The business travel industry has seen tremendous growth over the past few decades, with an estimated $1.5 trillion spent on business travel globally each year. As the industry continues to evolve and face new challenges, it’s more important than ever for travel professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, regulations, and policies. That’s where the GBTA Legislative Symposium comes in – a must-attend event for anyone in the business travel industry who wants to stay ahead of the curve.
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), a non-profit organization that advances the interests of the business travel industry, was founded in 1967. The GBTA has grown to become the world’s largest business travel association, with over 9,000 members across six continents. The organization’s worthy mission is to advance the interests of the global business travel industry through advocacy, education, and research.
The GBTA hosts a variety of events throughout the year, but the Legislative Symposium is perhaps the most important. This annual event brings together members of the business travel industry from around the world to discuss and learn about the latest policy and legislative developments that could impact the industry. The Symposium is held in Washington, D.C., the seat of the U.S. government, and is a chance for attendees to engage with policymakers directly while advocating for policies that support the needs of the business travel industry.
One of the reasons the GBTA Legislative Symposium is so important is because of the critical role that policy and regulation play in the business travel industry. Travel regulations can have a significant impact on everything from how companies budget for travel to the safety and security of travelers. For example, policies around airline routes and competition can impact the pricing and availability of flights, while visa and immigration policies can impact the ability of employees to travel for business purposes. The Symposium is an opportunity for industry professionals to learn about these policies and advocate for changes that support the needs of their companies and clients.
In addition to advocating for industry-friendly policies, the GBTA Legislative Symposium also provides an opportunity for attendees to catch up on the latest trends and innovations in the business travel industry. With technology continuously advancing at a rapid pace, new tools & platforms constantly emerge to help businesses streamline their travel processes and improve the travel experience for employees. The Symposium is a chance for attendees to learn about these developments and connect with vendors and suppliers who can help them implement new solutions.
Another key benefit of the GBTA Legislative Symposium is the opportunity to network with other professionals in the industry. With attendees from all over the world, the Symposium is an opportunity to connect with colleagues, share ideas & best practices, and form new collaborations & partnerships. The event includes several formats for networking opportunities, from informal meet-and-greets to structured breakout sessions and panels.
The GBTA Legislative Symposium is also unique in that it provides attendees with the opportunity to hear directly from policymakers and government officials. Keynote speakers at past events have included members of Congress, heads of federal agencies, and other influential leaders in government. This direct access to policymakers is invaluable for attendees, as it allows them to understand firsthand how policy decisions are made and how they can best advocate for their interests.
One example of the importance of the GBTA Legislative Symposium can be seen in the organization’s advocacy efforts around the travel ban that was enacted by the U.S. government in 2017. The travel ban, which restricted travel from several countries, had a significant impact on the business travel industry, with many companies reporting canceled trips and lost business. The GBTA was quick to respond, issuing a statement condemning the ban and urging the government to reconsider. At the 2018 Legislative Symposium, the GBTA hosted a panel discussion on the impact of the travel ban, featuring representatives from the Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies. The discussion provided attendees with valuable insights into the reasoning behind the policy and its potential impact on the business travel industry. This kind of direct engagement with policymakers is a key reason why the GBTA Legislative Symposium is such an important event for industry professionals.
In addition to opportunities for learning and networking, the GBTA Legislative Symposium is also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the business travel industry. The Symposium includes a gala dinner, where the GBTA honors individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to the industry. This recognition is an important way to highlight the important work that industry professionals do every day to support business travel and promote economic growth.
As the business travel industry continues to evolve and face new challenges, the GBTA Legislative Symposium will remain an essential event for industry professionals. With its focus on policy and advocacy, the Symposium provides attendees with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to navigate the complex landscape of business travel regulation and innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned industry veteran or a newcomer to the field, the GBTA Legislative Symposium is a must-attend event that will help you stay ahead of the industry curve and advance your career in the exciting world of business travel.
Typical GBTA Legislative Symposium dates: June (annual)
For more information:
gbta.org
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