Despite Slowing Economy, ACTE Conference Draws Record Attendance; Distinguished Speakers, Timely Topics Dominate the Program

(Tampa, FL, USA, April 22, 2001)--The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) launched its Global Spring 2001 Conference here today, marked by record-breaking attendance and increased international representation, particularly among its corporate members.

"Ironically, the recent economic downturn has had a positive impact on our attendance," commented ACTE President Ron Wagner. "In lean times, it's more important than ever to work smarter and faster while keeping costs down. There's probably no better way for corporate travel industry professionals to achieve maximum ROI than to attend an ACTE Conference, which has nonstop opportunities to learn and network."

More than 1,100 professionals from 20 countries have registered for this year's annual spring conference, up 10% from last year, according to Wagner. Likewise, corporate registrations also are up 10%. Company representation of corporate and supplier attendees is close to equal at 48% corporate to 52% supplier.

Timely Topics Dominate Education Sessions

Among the 22 educational sessions offered at the ACTE conference, those dealing with strategic sourcing - a purchasing tool used by corporations and suppliers - were most popular, requested by an overwhelming 70% of attendees. ACTE is devoting three educational sessions to the topic, including one especially for travel industry suppliers.

The recent and much-publicized Continental Airlines initiative about corporate data disclosure is the basis for an education session featuring a high-level, no-holds-barred panel discussion featuring representatives from all sides of the issue. Titled "Whose Data is it Anyway?" the session promises to spark spirited debate, according to Wagner.

Similarly, the topic of contract negotiations - a time consuming yet necessary task for travel industry professionals - will be explored in roundtable format, with representatives of both suppliers and corporations. "The roundtable format was so well received at our conference last fall that we decided to repeat it as a venue to brainstorm this important topic, including contract implementation and measurement," explained Wagner.

Keynote Addresses Offer Internal, External Perspectives

Following a longstanding tradition, ACTE has secured prestigious keynote speakers for the conference that offer a variety of perspectives, several from outside the travel industry. Speakers will include:

Technology Tradeshow Offers Practical Solutions

In addition to the educational sessions, ACTE is providing members entrée to a technology showcase held in conjunction with the conference and featuring demonstrations of software solutions for business travel management. More than 40 vendors are participating in this year's "Technology Experience," offering hands-on demonstrations of products ranging from electronic RFPs to traveler assistance using voice recognition technology.

"The Technology Experience provides a valuable learning experience for anyone who's ever found himself or herself standing in a long line at a ticket counter, customs area, or security screening," said Wagner. "It's an opportunity for members to learn how the processes and rigors of travel and travel management can be reduced through technology solutions."

ACTE Acknowledges Member Accomplishments

ACTE will intersperse the conference agenda with awards to those members recognized by their peers for outstanding contributions during 2000 to their employer, the corporate travel industry in general, and to ACTE. An additional award will be presented after the conference to the individual(s) who presented the highest-rated education session, based on attendee feedback.

ACTE's Global Spring 2001 Conference continues through April 24 at the Tampa Marriott Waterside.

---

Founded in 1988, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives is the only organization wholly dedicated to the science of business travel management with an international constituency. ACTE membership totals more than 2,400, including entities in Asia, Europe, Canada and the United States. The organization is headquartered in Alexandria, Va., and its web site is www.acte.org.