Press Release
For Immediate Release
19 December 2007
ACTE/AEGVE Forum Boasts 65 Percent Corporate Attendance
-- Educational event in Toledo, Spain explores travel management issues
Alexandria, Va. (Dec. 19, 2007) -- The last week in November marked the third annual joint educational forum organized by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) and Asociación Española de Gestores de Viajes de Empresa (AEGVE). The two-day event, held at the new Hilton BuenaVista Hotel in Toledo, Spain, was the first joint forum by the two organizations. The event focused on travel management issues facing the Spanish market.
The first day of the forum consisted of corporate roundtable discussions and workshops. More than 50 of the most influential travel managers in Spain convened to discuss topics that included:
• The possibilities of creating a standard RFP document,
• The effect of emerging technologies on daily operations, and
• Methods of calculating the total cost of a trip.
The second day of the forum began with welcoming remarks from both associations followed by a keynote presentation from Dr. Sara Morgenstern, Psychology Professor, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED). Dr. Morgenstern presented her research on the needs and perceptions of a traveler, providing insight into best practices for employee buy-in and compliance.
The Vice President of Hilton was also on hand to provide insight into working with hotel franchises, outlining pricing, total cost and general cost. Mayte Sabone, Travel Coordinator Meetings & Conference Manager, Laboratorios Lilly España remarked that, “The forum was a great opportunity for networking, as it allowed people from the most important companies in Spain to come together and share best practices.” She continued, “The workshops on Monday demonstrated that the knowledge of the members is very high, and the possibility of exchanging experiences and best practices is extremely attractive to those in the industry.”
Further sessions included an insider’s perspective of the airline industry by Iberian Airlines and Aeropuertos Españoles Navegación Aerea (AENA). Representatives discussed the 2008 Open Skies legislation as it will apply to Spain, and educated the audience on the role of airports in air transport. The forum concluded with a final education session on technology. Overall, more than 75 delegates attended the two-day event, with 65 percent of those in attendance being corporate buyers.
In his closing remarks, AEGVE’s current President, Augusto Pardo, formally announced that Damian Arroyo of Anaya will be the Association’s next president. Pardo was recognized for his outstanding service and dedication as the President of AEGVE.
ABOUT ACTE:
The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) represents the global business travel industry through its international advocacy efforts, executive level educational programs, and independent industry research. ACTE's membership consists of senior travel industry executives from more than 50 countries representing the €200 billion business travel industry. With the support of sponsors from every major segment of the business travel industry, ACTE develops and delivers educational programs in key business centers throughout the world. ACTE has offices in Asia, Canada, Europe, Latin America, South Africa, and the United States. For more information on ACTE, please go to www.acte.org.
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