclusive Executive Forum in London and for further information on ACTE’s Education and Networking Calendar
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
