Message from the Canada Regional Chair

The success of the fourth annual ACTE Canada Education Conference attests to the continued importance of gathering and meeting face to face. Despite economic challenges, corporate travel professionals demonstrated in resounding numbers that they remain dedicated to their roles and are determined to navigate the new economic regime as a strong and unified community. The opportunity to Learn, Link, and Lead together as an industry helped participants feel truly connected to their work world.

While new relationships were forged and existing ties were strengthened at the conference, a great deal was learned. There was much talk about the changing terrain of corporate travel and what is aptly described as the “new normal”. Optimism was definitely in the air as buyers and suppliers merged as a cohesive group to share their perceptions and ideas on how to navigate the world of business travel in the future. Despite the growing pains associated with moving in a new direction, there is no denying that it is in fact a good thing when we move out of our comfort zone. The general session panelists of Chief Financial Officers, the real decision drivers in corporate travel, were very clear in their message: it’s time to realign our thinking and to adjust the way we approach doing business.

In 2010, ACTE will continue to challenge you to grow as a professional. Upcoming events will nurture your learning, assist you in dealing with the challenges of the business, and prod you into action. I hope you will join us in the coming months at one of our many regional and global events. As well, there is no better place than ACTE to benchmark your ideas. ACTE Connect remains the leading source for the latest intellectual capital, research and best practices of the global business travel industry. With over 1000 entries, it should be your first stop on your research journey.

As always, ACTE continues to be the travel industry’s pillar for education and networking. Our attendees and members beckon you to join them and to actively be part of this strong global travel community. In Canada, we are fortunate to benefit from a multitude of very talented member volunteers who help us stay on top of issues that are uppermost in your mind. While their assistance is invaluable to our planning it also affords them the opportunity to connect and share with others in the industry in a way that extends beyond typical business relationships. It’s a win-win situation that I fervently encourage you to take part in.

Sincerely,

Gillian McCormack (formerly Cody)
ACTE Regional Chair, Canada

Manager, Business Development
American Express Business Travel
gillian.a.mccormack@aexp.com

Regional Spotlight

• Download the compilation of the results from the 2009 Canada Education Conference general session: Raising the Bar on Business Reviews.
• Click here for the 2010 Canadian Business Travel Outlook report by ACTE and the Conference Board of Canada
• Relationships Fostering Profitability – The R.F.P. Process: Read Nellie Vieira’s follow up from the 2009 ACTE Executive Forum in Toronto
• Purchasing b2b: Travel Procurement - Strategies for a world of new challenges ... Read More
• Links of Interest:
  • Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
  • Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)
  • Hotel Association of Canada Green Key ECOmmodation Rating Program
  • Park’N Fly – download your ACTE 20% discount coupon English or French
  • Passenger Protect
  • Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC)
• Who are the Canada Council leaders involved in shaping and strengthening ACTE Canada this year?

Media Partners

Regional Spotlight Events

TBD November 2010	Coming Soon	Canada Education Conference	TBD
23 April 2010	Eyes Wide Open: Taking a Closer Look	Executive Forum	Calgary
7 May 2010	Registration Open	Executive Forum	Montreal
TBD June 2010	Coming Soon	PowerTalk	Ottawa
TBD September 2010	Coming Soon	PowerTalk	Toronto
TBD September 2010	Coming Soon	PowerTalk	Montreal

ACTE Canada Education Conference Spotlight