A look back at the GBTA 2015 convention
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) took over I-Drive in Orlando last week for the 2015 GBTA Convention. This year marked the 47th annual gathering of business travel leaders from across the globe. Almost 7,000 business travel professionals came together to share and focus on the future of travel.
The theme of #Sharing fit perfectly with the packed agenda that involved over 75 education sessions and more than 400 exhibitors who filled the convention center with vast opportunities to learn and connect. With the support of GBTA, companies and attendees alike took to Twitter for #sharing all the happenings at this annual event.
Quick recap of GBTA 2015
GBTA Cares kicked off the convention through a partnered service project with Clean the World. Juliann Pless and Mandy Carter from CSI globalVCard joined approximately 50 more attendees to assist in packaging 2,000 hygiene kits for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Families in Transition. But the great causes did not stop with day one, as the week went by it was refreshing to see the support that went out to a number of charities like ECPAT and Stop Hunger Now.
Education Sessions and Keynote Speakers
Each morning was full of experts sharing through a series of education sessions. The first one kicked off Monday on the center stage by interviewing Gary C. Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer, Southwest Airlines, and James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways about adjustments needed to branding strategies with today’s marketplace, specifically focusing on airline competition. To start off the frequently discussed topic, our very own Juliann Pless, David Disque and Heather Stone had the opportunity to speak about the trend as well as benefits of virtual credit cards within the travel industry.
Lunchtime each day involved the masses piling into a large room to a beautifully set healthy meal. The speakers captivated the audience with their inspiration and attention grabbing stories. From Kevin Bacon to Megyn Kelly, there was no doubt that entertainment was all around. During Tuesday’s discussion, Steve Wozniak shared his perspective as a traveler and the ways in which the industry can continue to move forward.
Expo
The exhibit floor was full of creative booths. And the crowd packed in each day the doors opened. The CSI globalVCard team was giving away money with our #GrabYourCash money booth. After testing your catching skills, attendees had the opportunity to test out the globalVCard travel mobile app and receive their own single use virtual card. But we weren’t the only ones with fun promotions. Lots of conversation starters scattered throughout the expo floor, from live music to people in costumes, the GBTA expo floor was anything but typical.
This is one busy convention packed full of learning and fun. We look forward to seeing everyone next year at GBTA 2016 in Denver!
