elevate corporate travel

• Travel management Toggle submenu Egencia Overview Travel management solutions Amex GBT Neo1 Amex GBT Select Amex GBT Ovation Amex GBT Lawyers Travel Manage your corporate travel program Corporate travel policy Travel risk management Travel expense management Reporting Travel management consulting Industry Solutions Transportation & Logistics

Egencia reviews

See how Egencia works

• Customer center Toggle submenu Travelers Help center Business traveler center Download the app Travel arrangers Help center Travel arranger center Training resources Travel managers Connect community Product updates Customer training
• Watch a demo
• Request a demo
• About Egencia

Corporate Travel Management, Business Travel Services & Solutions

Modern corporate travel management for the fast-changing travel landscape

Manage risk. Support traveler wellbeing. Plan for the future. How can Egencia™ help you modernize your corporate travel program?

The only proven global B2B travel tech platform

Egencia is always working to deliver travelers, travel managers, and travel arrangers unrivaled choice, value, and experience, with the powerful backing of Amex GBT.

We’re in a league of our own

Our platform can be optimized for all types of users, in companies big or small.

Tech is in our DNA   We originated in the labs of global tech giants and now we are a part of the most valuable B2B travel solution in the world.

AI-driven insights   Our AI delivers custom user experiences that add value to your company’s travel program.

Suite of APIs   Amex GBT Egencia’s open API platform gives you the ability to build robust integrations that help you automate, connect and simplify your travel and expense management.

Unbeatable travel content We lead the industry with over 290 global airlines and 650,000 lodging partners.

Industry-first NDC capabilities Amex GBT Egencia is the first to offer new distribution capabilities to our clients. 

Amex GBT Egencia Preferred Rates  We offer the best value for business travel with access to special discounted air fares.

The unique content from Amex GBT Egencia provides unrivaled choice and value for air, hotel, car and rail.

Our technology-driven customer service and commitment to excellence puts Amex GBT Egencia on another level.

Industry leader in service Our platform and services are consistently rated above 95% satisfaction by customers.

Best-in-class traveler support We provide services to over 2 million travelers in over 60 countries.

Globally proven Amex GBT Egencia proudly supports over 9,000 companies of all sizes around the world.

Constant innovation We consistently deliver enhancements and innovation across our online and offline services.

Smartest shopping experience Our technology provides the smartest, quickest shopping experience to give the best routes and rates based on user preferences.

Proven optimization Our AI and machine learning delivers the best experience and enhancements for savings, traveler wellbeing and sustainability.

We lead the industry in innovation, with data insights from 100s of millions of transactions every year.

The world's business travel platform

• Companies of all sizes in more than 60 countries trust Amex GBT Egencia to modernize their corporate travel programs
• We deliver simple, consumer-like business travel that users love and fast, knowledgeable support for unexpected moments
• With a globally consistent platform and skilled travel program management, rest assured your travel program is optimized to manage risk while maximizing ROI

Ready to update your travel program?

If now is the time to redesign your corporate travel program to manage risk, support traveler wellbeing and monitor your travel spend, this toolkit can help.

Amex GBT Egencia helps you stay connected

14 million business trips were made with Amex GBT Egencia last year. As your travel management company, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Managing travel risk

Travel risk management has never been more important. Find out how you can manage risk, deliver duty of care and make your business travelers feel secure.

• A comprehensive and quickly adaptable business travel policy is crucial. Use this free guide to help you create a travel policy that adapts to your needs.
• Make traveler wellbeing a priority. Inform, alert and assist them in real-time via the mobile app and online booking tool
• Reduce risk by improving travel policy compliance

Putting traveler wellbeing first

You want employees to feel fully supported from the time they book until they return home. Amex GBT Egencia travel experts are ready to assist.

• Learn how you can enhance your duty of care policies for travelers
• Travel booking is only one part of the equation. Traveler safety is the other. Use this pre-travel safety checklist as a guide
• Learn how Amex GBT Egencia simplifies hotel bookings for travelers .
• Put your travelers in the driver’s seat and take advantage of our fleet of 5 million car rental options worldwide

Savings and ROI

Even as the travel industry changes, businesses still need to make strategic decisions based on cost and ROI. Amex GBT Egencia can help you boost your bottom line.

• Gain insights, identify savings and optimize travel spend in real-time with Amex GBT Egencia Analytics Studio
• Find out how Umpqua Bank maximized their business travel ROI with Amex GBT Egencia
• Amex GBT Egencia travel services can help simplify expense management . Easily track travel expenses that reflect spending with personal or corporate credit cards
• 19 ways our travel management solutions can help you save time and money

Amex GBT Egencia empowers over 2 million business travelers to get the most out of their business travel. Shouldn’t you be one of them?

Amex GBT Egencia’s G2 Winter 2024 Awards

Are you considering a return to business travel.

Amex GBT Egencia partners with Festive Road to offer a permissible travel framework to evaluate an organization’s overall readiness to travel based on corporate, individual and government regulations.

Are you an Amex GBT Egencia travel customer?

I'm a business traveler, i manage travel, recommended for you.

Request a demo to see what Amex GBT Egencia travel management solutions can do for you.

Already a customer? Contact Amex GBT Egencia customer service .

Elevate Your Business Travel Program

Reach new levels of savings and satisfaction with a holistic approach to travel program optimization., the travel category isn’t just a cost to be managed, it’s time to prove the value of travel to stakeholders across your organization..

Transform your program with Advito. Our data-driven approach:

• Focuses on program efficiency
• Drives significant cost savings
• Contributes to sustainability goals
• Improves the business travel experience
• Keeps travelers engaged and informed

Align your travel program with larger organizational goals

Work cross-functionally to make sure travel supports company-wide sales, operational, financial and sustainability goals.

Learn More +

Ensure savings don’t come at the expense of satisfaction

Drive incremental savings opportunities while also creating a modern, personalized travel experience for your employees.

We bring together cross-industry experts to create fresh approaches

Advito Consultants are experts in air, hotel, digital marketing, traveler communications, policy design, sustainability, and more. We transformed business travel as the innovators of Dynamic Performance Management™ and Traveler Engagement™.

Procure smarter, stay ahead of the market, and prepare for the future.

“Now is the time to be proactive and prepare our corporate travelers for the seismic changes to travel that are taking form. With the resources provided by Advito, we feel equipped and agile enough to shift and meet whatever challenges the coming months may bring.”

Mauro Ruggiero

Global Travel Director, Finastra

DOWNLOAD OUR LATEST REPORT

Explore the cutting-edge strategies advito’s sustainability and employee engagement experts are using today to help clients build a sustainable business travel program..

Advito’s 2024 Q2 travel price index report

Intercontinental economy fares from Europe to most destinations in North and South America, the Middle East and Asia are dropping, driven by strong capacity growth and increased competition between the airlines.

Boost employee engagement with these 10 uncommon internal communication channels

To stand out and cultivate a thriving organizational culture, businesses are increasingly turning to underutilized or unconventional communication channels.

3 game-changing strategies to optimize your corporate hotel program for SMEs

When it comes to optimizing a hotel program as a small- to medium-sized enterprise (SME), it’s critical to focus on creating a strong foundation. A successful strategy encompasses three key aspects: property...

How To Elevate Corporate Travel With a Limousine Service

• January 3, 2024

Book Your Ride

Introducing a limousine service to your corporate travel plan can singularly elevate your company’s image and employee morale. The first impression often makes the most significant impact, and what could convey success and professionalism better than arriving in a luxurious limo? The exclusive nature of limousines also offers an unmatched level of comfort and convenience for business travelers.

With ample space to work en route, a limousine becomes a mobile office—equipped with Wi-Fi and charging ports—and provides a smooth ride that allows you to focus. Learn how to elevate corporate travel with a limousine service and discover how you can make big changes to your productivity and your overall image right now.

Reliable, Reputable Travel

The reliability that a professional limousine service offers is unmatched. Trained chauffeurs ensure punctuality, safe transportation, and complete confidentiality, which are all paramount for business travel.

The service is also extremely accommodating, with customization options that can cater to your specific needs, be it an early-morning airport ride or a late-night city transfer. Of course, not all services are alike, so spend time finding a limousine service that matches your schedule, style, and professionalism perfectly. Don’t worry; such services do exist. Remember that luxury limo services and taxi rides are very different, with limousines sometimes requiring reservations in advance to guarantee a ride.

Incorporating a limousine service into your corporate travel plans can significantly enhance your business image, provide a comfortable travel experience for employees, and ensure reliable transportation. It’s not just a car—it’s a statement, a workspace, and a peace-of-mind service rolled into one to elevate the corporate travel experience.

A Strong Professional Image

In this rapidly evolving corporate world, the method of travel you choose can significantly influence your business outcomes. One exceptional way to elevate your corporate travel experience is by integrating a limousine service into your schedule.

You may have a very specific image in your head when you see or hear the word “limo,” which is the classic stretch design. However, you can talk to corporate limousine services about riding in a variety of vehicles. As a result, you can showcase the exact image you want when you pull up to meetings, the office, and beyond. This aspect further highlights the importance of choosing the right service for your company. For instance, at Chauffeur Limousine Service, you can hire our corporate limousine service to arrive at your doorstep in a variety of vehicles, including classic stretch limos, luxury SUVs, and more. Plus, if you want to travel with any clients, doing it in a luxury vehicle is a great way to make a positive, professional impression on them.

A limousine service significantly enhances your company’s image and elevates the morale of your employees. It’s well-known that the first impression is typically the lasting impression, and nothing broadcasts success and professionalism more than punctual arrival in a deluxe limousine. Emerging from a sleek, impeccably maintained limousine is more than just an entrance—it’s a declaration of your company’s commitment to superiority, meticulousness, and an unwavering appreciation for comfort and style.

Total Luxury, Absolute Convenience

What sets corporate limousines apart is their unparalleled level of luxury and convenience, catered specifically with professional travelers in mind. The spacious interiors of these vehicles allow ample room to unwind or continue working during transit.

Consider it your mobile office, equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and charging ports for your devices, and enjoy a serene, smooth commute that enables preparation for upcoming meetings without any disturbances. Once again, don’t forget to speak with any service you’re considering to determine what amenities are in the vehicle.

Never Lose Your Productivity

Nothing spells productivity quite like a well-equipped mobile office—and that’s exactly what a luxury limousine service provides. Enjoy instant access to your emails, virtual meetings, and online resources.

Whether you need to make a crucial video call, review a presentation, or stay up-to-date on the latest news, high-quality corporate limousines guarantee uninterrupted focus. Thus, you can remain plugged into your business world during the whole ride.

A Serene & Productive Environment

Besides the technological amenities, the limousine’s serene ambiance sets the perfect stage for critical thinking and decision-making. The quiet, smooth-riding experience that a luxury limousine offers is the ideal environment for reviewing documents, refining strategies, or simply brainstorming the next big idea—without the typical distractions of travel.

In a luxury limousine, every minute counts. You can efficiently utilize travel time, transforming it into productive work sessions or essential relaxation periods. This is a clear advantage for busy professionals who value every second of their day.

Every single detail matters when it comes to corporate travel, and time is only one of many details you must juggle. By choosing a limousine service, you’re not just choosing a mode of transport; you’re choosing a productivity strategy that values your time and work.

Trained, Professional Chauffeurs

Elevating corporate travel with a limousine service is possible thanks to the vehicle itself, as well as the professional behind the wheel. As mentioned above, reliability is the cornerstone of any successful corporate travel strategy, and here is where a professional limousine service truly shines. Each chauffeur has comprehensive training, promising punctuality, secure transportation, and absolute confidentiality—elements that are critical for the business world.

After all, even if the vehicle is nice, having an unprofessional driver behind the wheel will compromise the overall experience. Business professionals deserve a driver who respects their space, ensuring the passengers have the privacy and comfort they need to fully enjoy the vehicle’s benefits.

Find Reliable Drivers Today

Embedding a limousine service into your corporate travel strategies can dramatically upgrade your business’s image, ensure a comforting travel experience for employees, and guarantee trustworthy transportation. Opting for a limousine service reflects a choice of refinement, a focus on productivity, and an investment in reliability—elements that could make all the difference in your corporate endeavors.

Don’t hesitate to establish corporate limousine services for your company today; you deserve easy access to convenient luxury travel when you need it. Talk to experts now to ensure you and your employees have the resources you need to travel and work efficiently every single day.

Related Posts

What To Expect During a Vineyard Tour in California

Why You Should Rent a Limousine for Prom Night

Special Things To Do for Your Birthday Celebrations

Reserve your ride today.

Contact us today to learn more about our fleet or to make a reservation.   

(949) 203-2608

[email protected]

Elevating business travel with data-driven analytics 

When it comes to forecasting future spend in an ever-evolving travel landscape, you might feel like you have to break out the tarot cards to stay ahead. But guess what? You don't need to rely on manifestation or crystal balls to steer your corporate travel program with finesse. The real magic lies in harnessing the right data. 

Ready to achieve a new level of control over your travel budgets while maximizing returns on investment? Consolidating your travel operations under a single vendor streamlines data collection by accessing analytic tools that help optimize your travel program. 

Types of analytics to make informed savings decisions 

Corporate travel data analytics come in various flavors, each offering a unique lens through which to view your travel data. Armed with these tools, you can unlock the secrets to informed savings decisions. 

• Descriptive – Understand where you’ve been. Descriptive analytics provide a clear snapshot of your past and present travel trends. What was your travel spend last quarter? How many travel bookings were made?  

This knowledge sets the stage for informed decision-making. 

• Diagnostic – Time to dig deeper. Diagnostic analytics help you uncover the "whys" behind your data. Why did travel expenses spike last month? Why did certain bookings fail to comply with policy?  

This level of insight uncovers hidden patterns and bottlenecks that could be impacting corporate travel performance. Analytics help you understand your company's travel booking behaviors. You can then take that information and make speedier data-driven decisions, that save money, and positively impact your travelers. Win-win-win.  

How a business travel analytics tool can help you 

Sure, practical budgeting and cost-saving are a given , but analytics offer more than just that. Use data to help you visualize where there is program leakage, what is working well, and where you can make tweaks. Here's how corporate travel data can revolutionize your travel program: 

Understanding environmental impact 

In 2019, humans produced more than 43 billion tonnes of carbon. Air travel, more specifically air travel for business, represents 2% of those greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). 

With numbers like that, modern business travelers don’t just prioritize environmentally conscious choices – they expect it. And you should, too . 

By tracking corporate trips and generating CO2 reports, you can clearly see your organization’s carbon impact and take necessary steps to reduce it. You can then take this data, and guide your travelers to choose more sustainable options. For example, selecting airlines based on their sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use or participating in carbon offsetting initiatives. 

Pushing vendor preferences 

Cut costs without compromising comfort. Business travel analytics help you pinpoint the best deals on hotel bookings and save you a pretty penny on travel costs. 

Through harnessing the power of analytics, travel managers gain valuable insights into price changes throughout the year. This way, you’ll be ready to seize the lowest-priced options or present alternatives when rates spike. 

Plus, corporate travel tools empower companies to secure cost-considerate options without compromising on quality. With Melon, we incorporate negotiated rates and pre-approved contracts with preferred vendors, which makes it simple to explore options. 

Keeping travelers in compliance 

Ensuring travel policy compliance isn’t just a checkbox; it’s a bottom-line essential. Analytics step in to prevent violations by giving managers access to booking data . 

Analytics aren’t just about numbers – they’re about compliance, too. Use your data to ensure travelers stay within company travel policy guidelines. Analytics help you curate a list of preferred flight and hotel options, driving policy-compliant choices and boosting employee satisfaction.  

Put traveler safety first 

Duty of care isn’t just an obligation – it’s a priority.  

A comprehensive business travel data tool serves as your vigilant companion. It equips you with real-time safety information from hotels and flights, and delivers alerts should a concerning event arise. This proactive approach empowers travelers and travel managers alike to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions while on the road.  

With data at your side, you can keep an eye on safety concerns for different destinations. This makes sure you don't send travelers into health hazards or social/political unrest areas. 

Making the most of your business travel program with a travel analytics tool

We've said it before and we'll say it again: If you don't know, you can't grow. Data = visibility = better, more informed decisions. It's not enough to simply have a travel analytics tool, if you don't understand how to use it to your advantage.  

Want to know where your travel dollars are being spend quickly? Use one tool for all of your travel needs. You'll have 20/20 visibility in no time.  

All travel data in one place 

Say goodbye to scattered data. Streamline your information with tools that aggregate all travelers data. A centralized hub improves visibility and allows you to easily detect trends, patterns, and inefficiencies. With a holistic view of your travel ecosystem, your analysis becomes more comprehensive and your actions more effective. 

On-demand, custom reporting 

Real-time decision-making, tailored to you. Analytics tools offer both standard and customizable business travel reports , enabling you to respond swiftly to changing circumstances. Enhance transparency, align with organizational needs, and present relevant insights to various stakeholders. 

Embrace the data-driven revolution 

The future of global business travel is here. And it's data-driven. 

Bid adieu to vague predictions and uncertain budgeting – analytics has your back. Whether you're curbing your carbon footprint, scoring the best deals, or safeguarding traveler safety, Melon’s got your back. 

Why you’ll love Melon's Business Travel Analytics Tool

Manage all your business travel through the corporate travel platform that has all the answers. 

• It’s so intuitive you can book in 5 minutes. 
• Reports help analyze your spend so you can make quick decisions for your business. 
• Access the best negotiated rates, worldwide. 
• Chat with your travel expert with one tap. 
• Stay in the know about anything and everything travel 

Ready to take care of business? Let's talk Melon. Book a demo today.  

• The comprehensive guide to travel management software
• The 5 pillars of travel risk management software 
• Elevating business travel with data-driven analytics
• 9 business travel apps for road warriors

Innovate with us: Register to our Design Week Workshop! Save your seat

Blog / Business Travel / 7 Business Travel Management Companies to Streamline Travel

Business Travel

7 business travel management companies to streamline travel.

A seamless travel experience is no longer a challenge with this curated guide to the top business travel management companies. Whether optimizing expenses, ensuring policy compliance, or prioritizing traveler wellbeing, these robust solutions consolidate separate platforms into one powerful tool, making travel easier for every stakeholder.

Review the industry's frontrunners' key features and standout offerings, including AltoVita, Navan, Spotnana, TravelPerk, SAP Concur, Egencia, and American Express Global Business Travel to elevate your corporate travel experience with insights into the best travel management companies.

Top Business Travel Management Companies at a Glance

• American Express Global Business Travel

What Challenges Do Business Travel Management Companies Solve?

Business travel management companies are at the forefront of addressing critical challenges in corporate travel. Here's a quick overview:

• Accommodation, Flight, and Car Booking: Streamlining the often cumbersome process to find and book flights, corporate housing, and car rentals for business travelers.
• Travel Policy Compliance: Ensuring all travel activities align with company policies, promoting consistency and adherence to established guidelines.
• Personalized Travel Experiences: Catering tobusiness travelers' diverse preferences and needs through customized approaches.
• Global Compliance: Navigating diverse international regulations and compliance standards by providing tools and expertise.
• Travel Risk Management Solutions : Mitigating potential risks associated with travel, offering security measures prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of business travelers.
• Reporting and Analytics: Providing comprehensive reporting tools for valuable insights into travel expenses, patterns, and potential cost savings.
• Technology Integration: Seamlessly integrating travel management tools with existing company systems and technologies.
• Environmental Sustainability: Meeting sustainability goals in corporate travel by actively promoting and facilitating eco-friendly travel choices.
• Expense Management: Streamlining the tracking and management of expenses associated with business travel.

Key Features to Consider

The right business travel solutions can drastically improve corporate travel, enhancing employees' experiences, unlocking productivity, and achieving substantial savings. Here are key features to consider when evaluating different travel options:

Breadth of Inventory

A comprehensive range of travel options is essential. Look for platforms that offer a diverse inventory of accommodations, flights, and transportation options, ensuring travelers have choices that align with their preferences and needs.

Accommodation Options and Cost Savings

Opt for solutions with a vast inventory of vetted business travel accommodations . A platform with many options can cater to different budgets and preferences, ensuring cost-effective and comfortable stays.

Comprehensive Reporting and Analytics

Ensure the platform provides detailed insights into travel expenses, patterns, and potential cost-saving opportunities. Robust reporting tools empower travel managers with the data needed to make informed decisions, optimize expenses, and enhance overall travel program efficiency.

Duty of Care

Prioritize a travel management company that will emphasize safety and support traveler wellbeing with features such as real-time tracking, emergency support, and tools that enable proactive risk assessment.

Travel Policy Controls

The best travel solutions provide robust travel policy controls, or the ability to set and enforce travel policies ensures compliance, cost control, and consistency in travel-related decision-making.

Customer Support and Flexibility

Prioritize solutions with exceptional customer support and flexibility to cater to the unique needs of your business travelers.

Implementation Time

Consider the implementation time required for the solution. Opt for platforms that provide services that offer a swift and efficient onboarding process, minimizing downtime and allowing your organization to benefit from the new travel management capabilities quickly.

Technology Integration

Recently acquired travel solutions should seamlessly integrate with existing company systems and technologies to save time, minimize disruptions and enhance workflow.

User-friendliness

An intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface is crucial for widespread adoption within your organization.

With several top-notch business travel management solutions, keeping an eye on these features will lead to a more streamlined, efficient, and cost-effective corporate travel experience.

Top Corporate Travel Management Companies

1. altovita.

AltoVita is a B2B travel trailblazer specializing in managing corporate travel and housing solutions. With their cutting-edge technology platform, they've simplified the whole corporate travel and housing process, making it as stress-free as possible. They truly stand-alone among corporate housing companies for the sophistication of their technology.

AltoVita targets corporate travelers and travel managers and helps them connect with property management companies, property managers, and homeowners. AltoVita's award-winning technology creates a cloud-based bridge between the highly fragmented property distribution system and Global 2000 companies, SMEs, and business travelers. As a result, it's reduced the legacy 48- to 72-hour corporate housing bidding process to a few minutes.

Through the AltoVita platform, all stakeholders, from corporate travelers to individual business travelers to the global mobility manager, can filter and compare properties based on location, amenities, and budget–and then instantly book. 

Standout Features

• Real-Time Availability and Booking for Business Travelers: Business travelers can instantly book suitable corporate apartments from AloVita's accommodation inventory. Once the booking proceeds, a travel manager is notified for approval, and the system will confirm availability—the booking confirmation is then sent to the travelers securing the business accommodation.
• Dashboard and Reporting on Corporate Travel: AltoVita helps companies become more cost-effective and save on lodging. The AltoVita platform makes reporting on business needs accessible, allowing maximum visibility and data analysis of your corporate accommodation activity and spend.
• Diverse Business Travel Accommodation Options: The AltoVita platform offers diverse accommodation types for business travel. With over 7 million serviced apartments listed across 35.000 destinations worldwide, travelers can book accommodation for any business travel anywhere.
• Traveler's Business Trip Safe and Compliant: Travelers can review the range of safety and security measures in each destination and select business accommodation options confidently, ensuring safety, quality, and security.
• Dedicated Customer Service and Success Teams: AltoVita's human-centric services start with its people. Its global team, with local know-how, strives relentlessly to guarantee that AltoVita offers unparalleled business travel accommodation services to our customers and guests.

Navan is a force in the corporate travel sphere that's completely reimagining how easy booking and managing corporate travel and expense can be. It integrates three separate platforms — travel management, expense management, and payments — into one platform. From EAs and finance teams to travel managers and employees, Navan empowers people to focus on the things that matter most to them while providing companies with real-time visibility, savings, and control.

• New Distribution Capabilities: Navan leads the industry in NDC with 10 European airlines available on the platform. When American Airlines released its NDC, Navan was one of the only TMCs to offer it on day one.
• AI-Powered Insights & Hotel Concierge: Navan is the first travel company to integrate generative AI across its product set with the launch of AI-powered virtual assistant Ava, which paved the way for its hyper-personalized hotel concierge with Concierge by Ava . The feature learns users' travel patterns and analyzes dozens of other real-time factors to serve up the most relevant options and make booking more manageable than ever.
• Navan Expense Budgets revolutionizes how finance teams and budget owners manage their financial plans, offering a seamless, integrated, and flexible budgeting solution within Navan Expense.
• Navan's Rail Alternative feature lets travelers know when there's a viable rail alternative during a flight search. When there is, travelers can easily swap their view of flight schedules and see rail options instead.
• VAT on Item makes it easier to collect accurate tax information for business expenses and, therefore, to reclaim VAT. This is a game-changing feature for expensers and finance teams that must navigate the complicated world of VAT.

3. Spotnana

Spotnana is the newest entrant in the corporate travel management sector and is already recognized for its innovation and commitment to enhancing the business travel experience.

Spotnana caters to a diverse client base, offering solutions to businesses seeking travel management and a comprehensive travel program. Its main selling point is leveraging travel data to provide actionable insights for strategic decision-making. It gives users the tools to efficiently manage global travel policies, traveler safety, and carbon emissions while maximizing operational efficiency by moving beyond PNR comments and manual processes. 

• Actionable Insights: Spotnana provides in-depth travel data analysis, offering actionable insights to optimize travel spend and enhance the overall travel program.
• Travel Risk Management: Spotnana prioritizes traveler safety with real-time risk alerts and an integrated risk management system.
• Integrated Traveler Wellbeing Solutions: Spotnana then goes beyond conventional risk management by incorporating integrated traveler wellbeing solutions, including features that promote business travelers' physical and mental health during their journeys.

4. TravelPerk

TravelPerk is a European startup that seeks to revolutionize the corporate travel management industry by offering a comprehensive suite of travel management solutions to businesses of all sizes. TravelPerk's main selling point is its user-friendly platform that seamlessly combines online booking tools, expense management, and traveler support.

• All-In-One Platform: TravelPerk offers an integrated platform, allowing businesses to manage everything from booking flights to expense reports on a single interface.
• Mobile App: With a user-friendly mobile app, TravelPerk ensures that companies and travelers can manage trips on the go.
• Traveler Support: The platform prioritizes traveler wellbeing and safety with direct communication features and support for personalized travel arrangements.

5. SAP Concur

SAP Concur , a powerhouse in corporate travel management, is trusted by many businesses for its comprehensive software suite that's widely used across diverse industries. SAP Concur streamlines the entire corporate travel experience from managing expenses to facilitating travel arrangements.

• Policy Compliance: The platform ensures policy compliance, offering tools that empower businesses to enforce and adhere to their travel policies effectively.
• Integrated Expense Reports: SAP Concur streamlines the expense management process by providing integrated tools for creating, submitting, and managing expense reports.
• Connected Apps: With a suite of connected apps, SAP Concur offers a holistic travel management solution, saving time and providing easy access to essential tools.

A prominent player in the business travel management sector, Egencia's long-standing service and reputation makes it a common choice for businesses looking to streamline the travel management process. sWith robust policy compliance tools and proactive risk management features, Egencia prioritizes personalization and safety.

• Policy Compliance Tools: Egencia provides robust tools to enforce and ensure policy compliance in business travel, including features that help businesses set and monitor travel policies to ensure that employees adhere to established guidelines.
• Proactive Risk Management: Egencia stands out for its proactive approach to risk management. The platform integrates real-time risk alerts and supports travelers in case of unexpected events.
• Customizable Travel Experiences: Egencia offers a high degree of customization in travel experiences. Businesses can tailor travel arrangements to meet their employees' unique preferences and needs, providing a personalized and comfortable travel experience.

7. American Express Global Business Travel

American Express Global Business Travel , a stalwart in corporate travel management, is a go-to choice for businesses requiring top-tier travel management services.

Amex GBT is used by many clients, from small businesses to multinational corporations. Its main selling point lies in providing travel services and a complete suite of management solutions for a seamless and efficient travel program. Amex GBT is a comprehensive solution with pre-negotiated rates optimizing travel spending, robust traveler tracking ensuring safety, and a global network providing consistent support.

• Pre-Negotiated Rates: Amex GBT leverages its industry standing to secure pre-negotiated rates for its clients, optimizing travel spend and ensuring cost-effective travel.
• Traveler Tracking: With robust traveler tracking features, Amex GBT offers real-time visibility into the whereabouts of traveling employees, enhancing overall traveler safety.
• Global Network and Support: Amex GBT provides a comprehensive global network, making it a standout choice for businesses with international operations. The platform supports businesses navigating diverse international travel regulations and ensures consistent service across different regions.

Key Takeaways

In business travel management, where every decision counts, the right business travel services can redefine the entire experience for every stakeholder from travel managers to employees on the front line. In the search for the ideal solution among many online booking tool providers in the travel industry, the spotlight turns to AltoVita, a game-changer in managing business travel accommodation.

Here's why AltoVita stand outs:

Tailored Expertise: While others aim to be a jack-of-all-trades, AltoVita specializes in what matters most — accommodation — to ensure business travelers experience comfort, convenience, and a home away from home.

Customer-Centric Approach: AltoVita goes beyond being a service; it's a partner invested in the success of each trip and business travel program.

Comprehensive Solutions: From cost-effective options to luxurious stays, AltoVita offers a diverse inventory to suit every budget and preference.

Efficiency Unleashed: AltoVita isn't just about where your team stays; it's about unlocking efficiency throughout the entire accommodation process by streamlining bookings, offering user-friendly interfaces, and integrating seamlessly with existing travel management tools.

Elevate your corporate travel program with AltoVita — where expertise meets excellence, and every stay is a testament to our commitment to your success.

Experience the AltoVita advantage and redefine how you manage your business travelers' accommodations today.

9 Ways to Make Business Travel More Sustainable in 2024

Let's talk.

Previous Article

How to Create a Corporate Travel Policy & Implement it Correctly

Next Article

AltoVita Launches EcoStats to Help Users Compare CO2 Emissions

Related articles.

8 Business Travel Trends to Elevate Corporate Travel Panning

Benefits of Business Travel for Boosting Productivity and Growth

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

• Strategic Account Management
• Small Business Solutions
• Entertainment Travel
• Sports Travel
• University Travel
• Government Travel
• Event Travel
• Resource Travel
• Leisure Travel
• The CTM Story
• Sustainability
• Business Travel Blog
• Case Studies
• Investor Center

Local solutions, delivered globally

CTM provides local service solutions to customers around the world. Please select your local region, and start experiencing the CTM difference!

Don’t show this again

Connecting Business Through Travel

Connecting Ideas Through Travel

Connecting People Through Travel

Welcome to ctm. we do business travel, differently., corporate travel management (ctm) is a leader in business travel management services in north america and beyond. we drive savings, efficiency, safety, and sustainability to businesses and corporate travelers, wherever your business takes you..

When you partner with CTM you’ll enjoy the experience of business travel done differently – a uniquely designed travel program, built for your business’s specific travel needs and objectives, and expertly delivered in every region you operate in. We design travel programs that drive strategic results for every part of your business and every member of your team.

So if you’re looking for a tailored travel management solution, delivering customer service excellence, innovative technology and a demonstrable return on investment, you’re in the right place.

Experience the CTM difference

Elevate Your Travel Program With Corporate Travel Management

Is your travel program delivering savings, efficiency, and safety to your business and traveling workforce? Are you leveraging your travel data to negotiate better travel deals and positively influence booking behaviors? Do you have access to the tools you need to control your budget, reduce risk, improve sustainability and maximize employee well-being?

If not, it’s time to elevate your travel program with CTM.

We don’t believe in a one-size fits all approach to travel management. We work in partnership with your team to design a tailored travel program, utilizing proven strategies and leveraging big data, to deliver strategic outcomes which align with your business’s unique objectives and priorities. Find out how CTM’s solutions can transform your business travel program and budget today.

Get More From Your Business Travel Program

Bigger Savings

For every dollar spent on our travel management services, we’ll return more to you in savings.

Greater Efficiency

Our expertise, 24/7 support and intuitive technology significantly improves your team's efficiency.

Award-Winning Service

Access award-winning service and solutions designed for your needs, via your prefered channel.

Heightened Safety

Drive safety and well-being to your traveling workforce to reduce risk and increase productivity.

Improved Sustainability

Travel doesn't have to cost the earth. Our tools and solutions support more sustainable travel.

Better Insights

Unleash the power of reliable, actionable data to drive program performance and accountability.

Take your travel program from average to exceptional

Take Your Travel Budget Further

For every dollar spent on our travel management services, we’ll return more to you in savings. That’s the CTM difference.

How we do it

• You’ll benefit from CTM’s extensive global buying power and supplier negotiations to experience exceptional deals on flights, accommodation and car rental
• Your CTM travel platform provides one-stop-shop access to the best corporate negotiated deals, last-minute inventory and dynamic supplier content (NDC-ready), all comparable side-by-side for maximum speed, choice and value
• CTM’s forecasting technology visualizes the cheapest time to travel in a single search, ensuring you travel at the most affordable time
• Your strategic Account Manager will design a bespoke travel policy based on your unique travel behaviors and business objectives, and conducts regular travel program analysis and benchmarking to identify ongoing savings opportunities
• Consolidate your corporate travel, meetings and events spend with CTM for stronger supplier negotiation power and access to great corporate and event travel deals.

Increase Efficiency

Get where you’re going fast.

Leverage CTM’s travel expertise, 24/7 support and intuitive technology to significantly improve your employees’ productivity.

• We put intuitive  travel technology at your fingertips 24/7, making travel research, booking, and trip management simple, efficient and reliable
• Choose your preferred self-service online booking tool and a mobile app to book all your flights, hotels and car rental in a single transaction
• Enjoy round-the-clock travel service from CTM’s travel advisors , via a channel of your choice, for friendly, knowledgeable, and relevant travel support wherever and whenever you need it
• Enjoy access to live consolidated travel reporting across every aspect of your travel program, driving increased visibility, control, and efficiency.

Maximize Safety

Boost Travel Confidence & Productivity

Enhance your employee’s safety while traveling for business with our suite of intuitive and integrated risk management tools.

• Traveler tracking technology enables you to track and communicate with travelers in the event of an emergency, including one-click ‘proof of life’
• Pre-trip approval workflows enable risk identification and management prior to booking
• CTM risk alerts send email and SMS notifications to affected travelers based on itinerary location and risk levels
• CTM Mobile travel app enables travelers to book and manage their travel needs on-the-go for greater independence.

Get Connected.

Contact our team today to discuss your travel program needs., transformative business travel technology.

Global Scale, Local Expertise, Agile Tech

The scale to achieve maximum savings, the spread to provide consistent local market expertise, and the agility to solve tomorrow’s travel challenges today.

Built For Simplicity, Consistency, Flexibility

We take a highly consultative, curated approach to designing unique, simple and effective global travel solutions which deliver strategic results today and into the future.

Your Feedback Drives Our Roadmap

We put you front and center of our product and service roadmap, ensuring you benefit first from the fastest, most relevant and impactful solutions.

Take a tour of our tech stack

Testimonial

The service experience provided and standards we expect from CTM have always been critical to our business success... We now have no ‘downtime’ when a consultant is out of the office, as the entire team knows our policy and our travelers’ needs. This always gives us excellent service continuity, which makes my role just that little bit easier.

- Engineering client -

CTM held our hand through the [implementation] process – training on the booking tool was clear and concise, and the entire exercise could not have run more smoothly.

- Food manufacturing client -

Challenger continues to seek the best return on its investments in technology. Partnering with CTM to implement Fare Forecaster was a commonsense decision that met our needs in achieving this goal.

- Challenger -

Corporate Meetings & Events

Take your corporate meetings and events to a new level of performance with CTM’s specialist event management team, ETM . Our expert event organizers ensure strategically designed meetings and events which deliver exceptional attendee experiences, more strategic outcomes for your business, and a better return on your travel budget.

Benefit from our extensive supplier relationships to leverage corporate deals on accommodation, travel and entertainment, saving you time and money. Moreover, consolidate your corporate and event travel spend through CTM for stronger supplier negotiations, maximizing your overall budget’s potential. Whether it’s corporate events, strategic meetings, conferences, group travel, team-building activities, or sales incentives, we tailor your event management solution to exceed expectations and drive business success.

Partner with us for a connected event experience that drives results for your business, people, and budget.

You might be interested in...

Solutions for Every Business Size

Whether you’re a global enterprise, national corporate, or fast-growing start-up, we design travel management solutions that deliver on your goals.

Integrated Technology Ecosystem

Our technology is built to be as flexible as your needs are diverse, putting transformative tools at your fingertips 24/7 for maximum productivity and peace of mind.

Our Customer Success Stories

Don't just take our word for it. Explore our customer case studies and success stories to see how CTM has delivered resuls for businesses like yours.

Your Corporate Traveler Benefits Solution.

Streamline journeys and enjoy more rewards with our suite of Corporate Traveler benefits.

Corporate Traveler Benefits

Elevate business travel with unparalleled operational performance, in-flight amenities, complimentary access to Preferred Seating, Priority Boarding and more perks throughout your journey.

Get Main Cabin Priority Boarding

Board your plane faster, so you can claim overhead bin space and prepare for a productive trip.

Choose Your Seat

Use the Fly Delta app after ticketing to choose from available Main Cabin aisle and window seats.

Stay On Schedule

Get more peace of mind knowing The Wall Street Journal ranked Delta the #1 U.S. global airline for on-time arrivals in 2021.

Join SkyMiles

Earn for business, redeem for fun. Miles don't expire and can be used for Award Travel, upgrades, Delta Sky Club Memberships and exclusive events.

Match Your Status

Request a Corporate Status Match and enjoy 6 months of Complimentary Platinum, Gold or Silver Medallion® Status*. Plus, complete the Challenge and extend your status through January 2026.

Get Rewarded

Earn miles, check bags for free and get Delta Sky Club access with select credit and debit cards.

*See Terms and Conditions for more information regarding:  Status Match

Enhance Your Experiences

Make the most of your journey — from the airport to the aircraft — with exclusive benefits created for Corporate Travelers like you.

Priority Standby And Service Recovery

Receive prioritization on the airport standby list and in the unlikely event of delays/cancellations.*

Priority Medallion Upgrades

Elevate your travel journey with higher prioritization for Medallion Complimentary Upgrades.*

Special Discounts

Get exclusive discounts* and promotions on CLEAR memberships, Delta Vacations, Lyft rides and more.

*See Terms and Conditions for more information regarding:  Priority Standby And Service Recovery , Priority Medallion Upgrades  and Exclusive Discounts

By continuing to browse, you consent to our use of cookies. To know more please refer to our  Cookie and Privacy Policies.

Corporate Travel Companies Are Bulking Up: ‘Getting Bigger Is Critical’

Justin Bachman, Skift

April 10th, 2024 at 10:06 AM EDT

Pressure from travel suppliers who want better merchandising tools and lower costs are compelling travel management companies to consolidate.

The big players in the world of managing corporate travel are gearing up to get bigger: Amex GBT’s $570 million bid for CWT and the sale of Direct Travel to an investor consortium are two of the latest examples of the race to bulk up through mergers. 

The trend is driven largely by two factors: Travel suppliers – primarily airlines – seeking greater efficiencies in their distribution channels and the enormous capital required to invest in the technology to sell to and service travelers around the world.

“I think fundamentally customer needs are driving consolidation in the industry,” Amex GBT CEO Paul Abbott told Skift. “I think supplier needs are also changing. Suppliers want their distribution channels to deliver a modern retailing experience,” he said.

For example, airlines are moving a growing share of their fares from the traditional global distribution system model to a direct NDC (New Distribution Capability) platform. And agencies are under pressure to adopt it. 

CWT merging into Amex GBT is “a perfect example of how it’s really only the big players that have the capital to do it,” Mike McCormick, a travel consultant and former head of the Global Business Travel Association, said on April 1 on the Travel Again podcast.

The largest corporate firms, such as Amex GBT, BCD Travel and Navan, have been forced “to really make big investments in technology and continued investments” given the aggressive push by American and others, McCormick noted. 

Navan, for example, last month touted its deeper integration with United Airlines to support that carrier’s pricing strategy for fares, along with other self-serve tools and more personalization for travelers.

“Getting bigger is critical in terms of  a lot of the airline changes and negotiation, and always pressure on earnings and commissions and business in general,” McCormick said.

Investing For the Next-Generation of Travel

Investor Steve Singh, the founder and former CEO of Concur, is managing director of Madrona, the Seattle-based venture capital firm that is among the four investment firms that acquired Direct Travel Inc. on April 2. 

Singh told Skift the investor group is keen to create a “next-generation” travel management company that would offer a seamless connected trip in which all of a traveler’s airline, hotel, meeting, ground transport, and appointment bookings would be integrated, allowing for far simpler itinerary changes. For now, it’s an aspirational goal, one the industry has long wanted but that has proven tough to attain. 

Travel management companies sell multiple technology platforms to serve customers and “the result is that it is very expensive to build and run a TMC,” Singh wrote in a blog post explaining the investor group’s view of how the managed-travel industry should evolve. 

“The fact that these legacy solutions are built on GDS platforms that are not open and not extensible makes the goal of delivering an incredible client experience at a better value proposition even more challenging.”

“As someone who has logged tens of millions of flight miles, I would love a system that allows me to reserve a hotel from the time I arrive in a town to the time I need to leave, not from 3 p.m. to noon,” Singh wrote in his post.

What’s Next for Travelers

Amex GBT customers may see a greater focus on particular industry verticals, such as energy, U.S. government, mining and marine industries for CWT. Those areas tend to present greater complexity and transaction value, along with higher customer retention rates, Amex GBT told investors March 25 explaining the CWT deal.

Abbott said successful travel-management companies will increasingly need both software and services — not just one — that are married effectively.

“You have to have the best technology and the best people, you have to integrate it better than anyone else, and you have to deliver that consistently on a global basis,” he said. “And that’s hard and it requires significant investment and significant expertise.”

The Daily Newsletter

Our daily coverage of the global travel industry. Written by editors and analysts from across Skift’s brands.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: airlines , amex gbt , business travel , concur , corporate travel , cwt , navan

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Social responsibility through travel

Allow your business to open doors.

Together with our trusted network of NGO partners, we create meaningful social impact travel programs around the world for businesses and corporate foundations with a focus on current global issues such as poverty alleviation, health care, sustainability, gender issues, technology and clean energy.

Incorporating CSR into an incentive travel program is becoming the norm as it helps strengthen bonds among your employees, gives a sense of company pride, and gives back to the destinations you visit.

Connect and start planning your CSR travel program.

Your experience.

Benefits for your company

Get on the list.

Sign up for the inside scoop on new destinations, family tips, and much more.

Private Travel

• Special Occasions
• Give Back Travel

Group Travel

• Donor Travel
• Charity Challenges
• Learning Journeys
• CSR Incentive Travel
• Privacy Policy
• Buy a Trip, Give a Trip
• Press + Awards
• The Elevate Ethos
• Sustainability
• Testimonials

engaging experiences

Inspiring incentive trips, motivational meetings, transformational retreats.

Hello, I’m Sarah Reuter , Founder and CEO (Chief Experience Officer) of Elevate Travel Co. I believe we are given the opportunity to DREAM BIG, and lift each other up, every single day - the inspiration for naming the company and the belief system within all of my relationships and the experiences I love to create for my clients.

Being a part of the travel and hospitality industry for over 20 years has helped me discover that incentive travel, meetings, and events can and should be life-changing.

It’s an honor and privilege to work with each unique client. It's my promise to understand your vision/company culture/goals/budget so I can help elevate your experiences and create magical moments that will leave you and your attendees feeling inspired, informed, overjoyed, fulfilled, motivated, appreciated, relaxed, recognized, and at ease.

Let's elevate life's moments, shall we?

to raise the spirits of

To improve morally, intellectually, or culturally, to raise or lift (something) up to a higher position.

We are the faithful advocates of your time, money and vision! Although we specialize in group travel management, it's relationships that we value most. We are an extension of your existing team, eager to understand your culture and how we may best serve your needs.

We work closely with you to conceptualize, manage, and execute experiences created around your organization’s vision and budget. We put you at ease so that you may focus on what matters most in your business.

We specialize in providing a full-service turnkey approach. Hit the easy button, and choose the components which will best serve your specific goals and program budget for your next company incentive trip, client or employee appreciation trip, sales meeting, board meeting, President’s Club, or VIP special event.

Group Air Travel

Hotel sourcing, room block management, ground transportation, unique excursions, program management, on-site staffing, online registration, communications support, virtual meetings + experiences, destination vlogs, program development, themed event design, food & beverage, customized gifts, attendee engagement, communication support + marketing, experiences, northern india - a journey of the senses, inspiration, exploration, cultural, yoga, local festivals & rituals, dates / duration, saturday, march 7 - saturday, march 21, 2020, 12 hotel nights / 14 days total including flight days, cities visited, delhi - agra - rishikesh - amritsar - dharamshala, "i’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.", maya angelou, incentive trip, insurance company.

"Sarah helped with booking flights, airport transfers, hotel selection and was available as needed during our trip as well. It allowed me to enjoy the trip to know that she was handling the logistics. Your services are invaluable and were exactly what we needed. Thank you for helping me plan an incentive trip for our office. I would highly recommend using Sarah for your incentive travel planning.”

Appreciation Trip

It staffing & recruiting company.

“Sarah’s goal is to provide an unparalleled travel experience for every client she encounters; and that’s not just for the corporation as a whole, but every attendee and their guests on the trip as well.  She’s extremely friendly, approachable and always goes out of her way to make each encounter a positive one.  She makes it easy for our employees to connect and feel relaxed. She cares about the company’s core values and missions herself to make sure those are a top priority at every turn.”

Leisure Trip

Happy traveler.

“Sarah takes away the anxiety of travel choices. I have depended on her knowledge and referrals over the past several years to help me plan amazing vacations. Her advice and choices have always delivered.

Sarah Reuter

Chief experience officer, yes i would like to receive a free international travel checklist., (warning: by providing your email, our elevated travel tips will appear in your inbox once every quarter and you may experience symptoms of feeling uplifted, happy, and at ease), copyright © 2019 elevate travel co. llc.  all rights reserved..

Explore your options to connect, learn, and be inspired at Elevate + TravelConnect 2024. Check back for updates as we build our incredible lineup of experts and content. 

Dynamic Offers Design Team meeting (hosted by ATPCO) 

Members of ATPCO’s Dynamic Offers Design Team will be meeting to discuss the future of dynamic offer creation. If you’d like to get involved in ATPCO’s industry collaboration efforts, please submit your request to join .

NDC Advancement Working Group (invitation only, hosted by ARC)

Invited members will be coming together to find solutions to advance NDC.   content here -->

Routehappy customer meeting (invitation only, hosted by ATPCO)

Routehappy customers will be meeting to discuss evolving merchandising solutions. This meeting is by invitation only. If you’re not already a Routehappy subscriber,  get in touch today .

Architect Product Governance customer meeting (invitation only, hosted by ATPCO)

Architect customers will be meeting to discuss the vision and product strategy to help shape the future of the tool to fit their needs. This meeting is by invitation only. If you’re not already an Architect customer, get in touch today . 

Sales Channel Executive Council (invitation only, hosted by ATPCO)

An invitational meeting of senior executives from ATPCO’s largest sales channel subscribers to discuss industry challenges influencing the future of flight shopping, providing ATPCO guidance to deliver the right solutions into the market faster.  

Prologue: How new attendees can have a blockbuster experience

Settle in and get familiar with everything ATPCO has to offer our partners. Learn a little more about us, find out how you can get the most from your conference, and meet some colleagues before the curtain rises on the main events.

Cheryl Fischer

Cheryl is the lead trainer for Architect and has been with ATPCO for almost five years.  She has experience in international airline pricing, special prorate agreements, and published and private fares, having spent almost 8 years in international pricing for a US airline.  As part of the Learning Solutions team, Cheryl provides training related to Architect as well as fares, footnotes, and rules within FareManager, making sure that airline customers can work efficiently within ATPCO systems. 

Nicole Rudder

Nicole has 23 years of ATPCO knowledge and experience, including 16 years of training customers in courses at Washington, Singapore, London, and other locations around the world. She has also participated in on-site consulting for airlines and developed many customized courses for individual airlines. Nicole is a subject matter expert in ATPCO Fares, Rules, Fare by Rule, Optional Services, Carrier-Imposed Fees, Branded Fares, RBDs, and Baggage. In recent months she has helped to develop online overview sessions for the Routehappy suite of tools, as well as online refresher courses on various ATPCO products.  

Welcome reception

Begin a new chapter at our welcome reception! Kick off your conference experience with networking, food, drinks, and entertainment at the Washington Hilton. 

Welcome to the whole story

Alex Zoghlin and Lauri Reishus set the stage for what's to come. Learn how ATPCO, ARC and you are contributing to the whole story.

Alex Zoghlin

A lifelong entrepreneur and innovator, Alex brings more than 25 years of knowledge and experience in technology, airline distribution, and travel to ATPCO. He founded six startups, including Orbitz and G2Switchworks, before serving as Executive Vice President, Global Head of Strategy, Innovation, and Technology at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. He brings his business acumen and experiences from the hospitality world to concepts the airline industry can use, such as addressing digital booking flows, digital display, unstructured datasets, and dynamic pricing. When not working, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and four daughters, making music, building rockets, and learning new things. 

Lauri Reishus

Lauri Reishus is passionate about connecting stakeholders throughout the travel ecosystem and sees ARC as the industry leader for data insights, flexible distribution services and innovative financial solutions. She works closely with the executive team in leading ARC’s mission to accelerate the growth of global air travel.  

Lauri has spent more than three decades in the industry because she believes in travel’s power and potential to connect the world. She began her career at American Airlines before moving to the travel agency side of the business where she led global customer success management with SatoTravel/TQ3 Navigant before joining ARC in 2005.  

Lauri hails from northern Wisconsin. She’s a graduate of George Mason University, an avid traveler and now lives (and explores the world) with her family in Northern Virginia.  

How Blue Origin is building a road to space for the benefit of Earth

Discover what the airline industry can learn from commercial space. A once-in-a-lifetime journey is closer than you think. 

Kiah Erlich

Kiah Erlich is the Head of Partnerships and Consumer Sales for Blue Origin. Working closely with innovative industries, Kiah is focused on developing unique business models and partnerships with the best brands on Earth. As the first point of contact for future astronauts, she also leads Blue Origin’s Astronaut Sales team working with future Blue Origin astronauts. Kiah grew up on the Central Coast of California watching rocket launches out of Vandenberg Air Force Base. When she was 16-years old, she started taking flying lessons and soon after became a licensed pilot. She continued flying in college where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management from Auburn University, as well as a Master of Business Administration in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  

Kiah’s career lifted off at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport where she worked as a graduate intern in airport management. Keeping her focus on the aerospace industry provided Kiah the opportunity to lead multiple $300M+ avionics and software businesses for Honeywell Aerospace, and several key acquisitions. At Honeywell, she was selected as one of the top 100 global millennial business leaders by Forbes 30 under 30 author Dan Schawbel and was featured in his Washington Post bestseller Back to Human. More recently Kiah led the global sales team for Panasonic Avionics Corporation. In 2019, Kiah joined Blue Origin as the NASA Launch Services Director, where she sold rocket launches to the Moon and beyond to NASA. Kiah is now the Head of Partnerships and Consumer Sales where she develops the company’s consumer sales strategy and key partnerships and builds relationships with future astronauts to help them achieve their dream of going to space as part of Blue Origin’s mission of millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth.  

How industry collaboration creates resolution for offers and orders

Moving to a world of true modern airline retailing through offers and orders requires a little workshopping. Industry stakeholders share how we’ll all work together to achieve it.

Christopher Allison

Christopher Allison is the Offer & Order Management Product Director at PROS. Before joining PROS in 2022, he was the Director, NDC of Hahn Air Lines GmbH, where he delivered Offer & Order Management platforms for Hahn Air, with a scope including 300+ interline partnerships and 190+ points of sale. In 2015, he worked in one of the industry’s first NDC deployments with British Airways. Christopher has held leadership positions within IATA distribution standards since 2016 including as Chair of the IATA Orders group and Vice-Chair of the Future of Interline Group and was an elected board member on IATA’s Shop Order Board & Architecture and Technology Strategy Board.

Josephine Husson

Josephine Husson is a Senior Expert at Amadeus. She represents Amadeus at ATPCO Subscriber forums and ATPCO design team on a variety of topics including Fares, Rules, Branded Fares, Ancillary Services, Rich Content, Dynamic Pricing and NDC. She also represents Amadeus at IATA Pricing Automation Group (PAG) , Tax Governance Group (TGG) and Industry Coding Working group (UCWG) events.  With 12 years experience in this field, Josephine, in her current role, is designing the pricing solutions for the current environment and also contributing to the shift towards an Offer Management System solution. 

Sébastien Nicolas

Sébastien has been working in the airline industry for over 22 years, for Spanair, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines and Lufthansa Group.   He currently works in Lufthansa Group’s Revenue Management, Pricing & Offer Solutions department, and is responsible for Future of Offer conceptual development and solutions. He’s active in integrating airlines into the LHG’s revenue management ecosystem. 

Sébastien has in-depth expertise in airline pricing and revenue management, distribution, revenue accounting, reservation, ticketing and ground operations. He’s been a long-term active participant in ATPCO and IATA working groups and sees industry standards activities as crucial to enable airline Future of Offer and Automation improvement. Sébastien enjoys driving industry change and is currently serving as Chair of IATA’s Airline Product Management Working Group. 

David Smith

David Smith, Director of ATPCO’s Distribute the Offer portfolio, has 30 years of experience working in the airline industry in the travel distribution ecosystem. With 10 years at a major European airline, and 20 years at ATPCO, he has experience in product management, finance, business process re-engineering, program management, contract management, data distribution, and standards creation and management. He also runs several council and design team communities within ATPCO’s industry-leading governance, and is a member of various related IATA communities.  

Innovation in travel: An interview with Amy Burr of JetBlue Ventures

Amy Burr, current president of JetBlue Ventures, will share her extensive learnings around distribution and revenue, startup development, and innovation in the industry, including next-generation technology and how to think about AI.

Amy Burr is the President of JetBlue Ventures (JBV), the venture capital arm of JetBlue Airways that invests in and partners with early-stage startups innovating in the travel, hospitality, and transportation industries. As President, Amy shapes the strategic venture investment direction of JetBlue and facilitates integration of successful startup programs into the airline’s overall corporate innovation initiatives. Amy has been a leader in creating, sourcing, and implementing innovative technology, products, and programs in the travel space for more than two decades.  

Setting the scene: The state of the economy

Wayne Best, chief economist for Visa, shares his outlook on the global economy. Explore how these economic threads are interwoven with the destiny of the travel industry. 

As Chief Economist for Visa Inc., Wayne Best keeps close watch on emerging opportunities in the trillion-dollar payments industry, helping to identify economic trends shaping the future. His unique presentations explain the impact of these trends to company and client executives, as well as government leaders around the globe.  

Frequently quoted in the trade and business media, Best brings economic theory and analysis to life with compelling stories and data from the largest payment provider in the industry. Because he stays close to the underlying dynamics of the business, his insights provide a clear perspective on the consumer's ability to spend, save and pay down debt. His passion for business and engineer's logic turn mathematical models and technical jargon into business intelligence that enables future oriented business decisions.  

Before joining Visa in 1990, Best worked as a consultant performing cost benefit analyses for the power industry. In addition to his MBA, Best holds a degree in nuclear engineering and has participated in the Stanford University and Kellogg School of Management executive programs.  

The next chapter: In-depth look at NDC learnings

The topic of distribution has been getting more and more complex, but we won’t make you read between the lines. You’ll go in-depth with key industry players to get real-world insights. 

Jay Boehmer

Jay Boehmer is the Editor in Chief of The Beat, where he leads editorial coverage in the areas of corporate travel distribution, travel management and technology. Since joining Business Travel News in 2002, he has covered a succession of beats, from expense reporting and corporate payment to hotels, travel management, rental cars and airlines. Before taking leadership of The Beat, he was executive editor of The BTN Group. 

Jeff Klee is a self-described computer geek who developed and sold his first video game at the age of 13. In college, he and a buddy got a crash course in the intricacies of the airline business while planning their own backpacking trip and later decided to use that know-how to help others save money on airfares. What was first known as 1-800-Cheap-Air was founded out of a University of Michigan dorm room in 1989. When the company took off, Jeff ditched his law school plans for a far more exciting journey, combining two passions – travel and software development. CheapAir.com was born, and soon after, AmTrav for Business, which together serve almost 400,000 travelers annually. 

Sara leads a cross-functional team devoted to delivering Delta’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) enabling omni-channel dynamic offers and seamless servicing, in keeping with Delta’s established and differentiated customer-centric distribution strategy. In addition to this scope of work, Sara leads the Global Sales Support servicing team.  

Starting her career with Delta in 2007, Sara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from her various roles within Revenue Management, Distribution, and Global Sales. She has worked diligently to enhance and differentiate our B2B offerings, develop industry-leading products, and ultimately provide Delta customers with a more premium travel experience.  

Sara holds an MBA from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of West Georgia. She is based in Atlanta, where she is a proud mom of three, an advocate for her community and local public schools, and an avid Yellow Jackets fan. 

Plotting the transformation of the industry

From the latest insights about dynamically created offers to where innovation is taking us, crack open the latest chapter with a session moderated by T2RL’s Richard Clarke and featuring ATPCO’s Alex Zoghlin, Air France-KLM's Maarten van der Lei, and United Airlines’ Dave Bartels.

Dave Bartels

Dave is responsible for worldwide pricing and inventory management strategy and execution, revenue management systems development, corporate revenue forecasting, and global distribution agreements. He joined the company in 1995, and has held various positions within sales, planning, alliances, and revenue management.

Dave received an undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and earned an MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA. He is married with two children and resides in the northern suburbs of Chicago. 

Richard Clarke

Richard has extensive experience in front line PSS negotiations for more than 40 airlines covering multiple business models including full service, hybrid and more recently LCC and ULCC.  Richard has more than 30 years of experience in airline technology including direct and indirect distribution.

Richard speaks regularly at conferences and has written for travel publications such as Airline Business and IATA’s Airlines International. Richard has lived in the UK, France, Spain, Thailand, and China. He has a BA in Business Finance and Accounting from Coventry Business School in the UK. 

Maarten van der Lei

Maarten van der Lei joined KLM 25 years ago and is currently heading the Air France‒KLM Pricing & Revenue Management Teams both in Paris and Amsterdam, with more than 20 billion euro of annual revenue to price and steer. Maarten has represented KLM on the ATPCO Board of Directors for seven years and is currently the Chairman.   He holds MSc degrees in both theoretical and applied mathematics. A father of six, Maarten is also passionate about traveling and exploring the world with his family. He loves to play his saxophone, read a good book, or go for a run.

Herstory: Women in Aviation +

Women are often underrepresented in aviation leadership, especially if they’re women of color or from the LGBTQ+ community. Hear from generations of female leaders on how they’ve piloted their careers and mentored others. 

San Chen (they/them) is a Senior Manager on the Brand team at United Airlines. In their role overseeing design strategy for branded environments, they define the look and feel of United spaces to reflect the customers and communities we serve. In 2022, they were featured in the Empower Future Leaders Role Model List for their work in creating inclusive, accessible, and sustainable spaces both in aircrafts and on the ground. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, San has been a Chicago resident since completing a BS and MS at Northwestern University in Engineering Design Innovation in 2018.

Lorraine A. Evans

As the Global People and Culture Executive at ATPCO, Lorraine strategically aligns the People & Culture function with the overarching goals and vision of ATPCO, a leader in airline pricing and retailing solutions. She has a distinguished career of over 25 years in people leadership across diverse sectors and a solid track record of driving organizations toward success through innovative HR strategies.  

Her experience is characterized by her ability to lead cultural transformations, provide leadership development insights, and formulate policies that contribute to positive organizational climates. Lorraine holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and certifications in Change Management and NBI. Her dedication is evident in her passion for making a significant, positive impact on the organizations and individuals she collaborates with. 

Amanda Simpson

Amanda R. Simpson is a senior-level operations executive with extensive experience leading programs in the areas of advanced technology, aerospace and defense, aviation, test and evaluation, energy, and national security. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated ability to undertake and tackle challenging assignments and deliver success with innovative and disruptive technology and processes.

Jenny Walsh

Jenny specializes in Aviation Executive Search and works with some of the best transport and travel professionals in the world. After leading Venari Partners’ Research function for several years, Jenny is currently Head of Client Relations and advises clients and candidates on the global aviation talent market. She ensures Venari Partners delivers an exceptional product and experience to their customers.

Data meets AI: Key characters in the airline industry

The newest main characters in data science have continued to evolve. With help from next-generation artificial intelligence, machine learning is more advanced than ever. But without the right data, AI won’t be able to deliver the value we expect. Join us as we investigate the ideal foundation to support the unexpected possibilities along your journey to modern airline retailing.

David Harvey

Dave Harvey has been with Southwest Airlines for 25 years in various Leadership roles across Technology, Corporate Strategy, Commercial Planning, Network Planning, Business Development, Corporate Sales, and most recently, Vice President & Chief Sales Officer at Southwest. His Teams are responsible for all aspects of business-to-business selling and service for accounts including global, national, federal/state, higher education, mid-market, small business, and meetings/events travel. Additionally, Dave manages all distribution relationships (global distribution systems, travel management companies, online booking tools, and technology intermediaries) across sales channels. Business Travel News (BTN) has named Dave among the 25 Most Influential People in Business Travel four times (2019, 2020, 2021, 2023). Dave strives each day to learn and serve others. He lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife of 24 years, Juleeta. They have five sons that keep Dave active outside Southwest. 

Daphne Nothwehr

Since joining ATPCO in 2012 and before that in her 10-year career with Northwest/Delta Air Lines, Daphne has many years of experience in the airline industry in various roles across sales, revenue management, product, and corporate strategy. A strategic thinker, she enjoys analyzing trends and business processes to identify opportunities to drive industry value, a great fit for her current role in exploring what new and improved data is required to move the industry forward on its journey toward dynamic offers.  

Rick Seaney

Rick Seaney is the Vice President of Innovation at ATPCO/3Victors, following the successful acquisition of 3Victors, Inc. by ATPCO in late 2023. Rick was the co-founder and CEO of 3Victors, a groundbreaking big-data travel analytics startup that secured venture funding in early 2020.As the VP of Innovation at ATPCO/3Victors, Rick drives the company's innovation efforts, shapes its vision, and oversees its execution and development. He is dedicated to catalyzing the transformation of the travel ecosystem, advocating for real-time data-driven decision-making as the travel industry's future.

Uri Yerushalmi

PhD in Computational Neuroscience. Three decades of experience in software development and AI. Chief AI algo trader, neuroscientist, AI researcher, manager, and programmer. Experienced in business, management, and entrepreneurship. Former CEO and Head of AI for a major algo trading firm.

A conversation with American Airlines’ Vasu Raja

American Airlines has been on a journey beyond just the troposphere–their story involves people, technology, and a few unexpected twists. Hear from Chief Commercial Officer Vasu Raja about the strategies that have enabled American to rewrite the script of aviation. 

Vasu Raja is American’s Chief Commercial Officer. He oversees the airline’s Customer organization, global network and has oversight of the airline’s alliances and partnerships, revenue management, and American’s AAdvantage program.

Previously he served as Chief Revenue Officer and Senior Vice President of Network Strategy, where he was responsible for Network and Alliances. Vasu joined American in 2004 and has held a variety of roles in Sales, Planning and Revenue Management.

He began his career with Teach for America in 1999 and taught for three years in Baltimore City Public Schools. In 2013, he was named one of the Top 50 Executives under 50 by Diversity MBA Magazine.

Vasu earned a bachelor’s degree in humanities from the University of Texas at Austin, where he serves on the Advisory Council for the College of Liberal Arts. 

Revenue management saga: Hotels, casinos, and airlines learning from each other

Hotels and casinos tell some pretty great stories when they create offers for consumers. What lessons can airlines use to start moving from rule-based to science-based offer creation? What can this ensemble cast discover from each other to create holistic offers? Find out what we can teach each other about applying science across three similar yet different disciplines.

Tom Botts is a senior executive, investor and advisor in the travel industry.  He brings extensive expertise in e-commerce, revenue management and technology across the airline, hotel and online intermediary industries. He is currently the Chief Commercial Officer at Uplift, the leading Buy Now, Pay Later solution for the travel industry. Uplift was acquired by Upgrade, a multi-billion dollar fintech focused on consumer lending in July 2023. Serving the world's top enterprise level travel brands, Uplift's complete range of flexible payment options drive higher conversion and loyalty for partners, while giving customers a simple, surprise-free way to pay over time with no late fees or prepayment penalties.

Tom joined UpLift from Miraval Group, a rapidly expanding wellness brand, where he served as SVP and CMO. Private equity firm KSL Capital Partners recruited Tom to Miraval where he was a key member of the leadership team which successfully sold the brand and resorts to Hyatt Hotels in early 2017. Prior to joining Miraval, Tom served as Denihan Hospitality’s Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer.  

Earlier, Tom was a co-founder and managing partner of New York City-based Hudson Crossing, LLC, a leading business and technology advisory firm serving the travel, financial services and related industries.  

Tom served as Vice President – Global Travel Industry Sales and Strategy for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. where he led a sales and marketing team responsible for $2 billion in revenue generation across multiple distribution channels. Tom later led product and supplier relations for Hotwire, which was successfully sold to Expedia Group.  

Tom began his career with Delta Air Lines and held roles of increasing responsibility in customer service, technology, revenue management and e-commerce. 

Tom sits on the board of directors or advisory boards of several companies, including Duetto Research, Hudson Crossing, Rocketmiles (acquired by Booking Holdings) and Vacatia.com. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Logistics and Marketing from the University of Missouri. 

Gregory Cross

Gregory Cross is the founder and creator of Hilton Hotels Corporation’s revenue management discipline. A hospitality veteran of thirty-eight years, he was also the first senior vice president of revenue management for Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Live Nation Entertainment. In 2015, Cross was the inaugural recipient of the Vanguard Award for Lifetime Achievement in Revenue Management from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International for his significant contributions to the field of pricing and revenue optimization in the hospitality industry. He retired in 2018 and lives with his wife, Jill, in La Quinta, California. 

Brent Overbeek

Brent Overbeek was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer for Hawaiian Airlines in July 2023. He oversees the company’s revenue management and analytics, network and schedule planning, cargo division, distribution, U.S. and international sales and airline partnerships. Overbeek has also served as an ATPCO Board Member for the past nine years. 

Overbeek joined Hawaiian Airlines in July 2014 as Vice President – Revenue Management and Network Planning. He was named Senior Vice President - Revenue Management and Network Planning in 2018, and became Senior Vice President – Chief Revenue Officer in March 2022. 

Previously, Overbeek served as Vice President - Revenue Management for Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. He also worked for American Airlines, where he gained 19 years of progressive analytical and revenue management experience in several positions including Managing Director - Domestic and Regional Revenue Management as well as Managing Director - Domestic Pricing and Regional Revenue Management. 

Overbeek holds a Bachelor's in Economics from the University of California, San Diego. 

Jennifer Weissman

In her role as Senior VP, Chief Marketing Officer, Jennifer is responsible for creating, establishing and implementing key marketing strategies, and evaluating and monitoring all marketing activities.

Before joining PENN, Jennifer gained over 17 years of casino marketing experience with Caesars Entertainment. She also served as Regional Vice President for Caesars, overseeing the strategic marketing efforts for nine geographically and competitively diverse casinos and hotels. Jennifer also has extensive property-level experience, serving as the head of marketing at casinos in several markets.

Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland-College Park and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. 

Many heroes, different journeys: Approaches to selling flights

Online travel agencies, corporate agencies, and metasearch… they all play key roles in the travel environment. Embark on a new narrative as leaders from these diverse realms share how their journeys intersect, revealing the strategies that fuel their successes and opportunities. 

Kiera Haining

Kiera Haining is the SVP of Travel at Hopper, a global travel platform that powers Hopper’s mobile app and HTS partners’ direct channels. As the SVP of Travel, she currently oversees all aspects of Hopper’s air and transportation business units. Kiera joined Hopper in 2018 to head up our data analytics team, later going on to lead Hopper’s air business unit at Hopper’s Head of Flights before stepping into her current role. 

Michael Harbin

Michael is a proven architect, designer, and leader with a 35-year track record of innovating for global airlines, hoteliers, vacation rental providers, global distribution systems, and travel management companies. His expertise spans eight startups, including WebVentures, Orbitz, G2 Switchworks, OptionsAway, and now as President and CEO of Traverse Technologies.     He is known for his ability to collaborate across business and technology models and adapt legacy methodologies to current and emerging technologies (web3/5, ML/AI, blockchain, self-sovereign data, and spatial/XR computing) to optimize value. Michael is passionate about empowering and serving others and continuously innovating for customers-partners while never standing still or allowing complacency or perfection to get in the way of progress. Outside of work, Michael enjoys time with his family, running and biking, and taking his dog to the beach. 

Manish Nagpal

Manish Nagpal is a prominent industry contributor and influencer, recognized as a leading voice in NDC and airline retailing.  

In his previous role at Accelya/Farelogix, he helped build the core NDC product, encompassing offer and order management. In his current role at Spotnana, Manish leads the engineering team, driving the development of a best-in-class flight booking experience and establishing deep direct integrations, including NDCs, with some of the world's top airlines. His focus is on solving long-standing industry challenges and revolutionizing the travel landscape through Spotnana's Travel as a Service platform.  

Throughout his career, Manish has excelled in various capacities, including overseeing technology, sales engineering, and product portfolios. His unwavering passion for bringing innovation to airline distribution remains at the forefront of his endeavors. 

Mitra Sorrells

Mitra Sorrells joined PhocusWire as a Senior Reporter in January 2018 and became Editor in Chief in May 2022. She has more than two decades of experience as a journalist for a variety of digital, print, and broadcast outlets and a B.A. in Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mitra is based in Orlando and enjoys rowing, cooking, and playing with her dog. 

Last chapter: Closing session

From a main stage recap to networking reception information, join us for a quick closing session.

Chuck Crowder

Chuck Crowder was appointed as VP and Head of Global Customer Engagement, at ARC in August 2023. In his role, he leads a division tasked with engaging airlines, agencies, government and third parties in developing strategic plans where ARC is a trusted advisor to grow revenue via data, distribution, and financial services portfolio. He has over 35 years of sales, airport operations, distribution, and account management in a variety of senior management roles across travel management and mobility companies and the airline industry, where he spent 23 years with Continental and United.    

Chuck received his bachelor’s degree in marketing and a minor in Economics from Northern Illinois University. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and now resides in Washington, DC. 

Chris Phillips

Chris joined ATPCO in 2019. Leveraging more than 30 years of commercial airline and consulting experience, he assists ATPCO’s partners in achieving their financial objectives by optimizing their use of the ATPCO solution suite. His background in supporting effective commercial strategies along with his passion to de-commoditize the airline shopping experience complement the airline pricing and retail models enabled by ATPCO. Before joining ATPCO, Chris held leadership positions at Delta Air Lines and Four Corners Consulting Group.

Networking reception

Join us at our networking reception off site at La Vie at the Southwest Waterfront in Washington, DC’s, Wharf District. Trade your laptop and notepads for the elegant flavors of the Mediterranean while you enjoy stunning waterfront views with like-minded peers and professionals. 

Ground transportation will be provided to and from the Washington Hilton (Terrace level) and the networking reception held at La Vie. The first bus pickup at the Washington Hilton begins at 5:30 p.m., with the last bus leaving at 7 p.m. from the Washington Hilton.   Buses will arrive at the Southwest Waterfront in the Wharf District, where attendees will be dropped off at the corner of Maine Avenue and 9th Street, just a few steps away from La Vie.   The first bus return from La Vie to the Washington Hilton will be at 8:30 p.m., with the final bus leaving at 9:30 p.m. from La Vie. Bus pick-up to return to the Washington Hilton is at the same location as drop off (the corner of Maine Avenue and 9th Street).   Make sure you don’t leave any belongings on the buses. We can’t wait to see you there.

Capitalizing on NDC through personalization

NDC is here. Now what? How can airlines maximize revenue through this channel? One important way will be through personalization – targeting customers with customized and relevant offers that appeal to their individual needs. During this session, we’ll discuss what personalized offers could look like, and how airlines can bring these to life. 

Kunal is the leader of ZS B2B GTM and Travel & Hospitality practice areas, where he supports clients across industries in commercial strategy and transformation engagements.

With Kunal’s over 20 years of consulting and industry experience, he has engaged with travel and hospitality clients in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific across a variety of commercial topics. While at ZS, Kunal has helped travel companies enhance their sales, revenue management, B2B marketing offerings and organizations, optimize and deploy their segment and channel strategy, and drive commercial effectiveness, which has resulted in significant and tangible margin improvement for them. Kunal is also closely engaged with the broader travel industry and is a contributor to Forbes’ Aviation section. 

Steve Solomon

Steve Solomon leads many of ARC’s commercial functions, including Global Data and Analytics Products, Data Partnerships, Sales, Customer Success, Marketing and Operations. He spearheads the development and execution of strategies that create value for the global travel community, improve the customer experience, grow ARC's data portfolio, and drive commercial excellence. 

Before joining ARC, Steve held senior roles at Kastle Systems, Fannie Mae and MicroStrategy, with diverse experience across strategy, sales, marketing and customer engagement. He began his career with Citigroup’s Global Institutional Bank and spent several years as a managing consultant with Willis Towers Watson. 

Steve earned a bachelor’s degree with a dual major in Business and Political Science from the University of Maryland, College Park, and an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business. He holds a Six Sigma Black Belt. 

ATPCO reports: State of dynamic offers

As the industry transforms to a world of offers being dynamically created, explore the success we are observing as the transition unfolds. ATPCO shares solutions that are in progress to help each organization along their dynamic offer journey and prepare for the future.

Tom Gregorson

For over 25 years, Tom has been working to develop products that enhance the travel industry. Throughout his career, he has gained insight and provided leadership through his various roles at airlines and global distribution systems, and with ATPCO since 1996. In his current role, Tom leads the Strategy organization and is responsible for creating the long-term vision for ATPCO and exploring new business ventures. His focus is on industry standards and effective ecosystem governance, as well as driving forward concepts like dynamic pricing and tax automation. Tom has built a reputation for being a thought leader and implementer of industry solutions in the distribution space.  

Modernize distribution & data breakout sessions

Hear from experts on the issues and opportunities within air travel distribution, data, and financial solutions. 

9:45 - 10:30

Start your day with industry experts for a candid discussion on fraud in our industry. Gain practical insights and strategies to mitigate these growing trends. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to protect your business and customers.

Cornelius Hattingh

Cornelius leads a cross-functional team devoted to ensuring due diligence of ARC participants, compliance to ARC products and overall integrity to our settlement and ARC Pay products. He has worked for multi-national companies and trade organizations across the globe, with experience in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the U.S.

Rich Licato

Rich Licato has more than 30 years of experience spanning IT security risk and compliance, operational and enterprise risk management and systems development. His responsibilities as ARC’s Enterprise Risk and Chief Information Security executive include Information Security, Physical Security, Enterprise Risk Management, Business Continuity, Network Operations, End User Support, Corporate Systems and Identity and Access Management.  

Prior to ARC, Rich held numerous Director positions at Fannie Mae overseeing Operations Risk Management, Information Systems Management, Enterprise Architecture, Information Security, and Systems Development. He also previously held positions at American Management Systems, Inc. Rich holds a Bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary and a Master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business. 

Doug analyzes airline ticket data from US-based travel agencies to uncover various fraud schemes targeting the US travel industry. Doug focuses on tracking and disrupting the activity of various fraud rings and serial fraudsters from around the world that target US travel agents. He has worked for the past 29 years as an analyst, trainer, and manager in the Fraud Prevention department at ARC.  

Phil Rendell

Phil has spent his entire career within the airline industry and for the past 11 years has been responsible for all Travelport’s payment products, including looking after their ARC and BSP settlement processes. He also manages fraud processes and represents Travelport at several industry forums. Before Travelport, Phil worked for a major European airline in revenue accounting, a BSP data processing centre, and IATA. In his spare time, he enjoys horse racing, cooking and travelling to warmer climes.

11:10 - 11:55

ARC's NDC Advancement Working Group is working with TMCs and helping build a bridge to NDC integration. Join us for a collaborative session designed to empower TMCs in embracing NDC and driving industry-wide advancement.

Paige Blunt

Paige Blunt is a veteran of the travel industry. After over 20 years at American Airlines, Paige joined the ARC team. Throughout her 8+ year career at ARC, she has worn many hats. Paige started as an industry relationship manager and has transitioned to a Sr. Manager for Direct Connect and ONE Order. Her focus is now on working with airlines to support their modern retailing strategies with an emphasis on minimal friction for agency partners while transitioning to new delivery methods. Paige also leads the NDC Advancement Working Group, which focuses on normalizing some non-competitive business processes within the NDC environment to increase NDC adoption.

In her free time, Paige enjoys a good game of pickleball and traveling to cool new places. 

Jason Kaufman

Jason is a longtime agency professional, having led revenue generation and preferred supplier initiatives at local, regional, and national agencies and TMC's since the 1990's. His efforts have focused on customer value creation for complex international accounts, automating commission processes, and market-share shifts. He is currently leading DT's NDC initiatives. Jason sits on industry leadership committees with ARC, a GDS, and multiple major US airlines.

Mark Kosikowski

Mark Kosikowski is currently the Senior Manager for distribution channel partners at Air Canada. He has held various positions in product and project management in industries ranging from airlines to software development and banking. He currently has the responsibility of representing Air Canada to travel agencies, corporate clients and technology vendors. He provides solutions to Air Canada’s partners and customers and is tasked with bringing to life and deliver the global enterprise distribution strategy, creating a memorable, seamless, friction-free experience for Air Canada’s customers in the indirect channel.

Erika Moore

Erika is the President of World Travel Incorporated, a travel management company specializing in small and medium corporate travel, as well as specialized VIP leisure trips. Her role is to lead the company’s journey of governance transformation and digitization for the next era of travel management.   

With more than 20 years of experience in the travel and technology industries, Erika has been described as visionary and innovative. She has successfully led commercial teams through transformation and crisis management while driving revenue growth and global expansion. 

12:10 - 12:55

Want to understand the power of ARC’s data so your organization is generating actionable insights? This session is for you. We’ll cover an overview of ARC’s data, the key principles guiding our data platform, and some powerful use cases for ARC’s global ticketing data (Direct Data Solutions) and ARC Corporate Intelligence support. We’ll also touch on macro- and micro-trends to keep an eye on in the months to come. 

Joel Antolini

Joel has more than 30 years of aviation, software development and data experience, including at US Airways, Seabury Consulting, Diio and Cirium. Joel ensures that ARC strategically maximizes the company’s technology, data, and insights to support the industry.

Chris Mellin

Chris heads product management for Airline Data Products at ARC. He has been with ARC for nearly a decade, serving in multiple product and technology roles. Prior to ARC, Chris led multiple large-scale data warehousing and data product initiatives within the telecom industry. He is passionate about data and how it can help customers drive informed decision-making along with helping improve efficiency in the travel ecosystem. Chris has a degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master’s in Information Systems from George Washington University. 

2:10 - 2:55

How can the industry better align with what travelers want? Traverse Technologies and their partners guide you through ways toward better content and the seamless transition of going direct.

Chuck Fischer

Chuck Fischer leads a team focused on the continuous growth and evolution of ARC’s settlement, payments, and airline retailing solutions portfolio. He also sits on the board of directors at Traverse Technologies. 

Chuck has been at ARC for more than 30 years, starting his career as an area bank representative in Louisville, Kentucky. Prior to ARC, Chuck was a contract specialist with the U.S. Department of the Navy. 

Chuck earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Virginia Tech.

Sarah Hayden

Sarah manages the global travel program. She oversees supplier sourcing, data management, technology integrations and is constantly seeking ways to disrupt the corporate travel industry while keeping in focus cost-effectiveness and efficiency. She and her team are proud to have built a best-in-class travel program with near 100% adoption.    

Prior to joining ZS, Sarah spent time in the hospitality industry as well as visa services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in French and International Studies from Indiana University. 

Sean Rumage

Sean Rumage is the Strategic Sales Initiatives Manager at Alaska Airlines, where he owns the airline’s SMB corporate products. Prior to joining Alaska’s Sales division, Sean worked in a variety of roles across Network Planning, Scheduling, and Crew Strategy at Alaska, United and Southwest, all thanks to a fateful walking tour in Brussels that led him to pursue a career in aviation.

Steven Van Overmeiren

Steven leads the Global Travel Program and Team at Baker McKenzie, a leading global law firm. His team is currently focused on building Baker McKenzie's first-ever global travel program “from scratch” and doing so in an innovative, agile, and future-proof way. Steven has a passion for challenging the status quo, delivering service excellence, and leveraging technology to focus on the user experience. Prior to joining Baker McKenzie, Steven has experience in various global roles on both the supplier and buyer side of business travel.  

3:10 - 3:55

Join us as we delve into the future of corporate travel. Gain insights into forward-thinking strategies shaping the industry and discover what trends the key players are embracing to redefine the way that businesses will move.

Jay Campbell

Jay Campbell is a journalist with The Company Dime, based in Brooklyn, N.Y., which he co-founded in 2014. Jay has written for and edited travel trade publications for 30 years. He started with the Air Travel Journal in Boston while earning a degree in journalism at Boston University. He held various positions of increasing responsibility in three different engagements with Business Travel News, serving as editorial director until 2013. Jay in 2004 created travel business newsletter The Beat. In 2006, he co-founded Travel Procurement magazine. 

Steven Mandelbaum

Steven is renowned for his innovative strategies that tackle complex challenges with cost-effective solutions. At EAB he oversees a wide range of internal operations, such as technology, real estate, travel, events, employee experience, and strategic vendor partnerships. His leadership has been pivotal in developing and implementing major internal processes and systems across the company including enhancements in customer relationship management, finance, human resources, marketing, travel, real estate management, events, and product offerings. Thanks to his efforts, EAB partners and employees enjoy a markedly improved experience, contributing to the firm's significant growth and operational efficiency, leading to the conservation of tens of millions of dollars annually. Steven's innovative contributions in cloud computing and travel management have earned him recognition within the industry and he is a past recipient of the Business Travel News Travel Manager of the Year award. 

Karoline Mayr

Karoline’s expertise is in global travel, expense, payments, and strategy for managed corporate travel programs. Her background includes developing strategies and implementing new programs in the technology vertical at Deltek, Workday, Uber and NVIDIA. Her efforts have earned multiple industry awards including Business Travel News Travel Manager of the Year, GBTA Business Travel Services Award and the Association of Corporate Travel Executive President’s Award for Advancing the Travel Industry. Mrs. Mayr is a certified Global Travel Professional and earned her Global Leadership Professional Designation from the Wharton School of Business.   

Lisa Pierce

Lisa is an influential airline industry leader with a passion and proven track record inspiring and developing high performing teams. She is energetic with an extensive background in sales, operations, negotiations, purchasing, planning and project management. Based in Toronto, she is responsible for defining and implementing strategies and tactics to expand Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations market share and revenue performance globally. 

Create/Distribute the offer breakout sessions

As you explore data-driven decision making and maximizing your offers, you’ll meet new characters who are transforming our industry at these breakouts featuring airline pricing and distribution.

Using artificial intelligence and machine learning, 3Victors combines current and historical data to deliver you real-time insights into traveler search demand, booking and ticketing, and airline pricing and capacity. Learn how 3Victors is leading the industry through its evolution of real-time, data-driven decision making.

Stan Barnes

Stan’s primary focus is to educate airlines and associated travel companies about 3Victors data and analytic solutions. Stan has been in the travel industry for 10+ years, supporting revenue management and pricing operations across airline, hospitality, and rental car companies. Before entering the travel industry, Stan was a publisher of multiple magazines and produced dozens of conferences in the software development industry.  

George Jebran

George is an expert in airlines and advanced analytics, with over a decade of hands-on experience in airline pricing, revenue management, shopping, and competitive data products. He leads the data science initiatives and is a driving force in the evolution of product development at 3Victors. 

Will Linderman

Will is a travel industry enthusiast and airline pricing expert with over 15 years of airline industry experience. His expertise includes revenue management, airline pricing, and competitive business intelligence. He currently leads airline content acquisition initiatives for 3Victors.

A complete solution that reimagines traditional fare filing, Architect is ATPCO’s premier pricing tool that is built to solve current business needs and to evolve to meet the pricing needs of the future. Experience the ease of managing strategic pricing rules, streamlining workflows, and automating routine tasks to see how Architect can simplify your pricing process today, enabling you to confidently embrace the future of pricing. (for airlines only)

Davide Baretta

Davide is the head of pricing for ITA Airways leading the company’s commercial offer exploiting the most innovative and recent industry developments. He has an extensive experience across different parts of revenue management, including yield management and managing relationship with Joint business. During his career Davide has worked in international environments in Barcelona, London and Rome, he is passionate about pricing and has therefore led several projects related to the future of pricing and the developments of new pricing tools and processes. 

Davide holds a Master degree in International Management from ESADE Business School in Barcelona and a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Bocconi University in Milan. In his personal life, he loves travelling, cooking and he is a dad of Oliver, an adorable chocolate Labrador. 

Andrea da Silva

Andrea has over two decades of dynamic leadership across the hospitality and airline industries and she has excelled in revenue and pricing management roles. From pioneering revenue strategies as a Director of Revenue Management in hotels to optimizing pricing models as a Pricing Manager in airlines, her journey has been marked by innovation and growth as she has consistently demonstrated a knack for innovation and strategic thinking.  

Andrea’s experience has involved successfully launching departments and integrating optimization and forecasting tools into existing frameworks. She has had the opportunity to manage mid-sized teams, fostering a collaborative environment focused on achieving shared goals and driving results- she is driven by a dedication to innovation, strategic initiatives and leveraging her expertise.  

Embark on your dynamic journey or enhance your existing one with solutions available for immediate implementation. Take advantage of options today that optimize your current offerings. The beauty lies in the flexibility—there is no one-size-fits-all answer or prescribed path. Tailor these strategies to align with your current goals and position yourself for even greater success as adjusted and continuous pricing fully unfold.

Melanie Dezelak

Melanie is a Principal at ATPCO with over 25 years of experience in airline pricing standards. She played a key role in the development of ATPCO’s data collection and distribution standards for airline fares and related data and has led multiple industry working groups, including recent efforts on dynamic offers.  

2:10 - 2:55 & 3:10 - 3:55

Explore the concepts of adjusted and continuous offers as you discover the practical steps the industry is taking to navigate this evolving landscape. Gain insights into the industry's vision for continuous offers and the ongoing research efforts shaping the future. Delve into the essential components that must align and hear about tangible pathways to embark on your own journey toward continuous offers. 

Rich Kassner

Rich works in an area that collaborates across all divisions and product teams to provide the shared services of product strategy, design, and operations. As the industry moves toward dynamic offer creation, his team will ensure that the tools for offer creation and presentation have a clear vision and roadmap and are created with user-centric design. 

Present the offer breakout sessions

Discover new insights on how to build the right setting for today’s flight shoppers. In these breakouts you’ll uncover the latest on offer transparency, the industry’s best-kept merchandising tactics, and more. 

Do you know the difference between Routehappy UPAs and UTAs? Want to learn how to deliver the shopping experience consumers expect? Whether it’s Branded Fares, premium cabin experiences, or ancillary services, Routehappy is the key to enhancing airline offers and delivering a best-in-class visual shopping experience. Learn how joining the Routehappy community can power your modern merchandising, one happy traveler at a time.

Mandira Roy-Bambardekar

With over 20 years in cutting-edge software engineering and product management (including 12 years at ATPCO), Mandira brings a rich and unique perspective of cross-functional collaboration to drive business innovation and improve flight shopping for millions of consumers. Currently she leads the commercial and strategic initiatives for sales channels (EMEA) and drives adoption of Routehappy, helping them become world-class retailers. In the past, she has successfully spearheaded Optional Services, Branded Fares, and NDC initiatives and has proactively identified airline needs to move the industry forward on its retailing journey. 

From strategy to execution, hear from Routehappy subscribers on how they use visual content from point of sale to intuitive seat map cabins, differentiating themselves while improving conversion, upsell, and customer satisfaction. 

Alkistis Mavroeidi

Alkistis oversees KAYAK's metasearch product. Through the use of UX research, design thinking and UX practice methodologies, Alkistis works alongside KAYAK’s team of product managers, product designers, and engineers to help build and deliver products that make it easier for people to experience the world. Prior to her time at KAYAK, Alkistis worked at the tech startup Building Conversation and focused on leveraging VR and AR technologies to inform product design decisions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Greece’s NTUA polytechnic school and a Master in Design Studies (MDes) from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. 

Andy Palacios

Andy Palacios is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry. Andy is a dedicated husband and father of three wonderful kids based in sunny Florida. Andy has held various key roles in corporate hotel sales and account management throughout his career with reputable companies such as Marriott, Crowne Plaza, Travel and Transport, and Travel Leaders.

Driven by his passion for innovation and technology, Andy transitioned to the travel tech sector. He joined Yapta, where he played a pivotal role in revolutionizing air and hotel price assurance for large corporate customers. Andy has served as the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Growth at App in the Air, a leading travel tech company, for the past four years. In this capacity, Andy has been instrumental in spearheading the development of a cutting-edge, all-in-one corporate travel ecosystem tailored for the unmanaged traveler.

Ellen Runyon

Ellen Runyon is a leader in travel product management with a long-standing passion for evolving the travel industry. Her expertise lies in airline retailing, NDC, and the changing landscape of customer expectations and technology, relying on actionable strategies to move and transform the industry.   

Ellen is currently SAP Concur’s Director of Air and Rail product and is focused on leveraging airline retail strategies to deliver an exceptional customer experience for corporate travelers.

Michael Schlesinger

Mike leads the Sales Strategy, Distribution Services, and Learning Solutions teams. These teams are focused on commercial planning and reporting, data delivery to customers, and internal and external product training. Having joined ATPCO in 2018, Mike previously led global sales for ATPCO’s Routehappy product line following its acquisition.

ATPCO’s 2024 consumer flight shopping survey results are in! Take an in depth look at what consumers expect from their flight booking tools and learn how to deliver the experience they want.

Jason Rabinowitz

Jason joined ATPCO from the acquisition of Routehappy in 2018 and now leads the Content Creation team, focusing on the market success and future enhancements to UPAs (Universal Product Attributes) and Amenities products. Before joining Routehappy in 2013, he spent several years writing about the airline industry from a passenger experience point of view, focusing on in-flight entertainment and connectivity systems. Jason graduated from Western Michigan Law School, where he received his Doctorate in Law. 

Alex works with airline clients to create accurate, relevant, and inspiring merchandising content that captures the uniqueness of each airline’s brand. He focuses on delivering quality digital messaging and visuals that enhance the flight shopping experience by providing customers with highly targeted information about the exact product that they’re buying. Alex is an experienced writer and aviation enthusiast. Born and raised in New Jersey, he has traveled to various countries around the world, speaks French, and now calls London home.  

Modern Airline Retailing Attributes such as Carry-on Allowance, Advance Seat Selection, and Refundability have long been a part of the foundation of a successful merchandising strategy. As we move toward a world of dynamic offers and the separation of product from price, these and the many other standards ATPCO has created are enabling the innovation necessary to deliver modern airline retailing at scale.

Zachary Wynne

Zachary has 15 years’ experience leading commercial transformation projects at airlines around the world. In his current role, Zachary facilitates dialog with ATPCO’s airline and technology partners, helping to make modern airline retailing a reality. His special focus areas include deployment of airline rich content, pricing and revenue management automation, and distribution modernization. Before this role, Zachary filled several roles at ATPCO in account management, consulting services, analytics, and marketing. As an American based in Europe, Zachary is an avid traveler who enjoys discovering new destinations with his family. In addition to his native English, Zachary also speaks fluent German and conversational Russian, Spanish, and Hungarian.  

Merchandising and personalization of offers is about providing the right offer at the right time to the right traveler. How does the customer understand the value of the offer?  Find out how using Routehappy attributes and visuals will drive the transparency that consumers demand and effectively communicate your offer content.

Mrigya Agarwal

Mrigya is a professional in the travel technology space, currently serving as the Head of NDC Integrations at Spotnana. With a passion for innovation and a track record of success, she has played a pivotal role in advancing Spotnana's capabilities in the ever-evolving travel industry.  In her role, she leads the NDC team, where her focus is on revolutionizing the way Spotnana connects with airline partners. She successfully implemented Spotnana's first NDC connection, a milestone that has enhanced Spotnana platform's efficiency and connectivity, opening doors for multiple airlines. Her experience extends beyond mere integrations – she is passionate about translating complex technology into seamless and valuable solutions for their clients and partners. 

Hugh Aitken

Hugh has been at Skyscanner for ten years and is responsible for forging strategic relationships with partners as well as engagement with the wider aviation industry. During his time at Skyscanner, Hugh has led several key business areas and global initiatives including the B2B business and forging relationships with the likes of Microsoft, Yahoo! and Secret Escapes. He was also deeply involved in shaping the commercial and partnership strategy emerging from the pandemic.     Prior to joining Skyscanner, Hugh spent four years at the European low-cost airline, easyJet, where he looked after the commercial performance and market strategy for the airline across London, Scotland the Northeast of England, as well as the Middle East and Iceland. Hugh spent 13 years at UK airport operator, BAA, where he held several senior commercial roles. Hugh has a passion for travel, a unique insight into the entire travel ecosystem, and a deep understanding for how technology can help further enable the industry to better serve the traveler. 

Derric Hawkins

Derric Hawkins brings close to two decades of experience in the aviation industry, all with Delta Air Lines. Being in various roles throughout his carrier, from frontline Baggage/Reservations customer service to Revenue Management pricing distribution/implementation, has afforded him a deep understanding of the end-to-end customer booking experience and of fare rule filing structures.  During his time with Delta, Derric has helped to launch Delta’s Comfort Plus and Refundable branded fare products, implemented Delta’s Branded Fares and Routehappy merchandising strategy for third-party channels, and partnered with ATPCO to implement the Modern Airline Retailing Attributes. Throughout each phase of his career and project implementation, he has taken his frontline experience into consideration, having customers in mind and how the decisions made could positively or negatively impact the customer. Derric is currently the Manager of Distribution Technology and is working on the Sales and Distribution Innovation team to transform how Delta sells and services products across all channels.

Justin Jovignot

Justin Jovignot is the current Director of Commercial Strategy and Distribution for TAP Air Portugal, managing leisure and corporate segment, distribution, and commercial strategy. Justin is an aeronautical engineer and holds more than 13 years of experience in the aviation business. During his career he worked in France, UK, and Portugal and had several management roles within commercial. Outside his professional life, Justin has been an international swimmer and continues to swim for leisure.

Lisa has 15+ years of experience spanning technology and design projects. She joined ATPCO in 2018 as the Director of Sales Channel Retailing, focused on integrating Routehappy content into booking flows to enhance the flight shopping experience. Previously, she managed and led complex software as a service (SaaS) integrations for the Asian market for a travel tech startup. Lisa is a travel enthusiast and has visited 50 countries so far. 

Adapt for tomorrow breakout sessions

From sustainability to interoperability, explore the hottest page-turners in our industry during these breakouts.

With the shift to modern retailing through airline-controlled offers and orders, what steps are needed to succeed? Your industry partners ARC and ATPCO discuss how to execute your transitional distribution strategy through each step, from getting your custom NDC offers in the market to monitoring performance to ensuring partner settlement and reporting are achieved.

Paul Butcher

Paul is an industry veteran with 30 years of experience, 25 of which have been at Expedia. He has played  pivot roles in shaping Expedia’s air retailing experiences and building the back-end systems that connect to Expedia’s airline (NDC), GDS and industry partners for all shopping, booking, servicing and settlement systems.

Paul’s journey with NDC began in January of 2017 when he joined his first advisory forum in Singapore.   Since that time, he has led Expedia’s path for NDC where he has attended almost every advisory board meeting, actively participated in many implementation forums, offer and order working groups, hackathons and was part IATA’s think tank for three years and Vice Chair of the SOSBAF this past year.  

Keith Wallis

Keith Wallis has 25+ years of experience in the airline industry. He has held various positions in Operations, Product Management, Distribution, Payments and Digital Technology.  

Keith is responsible for all customer journeys across the airline’s digital ecosystem, as well as the distribution of the airline’s content across NDC-direct channels and non-direct channels. With ownership of both the customer digital product and the distribution/payment strategy, Keith is defining and executing how the airline markets, distributes, and sells its core air products, along with how it engages with its customers across all journey touchpoints.    

Keith is a current member of the Board of Directors of UATP. He is also a member of and the current Chair of IATA’s Distribution Advisory Council.

Shelly Younger

Shelly's 25-year career started at American Airlines, then moved to ARC in 2005. She leads the team that collaborates with industry partners on omnichannel solutions, including Direct Connect with NDC, manages ARC’s core settlement product and fosters GDS and aggregator relationships.

How can the airline industry harness standardization across offers and orders to improve visibility and understanding of flight emissions, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and carbon offsets? We'll discuss how we can best communicate aviation sustainability to flight shoppers. 

Sarah spearheads the development of new products and services with a focus on the distribution and financial services space. As part of her role, she leads the development and implementation of ARC’s ONE Order strategy. Sarah draws upon her extensive background at United Airlines, where she honed her skills across various commercial functions including loyalty, distribution, and customer experience. She combines her strategic acumen with a passion for innovation to drive transformative change in the airline industry. Sarah is a Double Hoo with both a BA in Foreign Affairs and an MBA from the University of Virgina.  

Sophie Carkeek

Sophie focuses on business strategy formulation and execution for ATPCO products and partnerships to accelerate innovation and value generation.

Ron Glickman

Ron Glickman has an extensive background in the aviation and travel technology industries, spanning over 20 years. He started his career in the airline industry at EL AL Israel Airlines, before going on to successfully scale Etihad Airways’ global corporate sales channel to record results. After this achievement, he launched the North America operations of Air Italy (formerly Meridiana) and led its sales and distribution strategy across the region. 

In 2021, Ron brought his area expertise to the technology sector with PSNGR1, where he was part of the team that won Business Travel News Innovate People’s Choice Award. Following the acquisition of PSNGR1 by Snowfall, he currently is involved in architecting modern multimodal retailing solutions for its corporate, TMC, and OTA channels. 

Aaron Robinson

Aaron leads sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for International Airlines Group and its carriers in the United States, as well as emissions data strategy for customers. While in sustainability at United Airlines, he implemented the first customer emissions data in a US airline’s booking display, helped design the new IATA standard methodology for calculating customer emissions, created the world’s largest corporate customer SAF program, organized the first two airline flights to use 100% SAF, and successfully lobbied California to include SAF in its Low Carbon Fuel Standard.  

Aaron began working on aviation sustainability at Northwest Airlines in 2007 as part of the fuel efficiency team, and continued at post-merger Delta Air Lines, where he oversaw compliance with the EU ETS. He is a Washington, DC, native and has a private pilot license.  

How will essential industry processes keep running in the midst of change? During the long transition to a world of dynamic offers, the need for interoperability is clear. Explore how ATPCO solutions support change by leveraging where we are today and what is planned for tomorrow to lead us into the future.

Jost Daft is Head of Order Transformation at Lufthansa Group. In his previous position, Jost was responsible for the Revenue Management & Distribution Strategy and lead large size projects such as the implementation of Continuous Pricing for Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, and SWISS. Being dedicated to move the airline industry to 100% Offer and Order, Jost is currently also holding the chair position of the IATA Offer & Order Group. Before joining the Lufthansa Group, he worked in business policy and logistics and holds a PhD in Business Administration. 

Tye Radcliffe

Tye Radcliffe has been in the travel industry since 1997. He is currently SVP of Accelya’s Product Strategy over the Order Group, where he and his team are responsible for designing and delivering innovative products and services to enable airlines to achieve their strategic goals in the areas of content distribution, payment, and order modernization. Prior to joining Accelya, Tye was Director of Distribution for United Airlines, where he was responsible for optimizing commercial agreements and modernizing technology for external retail channels, as well as improving the direct-channel experience for corporate travelers. Tye was a founding member of IATA’s NDC initiative, serving as chairman of the steering group for several years, and was chairman of the IATA Passenger Standards Conference from 2017 until 2021. Tye has worked for Orbitz.com, Travelport, G2 Switchworks and Amadeus. 

Big plot changes are coming on 30 June that will dramatically increase the automation of voluntary changes and refunds, as well as the taxes collected on these services. Join this interactive Q&A workshop to understand what your airline needs to do to prepare, and to ask your questions one-on-one.

Shauna Abbassi

Shauna has held positions in Training, Customer Service, and Partner Services during her long tenure at ATPCO. Following a 15-year assignment leading the team of classroom instructors, instructional designers, and e-learning developers to transform learning assets on ATPCO products for our customers around the globe, she currently leads Partner Services projects to streamline processes behind the scenes, support large scale implementations and data projects, and lead the evolution of our customer support by leveraging the latest tools and technologies.

Donna Farmer

During her nearly 40 years as partner support enthusiast, Donna has been instrumental in partnering with airlines to expertly integrate and leverage key ATPCO pricing products, including Fare by Rules, Negotiated Fares and Automated Reissues and Refunds. 

Crystal Jones

Crystal has over 30 years of experience supporting the use and development of ATPCO products and services. Her role for the last 10 years has been developing enhancements and standards for ATPCO’s tax product, and she is currently focusing on the refund and reuse rules for taxes and carrier-imposed fees. 

Karin has 30+ years of experience in the travel industry. She has worked in four different countries, serving in multiple roles at various airlines and a system provider before joining ATPCO in 2019. Karin has experience in product management, business analysis, and consulting, and her areas of expertise include airline pricing, ticketing, ticket changes and refunds, which have led to participation in several IATA industry groups. Karin currently leads the ATPCO design team that is helping identify changes needed to support the industry’s goal to achieve fully automated servicing of tickets and orders. 

Payments Forum (all attendees welcome)

This payments track is open to card brands, airlines, agents, acquirers, GDSs and anyone who wants to discuss new payment opportunities and resolve industry challenges. Participants will work together to identify ways to improve payment acceptance and processing, ultimately enhancing the customer experience and reducing risk. 

9:45 - 10:15

Kevin has a passion for payments and over 30 years of experience in the industry and treasury related services.  Throughout his career he has focused on payment innovation, payments data, and managing the cost of acceptance.  

His background includes payment processing and acceptance for consumer to business (C2B) and business to business (B2B) with Ecommerce, bricks and mortars, and domestic and international merchants.    

In his roles he was also responsible for co-branded cards programs, corporate card programs, Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), dispute management, card brand rules and regulations, and payment reporting & reconciliation.  

Kevin’s career includes serving four years on the Board of Directors for the Direct Response Forum (DRF) holding positions of board member, Secretary and Chairman. 

Jennifer Watkins

Jennifer has over 25 years of experience in the travel industry and is passionate about bringing industry experts together to identify and implement innovative payment acceptance solutions. Jennifer has experience in the airline and travel agency distribution channel where she was responsible for the secure and cost-effective settlement of over $80 Billion in payment transactions annually.

Jennifer founded the ARC Payments Forum in 2015 which brings all participants in the transaction flow within the travel agency distribution channel and the air travel industry together to identify and talk about how to solve industry payment challenges and improve payment acceptance.

10:15 - 10:30

In 2023, UATP announced the strategic rollout of its new global payment network brand built to serve the evolving needs of customers around the world. Get up to speed on how UATP is evolving with the ever-changing payments landscape to help businesses get more value from every payments experience. 

Michael Marrone

As Chief Financial Officer of UATP, Michael Marrone is responsible for all accounting, finance and treasury functions of the organization. Before joining UATP, Marrone was a treasury manager for Discovery Communications, where his responsibility was focused on financial risk management and global cash forecasting. Prior to Discovery, he spent several years at Fannie Mae, where he led a team in the execution of cash movements in excess of $6 trillion annually in support of the United States housing market. Marrone earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Loyola University in Maryland. He is a CPA and has an MBA from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. 

11:10 - 12:55

Callie McKill

Callie McKill is a Senior Director leading the Global T&E Product and Payment Experience organization at Visa. In this role, Callie is responsible for developing policy, products, and services to enhance the payment ecosystem in close collaboration with travel and entertainment merchants, acquirers, technology providers, and issuers. Callie has been with Visa since 2001. Prior to joining Visa, Callie worked at American Airlines. 

Paula Weitzenberg

Paula has over 24 years of experience in the payment industry, with a focus on strategy and merchant processing. Prior to joining Visa in 2021, Paula worked at major US carriers, where she gained extensive knowledge and expertise in the travel payment ecosystem. She spent five years at Chase Paymentech as an Account Executive, where she was responsible for the airline vertical. 

With changes in the regulatory environment, the growth in open banking, and the emergence of FinTech, we are seeing growth in new payment opportunities. We’ll talk about how the environment has changed, how it impacts payment, what consumers and airlines are looking for, and the emerging trends and opportunities.

Over the last 20 years, Tony has been involved on the leading edge of payment industry initiatives for the Airline & Travel industry, from concept to market maturity.   

Tony now serves as Senior Business Development Manager with WorldPay bringing his deep payment expertise in working with the Airlines, OTAs & TAs, all of which is complimented by the vast payment product offerings of Worldpay by FIS to enhance the travel payment sector he has so passionately served over the last several decades. 

Tony has worked with every major airline brand, OTA, Tier One Bank brand and payment schemes to champion efficiencies and integrity in the payment infrastructure. 

Pascal Burg

Pascal is a Director at Edgar, Dunn & Company based in the Paris office and co-leads EDC’s Travel Payments Practice globally. He has been with Edgar, Dunn & Company (EDC) since 1999 and has worked in the London, Sydney and San Francisco offices. Pascal has managed a large number of strategic planning, marketing strategy and implementation projects for clients including issuers, acquirers, payment networks and large merchants such as airlines, hotels, rail operators, etc. He received his MBA from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom and his Business Degree from EM Lyon in France. 

Ian Citulsky

Ian Citulsky is SVP Air Partnerships for Uplift where he is responsible for the company's global airline portfolio. Prior to Uplift, Ian held senior commercial roles at Points.com, where he oversaw ancillary revenue programs for numerous North American and Asia-Pacific airlines. Earlier, at Aimia (previous owners of the Aeroplan program) he developed and operated proprietary loyalty programs for Canada's largest banks. Ian earned his MBA from Royal Roads University in Victoria, Canada. 

Lane Clements

Lane Clements leads the Delta Treasury team responsible for Delta’s global payment acceptance strategy and cost of acceptance. Lane joined Delta in 2017 and has held positions across the Financial Planning and Analysis, Controllership, and Treasury organizations. Lane earned his undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of Virginia and MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. Prior to Delta, Lane consulted for the largest US card brands and issuers at ComScore in Reston, Virginia. 

Al is a seasoned payments technology leader with a decade of experience in global eCommerce solutions. He spent 9 years working for Worldpay in various commercial roles as well for US Merchant Systems and Humboldt Merchant Services. As VP of Gig Economy & Travel at Nuvei, he is responsible for growing the North American business across these key verticals. His goal is to help organizations optimize their payment strategy and leverage it as a strength to accelerate their business.  

Al holds a post graduate degree in Management in International Payments Ecosystem from Middlesex University. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife Carrie and two dogs Ewok & Kylo. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, cooking, watching sports, attending concerts and is an avid snowboarder. 

Bruno Pinto Oliveira

Bruno leads sales and business development efforts in the Americas for Airline Regional Payments Americas, Outpayce from Amadeus. Prior to joining Amadeus, he worked in business development for BNPL and managed airline acquiring across EMEA for several years. He is fluent in four languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish and Italian.

A Portuguese national based in Miami, Bruno is passionate about the exciting world of payments and Outpayce’s mission to deliver smoother end-to-end travel payment experiences, so airlines and travelers easily benefit from new advances in payments.

2:55 - 3:25

This presentation from American Express targets a critical aspect of the airline industry: enhancing transaction security and customer satisfaction by improving authorization rates, mitigating disputes, and reducing fraud. This session will introduce cutting-edge solutions, including advanced analytics, machine learning, and enhanced authorization strategies tailored to the unique needs of airlines. Attendees will explore effective methods to detect and prevent fraud, streamline dispute resolution, and optimize payment processes. This session promises to equip participants with the knowledge to elevate their airline's payments security and operational efficiency. Join us for a deep dive into securing transactions and improving customer experiences in the airline sector. 

Robin Trickel

Robin brings over 25 years of industry experience to the forefront of payments innovation. Her comprehensive portfolio encompasses Network, Merchant, and Third-Party Policies/rules, alongside Data Standards, Data Quality programs, and internal acquisition policies. Before her decade at American Express, her career included significant tenure at a major US Merchant Acquirer. She holds a BBA in Accounting from Southern Methodist University and is based in Phoenix. 

3:25 - 3:55

As Airline direct volumes continue to grow, airlines are focusing on what is next to bring their retailing strategies to life. In this session we will talk about ONE Order: an industry-led initiative intended to simplify the airline reservation, delivery, settlement and accounting processes. We will shed some light on what is driving the move to order management and what its implications are in the payment world.

Kristyne Forbes

Kristyne is responsible for global payment processing, form of payment strategy, partner relationships and contracts, interchange, fraud, chargebacks, and gift cards. She has 18 years of airline experience across US Airways and American and has spent the last 7 years leading American’s payment modernization journey. A North Carolina native, Kristyne is a graduate of Kenan-Flagler Business School at UNC-Chapel Hill. 

Conclusion: Conference wrap-up

What we’ve learned, special announcements, and closing remarks await as we close out the final chapter of Elevate + TravelConnect 2024.

8:00 - 8:15

8:15 - 9:45

This session will be an opportunity to learn about the latest updates from Mastercard. Specific announcements will be reviewed along with a few reminders for the travel industry. They will also share fraud and chargeback trends within the travel vertical for 2023. 

Additionally, they will share insights from their Economic Institute and Mastercard’s Ethoca products.

Bonnie Holland

Bonnie Holland supports the Travel Vertical merchants within Mastercard's North America Market Development team. In this role, she is responsible for communications with the merchants as it relates to operational items. Additionally, she supports Mastercard’s rollout of new technologies to expand card acceptance, improved cardholder benefits and the security of the Mastercard network.

9:45 - 10:00

ARC and Riskified partnered to do a chargeback management system proof of concept using the Riskified platform. Jennifer and Ana will discuss why a chargeback management system is important for the industry, share information about the proof of concept, and talk about next steps.

Ana Perez Mahiques

Ana Perez Mahiques oversees strategic collaborations with travel organizations, consultants, agencies, and key players in the payments ecosystem. Since joining Riskified in 2019, she has been instrumental in driving valuable partnerships and fostering innovation in the industry. Prior to Riskified, Ana spent five years at BBVA supporting enterprise global merchants across industries with debt financing and bond issuance. 

10:15 - 11:00

Payment orchestration has been a hot topic for years, but what does it really mean for airlines? Is it about reducing expenses and ensuring the capture of good sales, or is it about actually generating additional revenue on payment? Industry experts will talk about their take on what payment orchestration means and what it looks like for an airline that does it well. 

Joey Dembek

Joey is the Head of Solution Delivery at Optimized Payments, responsible for creating consulting and analytics services which drive cost savings, efficiencies, and actionable insights to the firm’s global enterprise clients and pay-facs.  His 17 years of payments expertise help organizations easily navigate the complexities of accepting card payments, mobile wallets, and alternative payments.  Prior to joining Optimized Payments, he spent 11 years at Elavon directing Interchange Optimization and Chargeback Management solutions for many of the largest airlines, hotels, and retailers around the globe. 

Randy Gibbons

In his current role, Randy is responsible for developing and executing the company's global consumer payments strategies and managing acceptance relationships. He joined Southwest Airlines in 1997 and has served in various capacities, including the Manager of Corporate Credit Cards (Purchase Cards) where he started the program and grew it to over $200M a year in spend. Randy has previously held management roles in Corporate Sales in Marketing and Marketing Technology where he developed Southwest Airlines corporate business website, SWABIZ. He also held previous positions in Reservations and Technology providing Customer support and service. Randy currently is an active member of the Merchant Advisory Group (MAG) and other payments groups. 

James Kirkeide

Jim Kirkeide is the Vice President of Global Airline Acquiring at Elavon. He has over thirty years of experience at Elavon and its parent company U.S. Bank. He has spent most of his career in payment processing and card acquiring. Jim’s background encompasses business development, portfolio management, and systems administration. Jim supports regional and global air carriers’ electronic payments acceptance programs. Jim’s payment card-acquiring experience includes managing highly valued clients engaged in a variety of industries. 

Tom Randklev

Tom Randklev is the Global Head of Product for CellPoint Digital where he is responsible for setting the vision for the product and managing product development and pre-sales. Tom has deep payment industry experience ranging from financial services sales and strategic marketing to product management.  He was previously Vice President of Global Product at Global Payments and held product roles at TSYS and InComm. Tom earned a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's in business administration from the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC.  He is also a Certified Scrum Product Owner and active member of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), and the Atlanta Interactive Marketing Association (AiMA).  

And...he may also be the only guy you know from Idaho. 

11:00 - 11:45

Christophe Kato

Christophe supports many airline industry projects such as the impact Modern Airline Retailing (MAR) will have on payment at IATA. He also leads the engagement with international card schemes and provides expert support to airline industry advocacy efforts on payment regulation.   

Christophe is a graduate of the Institut Supérieur du Commerce (ISC), Paris, and holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina (USC). 

11:45 - 12:30

Wrap up the conference with industry experts for a candid discussion on fraud in our industry. Gain practical insights and strategies to mitigate these growing trends. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to protect your business and customers.

July 11, 2023

Global Travel Collection’s mission revolves around the business of human connections, recognizing that even in an era dominated by technology, it is the human touch and personalized experiences that always wins in delivering unparalleled value for the traveler Angie Licea, Global Travel Collection’s President

The Best of the Best in the Luxury Travel Industry Reconnect in New York City October 22-25

“We Are GTC” is the theme empowering advisors and suppliers to help shape the future of the industry

NEW YORK (July 11, 2023) – Elevate, the highly-anticipated annual conference of Global Travel Collection, returns to host its first in-person gathering since 2019. Taking place at the new Virgin Hotels New York City, Elevate presents an invaluable opportunity to celebrate the travel advisors within the most sophisticated community of premier travel agencies. Advisors and industry partners will come together to collectivity chart a new path forward in the travel industry, driven by partnership, innovation and a shared vision of success.

Global Travel Collection, Internova Travel Group’s high-service premium and luxury travel division, represents travel advisors and agencies worldwide, servicing luxury leisure, entertainment, production and corporate clients. Travel brands that are part of the Collection include Protravel International, Tzell Travel Group, Colletts Travel, Andrew Harper, In The Know Experiences, All Star Travel Group and R. Crusoe & Son.

Elevate will connect 400 of Global Travel Collection’s premium and luxury travel advisors from the U.S. and U.K. across the company’s affiliated brands with 280 esteemed preferred partners. The conference is an empowering space that fosters collaboration, propels professional growth and embraces cutting-edge insights. With this platform, Elevate empowers advisors to ‘elevate’ their expertise, enabling them to stay ahead of the curve and continue to lead the way in the ever-evolving travel landscape.

“Global Travel Collection’s mission revolves around the business of human connections, recognizing that even in an era dominated by technology, it is the human touch and personalized experiences that always wins in delivering unparalleled value for the traveler,” said Angie Licea, Global Travel Collection’s President. “Partnership is the vital link that connects our advisors with our preferred partners, and Elevate creates an environment to showcase what that partnership truly looks like.”

Participating advisors are invited to engage in dedicated experiential circles carefully curated to foster collaboration, gain insights and discover meaningful experiences. These immersive circles embrace various themes, such as adventure, culinary, exclusivity and wellness, all to build meaningful partnerships with industry suppliers, enabling advisors to enrich their business portfolio and provide their clients the valuable knowledge and exceptional insights and experiences to travelers.

Advisors interested in learning more about an affiliation with Global Travel Collection can contact [email protected] .

About Global Travel Collection

Global Travel Collection   (GTC), a division of Internova Travel Group, is the most influential collection of international luxury travel agencies, including the well-established networks of Protravel International, Tzell Travel Group, and Colletts Travel, as well as Andrew Harper, In the Know Experiences, All Star Travel Group and R. Crusoe & Son. GTC advisors and agencies are industry leaders in providing premium travel services to leisure travelers, corporate executives and the entertainment industry. The combined global reach and leverage translates into value, recognition, and preferential treatment for its world travelers.

Learn More About Internova Travel Group

Review more releases.

Site Information

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

A  Certares Company |

| terms of use | privacy policy.

Elevating business travel with data-driven analytics 

When it comes to forecasting future spend in an ever-evolving travel landscape, you might feel like you have to break out the tarot cards to stay ahead. But guess what? You don't need to rely on manifestation or crystal balls to steer your corporate travel programme with finesse. The real magic lies in harnessing the right data. 

Ready to achieve a new level of control over your travel budgets while maximising returns on investment? Consolidating your travel operations under a single vendor streamlines data collection by accessing analytic tools that help optimise your travel programme. 

Types of analytics to make informed savings decisions 

Corporate travel data analytics come in various metrics, each offering a unique lens through which to view your travel data. Armed with these tools, you can unlock the secrets to informed savings decisions. 

• Descriptive – Understand where you’ve been. Descriptive analytics provide a clear snapshot of your past and present travel trends. What was your travel spend last quarter? How many travel bookings were made?   This knowledge sets the stage for informed decision-making.   
•  Diagnostic – Time to dig deeper. Diagnostic analytics help you uncover the "whys" behind your data. Why did travel expenses spike last month? Why did certain bookings fail to comply with travel policy ?  

This level of insight uncovers hidden patterns and bottlenecks that could be impacting corporate travel performance. Analytics help you understand your company's travel booking behaviours. You can then take that information and make speedier data-driven decisions, that save money, and positively impact your travellers. Win-win-win.  

How a business travel analytics tool can help you 

Sure, practical budgeting and cost-saving are a given , but analytics offer more than just that. Use data to help you visualise where there is programme leakage, what is working well, and where you can make tweaks. Here's how corporate travel data can revolutionise your travel programme: 

Understanding environmental impact 

In 2019, humans produced more than 43 billion tonnes of carbon. Air travel, more specifically air travel for business, represents 2% of those greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). 

With numbers like that, modern business travellers don’t just prioritise environmentally conscious choices – they expect it. And you should, too . 

By tracking corporate trips and generating CO2 reports, you can clearly see your organisation’s carbon impact and take necessary steps to reduce it. You can then take this data, and guide your travellers to choose more sustainable options. For example, selecting airlines based on their sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use or participating in carbon offsetting initiatives. 

Pushing vendor preferences 

Cut costs without compromising comfort. Business travel analytics help you pinpoint the best deals on hotel bookings and save you a pretty penny on travel costs. 

Through harnessing the power of analytics, travel managers gain valuable insights into price changes throughout the year. This way, you’ll be ready to seize the lowest-priced options or present alternatives when rates spike. 

Plus, corporate travel tools empower companies to secure cost-considerate options without compromising on quality. With Melon, we incorporate negotiated rates and pre-approved contracts with preferred vendors, which makes it simple to explore options. 

Keeping travellers in compliance 

Ensuring travel policy compliance isn’t just a checkbox; it’s a bottom-line essential. Analytics step in to prevent violations by giving managers access to booking data. 

Analytics aren’t just about numbers – they’re about compliance, too. Use your data to ensure travellers stay within policy guidelines. Analytics help you curate a list of preferred flight and hotel options, driving policy-compliant choices and boosting employee satisfaction.  

Put traveller safety first 

Duty of care isn’t just an obligation – it’s a priority.  

A comprehensive business travel data tool serves as your vigilant companion. It equips you with real-time safety information from hotels and flights, and delivers alerts should a concerning event arise. This proactive approach empowers travellers and travel managers alike to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions while on the road.  

With data at your side, you can keep an eye on safety concerns for different destinations. This makes sure you don't send travellers into health hazards or social/political unrest areas. 

Making the most of your business travel programme with a travel analytics tool 

We've said it before and we'll say it again: If you don't know, you can't grow. Data = visibility = better, more informed decisions. It's not enough to simply have a travel analytics tool, if you don't understand how to use it to your advantage.  

Want to know where your travel dollars are being spend quickly? Use one tool for all of your travel needs. You'll have 20/20 visibility in no time.  

All travel data in one place 

Say goodbye to scattered data. Streamline your information with tools that aggregate all travellers data. A centralised hub improves visibility and allows you to easily detect trends, patterns, and inefficiencies. With a holistic view of your travel ecosystem, your analysis becomes more comprehensive and your actions more effective. 

On-demand, custom reporting 

Real-time decision-making, tailored to you. Analytics tools offer both standard and customisable business travel reporting functionality, enabling you to respond swiftly to changing circumstances. Enhance transparency, align with organisational needs, and present relevant insights to various stakeholders. 

Embrace the data-driven revolution 

The future of global business travel is here. And it's data-driven. 

Bid adieu to vague predictions and uncertain budgeting – analytics has your back. Whether you're curbing your carbon footprint, scoring the best deals, or safeguarding traveller safety, Melon’s got your back. 

Why you’ll love Melon's Business Travel Analytics Tool

Manage all your business travel through the corporate travel platform that has all the answers. 

• It’s so intuitive you can book in 5 minutes. 
• Reports help analyse your spend so you can make quick decisions for your business. 
•  Access the best negotiated rates, worldwide. 
•  Chat with your travel expert with one tap. 
• Stay in the know about anything and everything travel 

Ready to take care of business? Let's talk Melon. Book a demo today.  

• The comprehensive guide to travel management software
• The 5 pillars of travel risk management software
• Book business travel your way with travel booking software
• 9 business travel apps for road warriors

ELEVATE CONNECTIONS

Global Travel Collection’s annual conference is returning newly reimagined in 2024 as a series of one-day events in three key destinations: New York City, Los Angeles and London. Elevate Connections is where we — the movers and shakers of luxury travel — will stand in a class of our own with a focus on industry connection and development.

This series encompasses the only events specifically designed and planned for the GTC community, and this year, we are heading to the highest concentrations of advisors and partners. At GTC, we foster an atmosphere that values relationships and unparalleled support, enabling the growth of new ideas and insights, as well as the fulfilment of our clients’ most extraordinary travel experiences.

Connecting the best of the best in the luxury travel, this series presents an invaluable opportunity to celebrate our thriving advisor community. Prepare to be inspired and motivated; Elevate Connections will ignite a new direction of excellence in your business and foster the luxury travel industry’s shared vision of success.

where we will be in 2024

We know advisors have busy schedules, so this year, we are coming to you!

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm GMT

LOS ANGELES

Thursday, August 8, 2024 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Pacific

Thursday, September 19, 2024 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Eastern

*Elevate Summer Soirée: London

You are invited to participate in a full day of engaging programs through a personalized schedule that will include:

• General session: Discover industry updates and keynote speakers
• Networking: Build new relationships and reconnect with partners at the GTC Connections Tradeshow
• Breakaways: Dive into leisure, entertainment and business travel
• GTC Experience Room: Explore the GTC resources at your fingertips
• Leadership discussion: Pose a question in a "Ask Us Anything" session

Formal agenda to be announced.

Additional questions? Contact the GTC Events Team

More From Forbes

How ai enhances client confidence in travel companies.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Tech entrepreneur with a strong background in sales and a deep interest in business strategy, CEO and founder of Voyagu .

Technology is increasingly transforming every aspect of travel. And as this shift continues, companies in the industry can leverage the new tools at their disposal to build confidence and trust with their customer base.

A study conducted by PwC found that only 30% of consumers have a high level of trust in businesses. Concerning numbers given that, according to Edelman’s Trust Barometer, 67% of buyers said trust was the main driver behind their decision-making.

Nevertheless, if we help travelers become familiar with how AI can elevate their travel experience, and do so with transparency, we can build up trust. Here, I will cover how AI has helped travel companies enhance client confidence, and how it will do so in the future.

How AI Has Enhanced Client Confidence

By analyzing past flight data, real-time weather and traffic information, AI-powered systems are now in use (paywall) to suggest the most efficient flight itinerary and alternative routes. The same happens in case of nature-driven events (registration required) like hurricanes, floods and wildfires. However, AI’s impact is not limited to prediction. An AI assistant can step in to respond to an incident, providing passengers with real-time updates on delays, suggesting and rebooking alternative travel options, and even recommending activities near the airport to help travelers adapt.

Apple Confirms Major iPhone Changes With New App Features Enabled

Aew dynamite results winners and grades as cm punk destroys jack perry, chiefs rashee rice hit with 8 criminal charges in connection to multi car crash.

AI can also be used to address price transparency. Increasing pricing visibility not only helps the person who is booking save time—the average American reviews 277 pages prior to booking —but also, fortifies users’ confidence in the platform that they are booking on because they are not scared of being hoodwinked.

Similarly, AI helps strengthen safety and security and assists in the development of better customer feedback loops, among many other benefits.

AI's Future Impact On Client Confidence

In the future, AI will be key to strengthening client confidence, especially as more people become familiar with its use and as we learn more about its myriad applications. Here are some.

1. AI And Fintech Integration

Banking services and financial transactions are already intertwined with the travel industry, especially as many travel companies have increased their investment levels in fintech applications like Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) and alternative payment methods. I anticipate that AI will bolster this integration by analyzing expenses, spending patterns and travel history to offer personalized proposals.

2. Redistributing Tourist Flows

According to a recent report, 80% of travelers visit only 10% of all the tourist destinations in the world , and with the number of tourists growing once again, this only means bigger crowds. With AI, travel companies can solve this issue by redistributing tourist flows. By analyzing the overall number of bookings, agents and booking platforms can identify periods of high demand involving specific locations and suggest alternative dates and destinations that can fit travelers’ needs and are based on individual preferences.

3. Collecting Content That Mentions Travel Service Providers From Social Media

While leaving a review might not be a priority , travelers might share images or videos of their trip on social media and tag the companies involved.

AI can be utilized to analyze this content, and by deploying Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms, travel companies can extract relevant information for sentiment analysis. If the feedback is negative, they could use these insights to connect with the customer and offer an apology or perk, potentially restoring client confidence.

4. Personalized Suggestions Based On Health Data

Smart devices are already collecting a considerable amount of health-related data about us, and medical portals also have information about any prescriptions or medication that we need to take. This provides a holistic, clear view of someone’s health.

An AI-powered system can provide personalized travel recommendations based on specific health considerations, such as allergies or medical conditions. People with respiratory conditions can receive advice on whether it is safe to visit a particular destination based on its air quality. This data could even be used to recommend customized insurance plans to ensure travelers are well-protected.

5. Increasing Travel Affordability

While price discrimination will still exist, and popular destinations will continue to be more expensive due to high demand, AI, with its capacity to analyze vast amounts of data, will enable OTAs to promote affordable destinations to budget-oriented customers.

This will get better over time, as companies are able to train their AI systems with larger data sets. For example, Hopper’s pricing prediction model relies on 70 trillion data points (paywall) to provide more accurate information to travelers.

Tips For Implementing AI

1. Take a close look at what your business does and break it down into processes. Then, explore existing AI tools to find the ones that can suit each of the processes and start using it. This will help you build a tech product by leveraging a combination of AI products that are already available.

The practice of digitizing your processes and collecting as much data as possible should be deeply ingrained in your culture. If not, it is paramount that you start integrating it. All the data you gather, even if it doesn’t seem important right now, can be of value in the future, especially with the large processing capacities of AI. In this new era, whoever has more information will win.

2. Implementing AI is cheaper than it seems. Many people think it's hard and expensive, which is the same conception people had about mobile apps for a long time. At my company, we managed to integrate AI in a week, relying mainly on one experienced software engineer. If you are willing to shake the status quo, you can completely revamp your business with AI’s help.

3. FOMO is common in people who are not using AI now, leading them to believe it is too late. However, it is not. By maintaining a customer-centric approach and using AI to enhance it—instead of merely for the sake of having AI—you can harness its powerful capabilities. Soon enough, AI will be everywhere, just like everyone has a website today.

Final Thoughts

AI has already enhanced client confidence in the travel sector in myriad ways, like optimizing travel routes and bolstering client-agent communication. However, as the travel sector achieves further integration with industries like fintech and healthtech, I believe the best is yet to come. By successfully leveraging AI, travel companies can become their clients’ most loyal allies and craft unforgettable experiences together that take into consideration all the necessary details about the travelers’ lives.

Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Turn Your Curiosity Into Discovery

Latest facts.

Follistatin344 Peptide Considerations

Approach for Using 5 Tips To Help You Write Your Dissertation

40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

Share this Fact:

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.