 1996 Autumn ACTE Quarterly: President's Message | Automated Booking Systems |
Countering Terrorism PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: REPORT FROM MADRID I'm writing this just after ACTE Global Madrid conference, which by every measure was a success. The city was beautiful, the museums were outstanding, the locals delightful hosts, and the weather held--most of the time. Our social events took excellent advantage of the splendors of Madrid, the mood among the record-breaking crowd was optimistic, and when it came down to business, the sessions were well attended and extremely well received. The conference also drew an equal number of European and North American delegates, reflecting an accurate cross-section of the ACTE membership. The delegates were also overwhelmingly senior level travel management professionals, which contributed to the sophisticated dialogue that was accomplished, formally in various sessions, and informally, during breaks and social events. This sophistication was typified by the conference's advanced focus on automation, a deliberate move by ACTE in response to our members' oft-expressed interest in the subject. It's also why we dedicated a feature in this issue to self-booking products. One of the biggest lessons we learned in Madrid, however, is that automation is but one of many solutions to travel management challenges, like improved efficiency or vendor selection. All too often in our quest for productivity or a healthier bottom line we think of a product or process as some sort of Holy Grail that will solve our biggest headaches instantly. If this is the way you're looking at automation, think again. Automation is a tool, or actually a set of tools, that also includes self-booking products, increased or improved telephonics, e-mail, video and virtual office applications, voice recognition software, automated expense management products, e-ticketing, and, finally, a menu from which to select these options. No one of these tools by themselves is the answer, but their variety of shapes, sizes and utility--plus your travelers' comfort levels--will help determine which you should consider. Our job as corporate travel professionals is to build, and manage this toolbox of travel management tools. ACTE is part of the toolbox, too. Our members represent companies of various sizes, shapes, cultures and experiences; and we can all offer each other important perspectives, contacts, and news as well. All of us at ACTE, at headquarters, on the Board, and in various committees, are working hard to help you develop the platform you need to better accomplish your mission. Call us, write us, e-mail us, and let us know we can help.
Earl Foster
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