Global Business Travel Association - GBTA

GBTA Wisconsin Annual Event - GTP Credit Approved
2026-01-13 - 2026-01-14
Join us at the American Club in Kohler Wisconsin January 13-14 for an engaging two-day event hosted by GBTA-Wisconsin. This annual conference blends insightful sessions on emerging travel trends, technology, and leadership with valuable networking opportunities. From motivational keynotes and interactive discussions to industry updates and a silent auction, the event offers a dynamic platform for learning, collaboration, and professional growth in the corporate travel space.

Tuesday, January 13th
Registration begins at 12:00PM
1:00- Direct Session-This session provides an in-depth overview of key travel policies, preferred supplier guidelines, and booking best practices to ensure a smooth and cost-effective travel experience for associates. This session highlights essential procedures, tools, and resources to help you navigate corporate travel confidently and compliantly.
2:00-3:00 – Exploring GBTA Opportunities (WINIT, Ladders and MORE!))
3:00-3:15 -Break
3:15-3:45 Richard Rytman-Director of Corporate Security-Kohler Co
Corporate Traveler Safety
5:00-8:00 Silent Auction
Dinner at Horse and Plow (On your own)
Wednesday, January 14th
7:00-8:00 Breakfast
8:00-8:10: President Remarks/Welcome Opening Session
8:10-9:00 Billy Brimblecom- Keep Moving Forward
Billy’s presentations are highly engaging, blending powerful storytelling with humor and practical applications. His unique background provides credible examples that will resonate with correctional professionals facing daily leadership challenges.
Resilient Leadership Under Pressure - Maintaining team focus during high-stress situations and organizational disruption
Turning Adversity into Opportunity - Transforming unexpected challenges into breakthrough innovations
Building Authentic Team Connections - Creating unshakeable team alignment and trust in demanding environments
Adaptability and Quick Decision-Making - Using improvisation principles for effective leadership when circumstances change
Leading with Purpose - Maintaining core values while navigating complex organizational change
9:00-9:15 Break
9:15am-10:30a Tahnee Perry-AI Strategy & Implementation Advisor- Interactive Session (AI in Travel)
10:30-10:45 BREAK
10:45-11:30 Fred Bowen: Content Chaos in Corporate Travel
A look into the current status of Airline content distribution. This would include a closer look into the various options available to corporate travel managers when sourcing content. Additional information on the current status of NDC, and other potential disruptions which could involve AI.
Key Takeaways:
A better sense of what options are best for your specific corporate travel program needs.
The associated potential impact of each option
What the future holds for travel content and what should I keep an eye out for.
11:30-12:45 Serve Lunch, Sponsor Presentation, Sponsor Presentation, GBTA-Wisconsin Business Meeting
12:45p-1:00p BREAK
1:00p-3:00p Dr. Mark Taylor – What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been- Managing Across the Generations
Successfully navigating and managing with our coworkers, travelers and travel partners requires being able to understand, motivate and communicate effectively with everyone in the workforce, from each generational group. This session will address the most current generational characteristics, issues and dynamics with immediately applicable and impactful recommendations for being an effective leader, and in developing the most productive and positive working environment. Takeaways/ outcomes 1. Generations in the workplace illustrate and reflect larger social changes 2. Each generational cohort brings valuable perspectives, and leadership needs to the workplace. 3. The leadership needs of younger workers are often incongruent with managers’ experiences and preferences.
3:00p-3:15p- Wrap up & prize drawings

GBTA Wisconsin Annual Event in Kohler
2026-01-13 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join us January 13–14 at The American Club in Kohler for the GBTA-WI Annual Conference! Two days of inspiring speakers, industry insights, networking, and our signature Silent Auction. Don’t miss this kickoff to 2026!
Sponsored by: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
Agenda
Tuesday, January 13th
Registration begins at 12:00PM
1:00- Direct & Allied Sessions planned
2:00-3:00 – Exploring GBTA Opportunities
3:00-3:15 -Break-
3:15-3:45 Richard Rytman- State of current travel security and challenges with business travel
Richard is the Director of Global Security for the Kohler Company and responsible for developing and directing Kohler Co.’s security program worldwide. He is an experienced corporate security executive with a proven track record in leadership, strategic planning, and operational excellence. His broad professional background includes that as a lawyer (prosecutor and general counsel), FBI Special Agent, and corporate executive. Richard received a BA in Computer Information Systems from St. Leo University, St. Leo, FL and a JD from Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee. He is a veteran of both the United States Navy (enlisted) and Army (officer).
5:00-8:00 Silent Auction
Dinner at Horse and Plow (On your own)
Wednesday, January 14th
7:00-8:00 Breakfast
8:00-8:10: President Remarks/Welcome Opening Session:
8:10-9:00 Billy Brimblecom- Keep Moving Forward (Motivational)
Billy’s presentations are highly engaging, blending powerful storytelling with humor and practical applications. His unique background provides credible examples that will resonate with correctional professionals facing daily leadership challenges.
Key Takeaways
Resilient Leadership Under Pressure - Maintaining team focus during high-stress situations and organizational disruption
Turning Adversity into Opportunity - Transforming unexpected challenges into breakthrough innovations
Building Authentic Team Connections - Creating unshakeable team alignment and trust in demanding environments
Adaptability and Quick Decision-Making - Using improvisation principles for effective leadership when circumstances change
Leading with Purpose - Maintaining core values while navigating complex organizational change
9:00-9:15 Break
9:15am-10:30a Tahnee Perry -Humans Still Board First (AI in Travel)
AI can write your emails, summarize your reports, maybe even book a flight, but it still can’t calm an irate traveler at 11 p.m.
This session is for anyone curious about how AI can help without replacing what makes your work matter. We’ll dig into real travel examples, test a few tools, and build practical workflows you can put to use right away.
You’ll learn how to:
Identify where AI genuinely improves your work
Experiment with tools that lighten your workload
Translate ideas into quick wins you can bring back to your team
10:30-10:45 BREAK (time to checkout)
10:45-11:30 Fred Bowen: Content Chaos in Corporate Travel
A look into the current status of Airline content distribution. This would include a closer look into the various options available to corporate travel managers when sourcing content. Additional information on the current status of NDC, and other potential disruptions which could involve AI.
Key Takeaways:
A better sense of what options are best for your specific corporate travel program needs.
The associated potential impact of each option
What the future holds for travel content and what should I keep an eye out for.
Fred Bowen is the Sr. Director of Corporate GDS & Global Business Accounts at Amadeus, where he focuses on enhancing corporate travel programs through advanced technology and content aggregation.
Fred also supports the GBTA community as a current member of the Aviation Committee as well as previous roles with both the Payments and Technology Committees. He is an active speaker on NDC and AI initiatives within travel and has spoken at over 20 different local GBTA chapters.
Prior to joining Amadeus, Fred worked at several innovative tech startups as well as notable travel and technology companies including America Online, Microsoft, Sabre and American Airlines.
———
11:30-12:45 Lunch Serve Lunch, Sponsor Presentation, Sponsor Presentation, GBTA-Wisconsin Business Meeting
12:45p-1:00p BREAK
———-
1:00p-3:00p Dr. Mark Taylor – What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been- Managing Across the Generations
Successfully navigating and managing with our coworkers, travelers and travel partners requires being able to understand, motivate and communicate effectively with everyone in the workforce, from each generational group. This session will address the most current generational characteristics, issues and dynamics with immediately applicable and impactful recommendations for being an effective leader, and in developing the most productive and positive working environment.
Takeaways/outcomes:
Generations in the workplace illustrate and reflect larger social changes
Each generational cohort brings valuable perspectives, and leadership needs to the workplace.
The leadership needs of younger workers are often incongruent with managers’ experiences and preferences.
3:00p-3:15p- Wrap up, prize drawings,
Meeting Venue:
The American Club
419 Highland Dr.
Kohler, WI 53044
https://www.kohlerwisconsin.com/accommodations/the-american-club
For reservations: Call 866-934-5085 – Reference room block name: Global Business Travel Association- WI Chapter – GBTA 2026 Annual Conference & Silent Auction
American Club Room Rate: $154.00
Inn on Woodlake Rate: $119.00

January 15 In-Person Monthly Meeting - GTP Credit Approved
2026-01-15 11:00 - 13:30
GBTA’s Leading Lobbyist To Speak
Thursday, January 15
Advocacy in Action
Update on Congressional Support of Business Travel Legislation
Shane Downey, the Global Business Travel Association Vice President of Government Relations and Volunteer Relations , has advocated for business travel and traveler throughout is 20 year tenure in our industry.

Remarks & Take-Aways
Where are we mid cycle – hits and misses of 2025
What’s on the docket – pros and cons for 2026
Looking further on the Future Horizon
About Shane: In addition to serving as GBTA’s lead lobbyist in Washington, D.C. Shane oversees GBTA’s volunteer engagement including GBTA Chapters, Committees and grassroots political activity. He also leads GBTA’s efforts with EU official in Brussels. Shane has served as a Senior Associate at a Washington D.C. lobbying firm and has worked on several Congressional Campaigns. He is a U.S. Marine Corp and Desert Storm veteran,
Tickets
Early Bird : $50 Members / $70 Guests.
After January 8: $90 Member/Guest
Networking & Registration Begin at 11:00am. Meeting Adjourns at 1:30pm.
50/50 Raffle
Proceeds to help fund GBTA Advocacy Efforts
1 Ticket $10 / 3 Tickets $25
Venue
Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway
2020 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337
Thank You To Our Sponsors!
Delta Air Lines Cornerstone Sponsor
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT WWW.GEORGIABTA.ORG

The Year Ahead: 2026 Global Risk Outlook presented by the GBTA Risk Committee - GTP Credit Approved
2026-01-20 10:00 - 11:00
Join GBTA’s Global Risk Committee for The Year Ahead: 2026 Global Risk Outlook, a must-attend live webinar designed to equip organizations with the knowledge they need to navigate the emerging risks of 2026. As we move into the new year, businesses must be proactive in identifying and preparing for key risks to ensure traveler safety and organizational success. Our panel of experts will provide an in-depth review of the emerging risks and how they expect to shape safety and security for global business travelers throughout the year. Tune in for this vital look ahead and enter 2026 with confidence!

The Year Ahead: 2026 Global Risk Outlook presented by the GBTA Risk Committee (APAC) - GTP Credit Approved
2026-01-21 13:00 - 14:00

GBTA US Chapter Leadership Summit 2026
2026-02-02 - 2026-02-03
The GBTA is proud to host the 22nd Annual GBTA US Chapter Leadership Summit! This event brings over 200 US Chapter volunteer leaders from across the country for 2 days of learning including professional development, networking and collaboration to enhance GBTA’s 38 US Chapter organizations.
All US Chapter board members and volunteers are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Event Dates:
Monday, February 2 – Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
1633 N. Biscayne Drive
Miami, FL 33132
305-374-3900
Learn More

GBTA Middle East Business Travel Forum | Dubai
2026-02-11 14:00 - 19:00
Join us for the first-ever GBTA Middle East Business Travel Forum in Dubai
Step into the future of business travel at this landmark regional gathering designed to bring together industry leaders, travel buyers, suppliers, and innovators shaping the business travel landscape across the Middle East and beyond.
This inaugural forum will be your gateway to:

Regional insights into the trends, challenges, and opportunities transforming business travel in the Middle East
Global expertise from thought leaders and seasoned professionals from across the GBTA community
High-value connections with key stakeholders, partners, and peers driving the next era of mobility, meetings, and corporate travel

Whether you’re building new partnerships, seeking strategic knowledge, or exploring emerging solutions, this event is crafted to inspire fresh thinking and spark meaningful dialogue.
Agenda coming soon — stay tuned for speaker announcements, sessions, and networking highlights.
Venue – SO Uptown Dubai Hotel & Residences, Uptown Tower, First Al Khail Street 2, Dubai

Carrefour des Experts Travel & MICE par GBTA
2026-02-17 14:00 - 19:00
Description: Le Carrefour des Experts Travel & MICE par GBTA France du 17 février réunira des acheteurs, Travel Managers et fournisseurs, représentant la chaîne de valeur Travel et MICE. Une opportunité d’échanger avec vos pairs et de bénéficier du retour d’expérience de professionnels sur des thématiques stratégiques. Les partenaires proposeront des retours d’expérience concrets à travers des “case studies” avec des clients.
Start Date and Time: 17 février 2026 2:00 pm CET
End Date and Time: 17 février 2026 07:00 pm CET
Location: Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel
Address: 17 Bd Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France

GBTA Convention Supplier Summit 2026
2026-02-25 12:00 - 18:00
GBTA’s Convention Supplier Summit in Chicago is your go-to event to kick-start 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to unite with industry colleagues and learn about what GBTA has in store for 2026, how you can maximize your GBTA experience, and plan and prepare for the GBTA Convention 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to explore and create customized opportunities to enhance visibility of your company while learning best practices and tips to position you for Convention success.
Start Date and Time: February 25, 2026 12:00 PM; CT
End Date and Time: February 25, 2026 6:00 PM; CT
Location:
McCormick Place Convention Center
2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Drive
Venue Information: Meeting Room name to be confirmed via email to registered attendees
Pricing & RSVP: Complimentary for Suppliers
Learn More

GBTA Canada Conference 2026 - Toronto
2026-04-27
Join us in Toronto for the GBTA Canada Conference, taking place April 27–29 at our new venue, The Westin Harbour Castle. This three-day event brings together the business travel community to network, learn from industry experts, and engage in peer-to-peer education.
Curated by regional thought leaders, the conference will focus on the key issues and opportunities shaping the business travel industry today. Experience an agenda designed to foster learning, community and collaboration, empowering professionals to drive meaningful change across the sector.
Connect with peers, expand your network, and be inspired by innovative content that will deepen your understanding of industry challenges and accelerate your career growth.
Start Date: Monday, April 27,2026
End Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Venue: The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto | 1 Harbour Square, Toronto, ON M5J 1A6, Canada.
Sponsorship and exhibit opportunities are now available.
[Learn More]

GBTA APAC Conference 2026 - Singapore
2026-05-12 - 2026-05-13
GBTA APAC Conference 2026 | Singapore
Join us in Singapore for the 2026 GBTA APAC Conference at Marina Bay Sands on May 12-13, where the business travel community will come together to connect, learn, and grow. Curated by regional thought leaders and backed by GBTA’s global insights, this two-day event will tackle the most pressing issues and emerging opportunities shaping the business travel landscape in Asia Pacific.
We’re excited to announce that the GBTA APAC Conference 2026 will once again be co-located with the WERC Regional Summit – WERC APAC 26, continuing our successful collaboration for a fourth consecutive year.
Date: May 12-13, 2026
Location: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Learn More

Masterclass GBTA France 2026
2026-06-30
Description:
La Masterclass, événement phare du calendrier GBTA France est le rendez-vous des professionnels du Voyage d’Affaires et du MICE.
Des experts acheteurs, Travel Managers et fournisseurs, représentant de la chaine de valeur Travel et MICE donneront un éclairage sur l’industrie et partageront leur retour d’expérience sur des thématiques d’actualité.
Start Date and Time:
30 juin 2026 09:00 am CET
End Date and Time:
30 juin 2026 09:00 pm CET
Location:
Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel 61 Quai de Grenelle, 75015 Paris
