Press Release
For Immediate Release
27 March 2007
Travel Managers, Consultants, and Hoteliers Form International “Hotel Think Tank,” Then Take The Concept To ACTE
Alexandria, VA -- An international team of seven ranking travel managers, consultants, and hoteliers has formed a Hotel Think Tank -- and has committed its resources to the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE). According to a statement issued by Jesse Suglia, Global Director of Business Travel Sales Omni Hotels, the group’s purpose is to reach beyond the “nuts and bolts” aspects of hotel programs, and to get the business travel industry thinking about new processes and alternatives to repetitive economic cycles.
“The Hotel Think Tank was conceived and formed to create hotel programs that are more innovative than traditional,” said Suglia. “We want to get away from the day-to-day operations of hotel programs, and deal with the potential of new concepts.” Suglia added that the charter membership of the Hotel Think Tank represents the diversity of the market, with a balance of international travel managers, consultants, and hoteliers.
"Hotel program management continues to evolve, pushed by more structured data-driven approaches on both the procurement side and the hotel supply side. Staying ahead of key trends that impact the market is critical to everyone involved. We are looking to focus on these trends with the goal of providing a factual picture, and practical information that people can act on,” said Brian Nichols, Hotel & Ground Transportation Manager, Deloitte.
The group’s decision to align themselves with ACTE was based on the association’s global scope, its extensive international educational network, and the number of executives that attend ACTE events on a regional basis.
“ACTE has been recognized as a leader in worldwide business travel programs for 18 years. The association’s policy is to respect local programs and dovetail them into an international standard... Not just to inject an Americanized best practices interpretation of how things should work. And ACTE gets the word out consistently on a regional basis. The ACTE education program calls for multiple forums in a region, not just an annual presence,” said Suglia.
The group approached ACTE with the idea in mid-February.
“We examined the Think Tank proposal to be sure it met our criteria and long-term objectives,” said ACTE President Greeley. “These include an impartial perspective and an international agenda. This new resource will also be of tremendous benefit to ACTE’s membership, many of whom are now balancing cost-savings with productivity. Innovative thinking in the hotel sector can have a dramatic impact on both.”
By mutual agreement, the group will be recognized as the “ACTE Hotel Think Tank.” Its current members are:
• Alisa Blanco; Key Account Director, Business Travel Sales InterContinental Hotels Group
• Ann Cleveland-Oey; Category Manager Global Travel management and Indirect Purchasing Finland, Wärtsilä Corporation
• Marianne Hansen, Travel Manager; Chiron Vaccines
• Brian Nichols; Hotel & Ground Transportation Manager, Deloitte
• Mark Williams; Vice President Consulting, BCD Travel
• Jesse Suglia; Global Director of Business Travel Sales Omani Hotels
• Jas Shankla; EMEA Sourcing & Supply Chain Manager - Travel CA (Computer Associates) Global Procurement
Though officially under the aegis of ACTE, the Hotel Think Tank will embark on a course of independent study, using a variety of research means to determine the issues, explore new processes, and recommend solutions. The group will meet at the ACTE Global Education Conference in Miami (May 6 - May 8, 2007).
For more information, contact:
Debbie Flynn
CEO
Brighter Group
The Pod, London's Vertical Gateway
Bridges Wharf, Battersea
London SW11 3BE England
T: 020 7326 9880
F: 020 7326 9890
E: [email protected]
W: www.brightergroup.com