An impressive line-up of speakers will be exploring the key issues relating to corporate travel at this year’s Business Travel Show.
Running across all three days of the London event, the seminar and conference programme will feature keynote speeches from industry figures, debates by expert panellists, interview sessions and case studies.
Here are just some of the programme highlights:
The Future of Air Travel
Boeing vice-president of brand and marketing Rob Pollack will kick off the show with a keynote address on the air travel industry.
He will reveal the outlook for air travel in Europe and beyond and explain the rationale behind Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner, demonstrating how it will improve the travel experience and tackle environmental concerns through the latest use of technology.
“Travel management consultants should make the most of this chance to learn first hand about this super-efficient aircraft, expected to be in service in 2008,” said Boeing UK communications director Nick West.
When: February 5, 11am
Where: Centre Stage
The Environment
British Airways head of corporate responsibility Silla Maizey will be giving a keynote address entitled ‘The Future of Business Travel – It Isn’t Easy Being Green’.
Maizey will explore the latest global trends and the impact of legislation, and outline which solutions to climate change are being explored and adopted by the industry.
“This session at the Business Travel Show is an ideal opportunity for corporate buyers, bookers and others in travel to find out what can be done about protecting the environment,” said Maizey.
When: February 6, 11am
Where: Centre Stage
Open Skies
The open skies agreement between the UK and the US will have a major impact on corporate travel, not only for these two countries but for the whole of Europe.
The agreement will be the subject of a top-level panel discussion chaired by Corporate Travel Partnership partner Robert Daykin. Continental Airlines senior director UK and Ireland Bob Schumacher will be joined by other aviation experts to discuss the impact of the agreement on the economy, the likely changes at Heathrow and Gatwick, and what open skies will mean for travel buyers and travellers.
“People need to be at this debate to find out what the benefits are for travellers,” said Daykin.
When: February 6, 12pm
Where: Centre Stage
Corporate Social Responsibility
Institute of Travel Management executive director Paul Tilstone will chair a panel discussion: ‘Bridging the Gap Between CSR and Making your Business Traveller’s Journey a Comfortable and Enjoyable One’.
The line-up includes BT senior manager skills assessment Martin Umbleja, conTgo co-founder and chief executive Johnny Thorsen, and Advito senior director global development Torsten Kriedt.
“The environment was the big thing in 2007 and it’s not about to go away,” said Tilstone. “But duty of care and the other aspects of CSR will be some of the key issues in 2008, particularly with the introduction of the new Corporate Manslaughter Act in April.
“This session brings together some of the leading experts on CSR, who will offer advice on what it takes to look after travellers, and how far you should go to protect them.”
When: February 5, 2.15pm
Where: Centre Stage
The Economy
Aviation industry expert Chris Tarry will give a keynote address on how the economy will affect the future of corporate travel.
Tarry, who is chairman of aviation industry research and advisory body CTAIRA, will explain how those in the industry can use lessons from the last economic downturn to forecast trends in the current climate.
He will also help delegates understand how the economy will affect their businesses, whether they are a corporate booker, buyer, or supplier.
When: February 7, 11am
Where: Centre Stage