Press Release

For Immediate Release
18 April 2007

Travel Managers Discuss Corporate Social Responsibility

London, UK --

Sustainable procurement and risk management are the topics of a half-day educational event for business travel managers, June 12 in Frankfurt, Germany. The seminar is jointly organized by VDR, the Business Travel Association of Germany and the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE).

As surveys of travel purchasers and meeting professionals have revealed, many are starting to consider the environmental impact of their travel decisions. Travel suppliers are more and more assessed based on their environmental credentials, and some are de-listed for poor environmental records. The seminar will present trends in environmentally conscious business practices, define key components of “green” RFPs and explore ways how suppliers can best answer these new questions. The speakers will share best practices on how to work with suppliers and how business can make a change in reducing emissions and increasing business and operational efficiencies for the future.

Also discussed under the headline “Corporate Social Responsibility” will be key factors in risk management. Threat assessment in a post 9/11 environment leads to re-evaluating pre-existing priorities and travel management choices. This session will focus on how travel managers can work with their supply chain partners to ensure low-risk business travel.

“Travel managers need to address the burning questions of our days,” VDR President Michael Kirnberger comments, “meaningful answers for global challenges can only be found in close collaboration with the very best experts. Our seminar provides valuable insights and helps travel managers to actively push relevant company policies.”

“We are delighted to be working alongside the leading German travel education association on two of the key issues of corporate social responsibility,” said Greeley Koch, ACTE President.  “ACTE first introduced CSR as a major industry initiative two years ago and is working through partnerships around the world to establish CSR as a fundamental part of good business.”

The event will be conducted in German and detailed information is available on the ACTE website (http://www.acte.org/events/details.php?id=131)

VDR The Business Travel Association of Germany
VDR The German Business Travel Association is the leading industry group for corporate travel in Germany. Since 1974, VDR promotes professional mobility by supporting safe, free and efficient international travel in a market environment. VDR is committed to the opportunities of innovation, the exchange of expertise, ongoing education and the advancement of understanding travel management. VDR acts solely in the interest of its corporate members to meet their needs within the constantly changing business travel environment.

Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE)
The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) is a not-for-profit association established by business travel managers in 1988 to provide meaningful education and networking opportunities. ACTE recognizes the interdependence between corporate travel purchasers and corporate travel suppliers and accords both sectors equal membership. ACTE's membership spans all sectors of business travel, from corporate buyers to agencies to suppliers in 50 countries.

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