Travel Management Insights & Leading Industry Practices

Registration & Networking

Opening Remarks & ACTE Welcome

The Art of Airline Contracting and Corporate Data Management

Developing and maintaining good relationships with preferred airlines can truly be described as an ‘art.’ It is often hard to know where to start when trying to grasp an understanding of the various fare structures, booking classes, restrictions and opportunities for discounts. Two leading practices for managing these issues and opportunities are: 1) putting airline contracts in place, and 2) leveraging your TMC as a partner in the process.

This session will give delegates a good understanding of the different components of airline bookings, how to implement and manage airline contracts, the changing role of the TMC, how Travel Buyers can work with TMCs to benefit from key account management, and lastly, the importance of good quality data for management reporting.

Presented by: Herman J.G. Mensink, Vice President - PRISM Group Inc.

Your Checklist for Travel Risk Management

Are you doing enough to keep your travelers safe? Many organizations are not adequately preparing business travelers to avoid risks to their personal safety. This session will provide delegates with an introduction to travel risk management and share a checklist for uncovering and assessing travel-related risks in your own organization.

Drawing from professional experience and real-world case studies, the presenter will share lessons learned and key practices to safeguard your travelers.

Facilitated by: Daniel Andresen, Regional Security Manager – MEA, Travel Security Services, a joint venture of International SOS and Control Risks

Coffee & Tea Break

Making Sense of Social Media

Social Media usage in the region continues to grow, proving it is not just a fad. It is a fundamental shift in the way people can and will communicate. Maybe you are already familiar with some of the tools and terminology like linkedIn & Twitter, but what is augmented reality and geo-fencing? And what does any of it have to do with the business travel industry? Marketing futurist, Akanksha Goel, will help delegates navigate this confusing and often overwhelming landscape.

Presented by: Akanksha Goel, Founder – Socialize (UAE’s first dedicated social marketing agency)

Networking Lunch

Optional: ACTE’s Around the World in 80 Hours Initiative

In recent weeks, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) has unveiled a number of new initiatives for 2011. One of those initiatives is the Around the World in 80 Hours program, which offers corporate travel professionals accredited classroom instruction and experiential learning opportunities in 18 regions around the world. Join ACTE staff to hear more and contribute your ideas during this informal discussion.