Press Release

For Immediate Release
20 November 2007

Corporate Attendance Increases Dramatically For ACTE Canada Education Conference

Calgary --

Now in its second year, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives’ (ACTE) Canada Education Conference drew a dramatic five percent increase in corporate attendance. According to a statement issued by the association’s Executive Director Susan Gurley, 30 percent of the nearly 300 delegates who attended the three-day event in Calgary (18-20 November 2007) were corporate representatives. This is a five percent increase in corporate attendance over last year’s event.

“Several factors contributed to increased attendance by corporate members." said Gurley. "The introduction of several ‘buyer-oriented’ sessions generated considerable appeal among members looking for a program with a strong corporate content. Plus the agenda was crafted with a balanced mix of sessions providing solutions for challenges facing both buyers and suppliers.”

A five percent increase in corporate participation, coupled with overall attendance figures of nearly 300 for a second year event, becomes truly significant when compared with the industry demographic for Canada. The majority of travel management executives are based in the eastern half of the country. This level of participation in a western-based event is indicative of confidence in the program and strong brand loyalty.

ACTE strives for innovation and progress at every conference, national or global, and one of the primary presentations included the 2008 Business Travel Outlook, a white paper created by a new alliance between the association and the Conference Board of Canada. This was introduced as new “annual” event and a powerful planning tool for travel managers. A session on sustainability also drew large participation. ACTE Canada formed an alliance with the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) this summer, providing member access to a national directory of green hotel properties.

It was also announced that the 2008 ACTE Canada Education Conference would be held 16-18 November, in Toronto. Details will be posted as they become available on www.acte.org

For more information, contact:
Monica Hailstone
Regional Director, ACTE Canada
t: 613-836-7652
[email protected]

Jack Riepe
Global Communications
t: 610-719-8396
c: 610-952-0763
e: [email protected]

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