 1997 Spring ACTE Quarterly: President's Message | Corporate Travel Intranet Sites | 1997 Member Survey
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY Travel technology, its applications and its ramifications, is the number one issue for travel managers these days. We know this, not just because technology stories dominate the trade press (including our own ACTE Quarterly) but, frankly, because our members tell us so. In the past year, we have dedicated several regional forums solely on the topic, and the technology sessions at last year's ACTE conference in Seattle were standing room only. that's why we've expanded our technology track and lengthened the program at this month's ACTE IX Chicago Conference by half a day. It's also why the conference theme is "Optimizing Interactive Solutions." The focus on interactive technologies in travel comes at a time when many companies are building their own intranet sites linked to corporate intranets and to the Internet. The interaction literally takes place among travelers, travel managers, travel agencies, information service providers, and in some cases, directly with CRSs and suppliers. Better information is the key to better purchasing; it's also the pathway to streamlining the entire travel process. There's an old saying that travel managers are resistant to technology that they're fearful of its complexity, and concerned about making purchasing decisions when the technology is expensive, frequently changing, and often still experimental. Those are legitimate concerns. But it's my understanding that it often isn't the travel manager who's resistant, it's more likely the travelers, who are reluctant to learn a new skill (even if it's not terribly difficult) or to trust the safety of proprietary information (like travel dates and credit card information) when it's transmitted over the World Wide Web, even though security safeguards are in place. Part of our jobs, then, is to do a good job of selling a travel program in which advanced technology is part of the equation. It's in all of our best interests to improve traveler productivity which also has real impact on a corporate bottom line. There's no question travel technology is a complex, and even intimidating, topic. That's why ACTE is devoting so much time and attention to it, and why we have placed so much importance on sharing best practices. We look forward to seeing you at ACTE IX, and to sharing our collective knowledge.
Earl Foster
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