GBTA Canada Business Travel Forums

The GBTA Canada Business Travel Forums are meticulously crafted as a one-day education and networking program replicated in four Canadian cities:  Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Toronto.  The program is strategically structured to deliver invaluable knowledge, profound insights, and cutting-edge education to an industry grappling with escalating costs, supply chain uncertainties, and multifaceted disruptions.

Alongside the invaluable educational content, the Forums offer curated networking opportunities, with ample time allocated for meaningful buyer interaction within the Supplier Showcase. By participating in these enriching workshops, our esteemed sponsors gain a crucial platform to highlight their commitment to evolving in alongside the ever-changing landscape of travel programs and traveler expectations.

Sponsoring the Business Travel Forum unequivocally underscores our travel suppliers’ dedication to advancing the Canadian Business Travel Industry and fortifying the development of robust Corporate Travel Programs. Join us in driving the growth of the Canadian business travel sector while forging lasting connections and staying at the forefront of industry innovation.

Calgary

September 19

Montreal

October 22

Toronto

October 24

GBTA Buyer Member Buyer Nonmember GBTA Supplier Member Supplier Nonmember
$0 Complimentary $25.00

If you become a GBTA member, you will pay $345.00.  By adding membership during registration, you will save $25.00 on membership activation fees. 
$300 $395.00

If you become a GBTA member, you will pay $300.00 towards the event and $95.00 for membership.  By adding membership during registration, you will save $25.00 on membership activation fees.

2024 Sponsor

Featured

Ready to Sponsor?

Ready to sponsor or need expert advice on which opportunity is best for your organization? Fill out the form below and a member of our Sponsorship team will reach out to you shortly. 

Agenda

All events will feature the same agenda.

7:00 AM – 1:30 PM 

Registration

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Sponsor Showcase

8:30 AM – 9:15 AM

Buyer Only Breakfast

9:30 AM – 9:35 AM

Welcome and Opening Remarks

• GBTA Welcome
• Host Hotel Welcome

With:
Janette Acosta Sanchez
Country Director – GBTA Canada

9:35 AM – 10:20 AM

Session #1 – “Content Crisis” – Ever Changing Distribution Strategies for Suppliers

Airlines are not the only ones disrupting the way we get content. NDC for Hotels? Yup, that’s a thing and it’s coming soon. Sourcing rail content from aggregator is becoming common. NDC vs. EDIFACT, what is the difference, and why do I care? My hotel gives me bonus points if I book on their app. Are loyalty points the new world currency?  All of these changes make us less dependent on a GDS, how will a TMC service a booking?  I’m confused! Help, this is a crisis! 

CALGARY speaker:
Kristen Hrycoy, Sr. Global Partner Business Manager, SAP Concur

MONTREAL speaker: 
Kristen Hrycoy, Sr. Global Partner Business Manager, SAP Concur

TORONTO speaker: 
Kristen Hrycoy, Sr. Global Partner Business Manager, SAP Concur 

10:20 AM – 10:40 AM

Supplier Spotlight   

The Spotlight will be on our participating sponsor suppliers as they share a brief highlight important for Canadian business travel.  

10:40 AM – 11:00 AM

Networking Break & Sponsor Showcase   

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Session #2 – Meeting and Events Attendee Experience  

This session will map out the attendee journey from pre-event and registration to post event engagement, helping to identify opportunities to provide personalized experiences, target attendee preferences, pain points and understand audience expectations. We will provide best practices for delivering a successful event with high attendee engagement.  Our panelists will share insights and perspectives on how to successfully plan for the attendee journey to achieve overall goals. 

CALGARY speaker:
Natasha Botbijl, Meetings & Event Co-ordinator – Ledcor Industries Inc.
Carol Lyle, Sr. Manger Sales – Hilton
Jeff Reyes, Account Director – IHG Global Sales

MONTREAL speaker: 
Vanessa Menard, Global Account Executive Global Sales U.S & Canada – Mariott
Andrew Levesque, ​Corporate Meeting and Event Manager ​CGI​
Helen Thibault​, Account Director, IHG Global Sales​IHG Hotels & Resorts​

TORONTO speaker: 
Lisa Veress, Manager, Travel Operations Manulife Financial
Vanessa Menard, Global Account Executive, Global Sales U.S & Canada – Marriott 

11:45 PM– 12:30 PM

Session #3 – Individual Profile Risk   

An inclusive organizational culture isn’t just about internal dynamics—it’s also crucial for managing travel risk effectively.  We will talk about how individual traveler profile characteristics can multiply the risk level of a destination, and how to identify these multipliers, and ensure you are providing the right advice and adequate protection to all your business travelers. We will discuss strategies for addressing individual profile risk in trip preparation, and the additional value that this will bring to your travel program, and your organization. 

CALGARY speaker:
Kate King, Director Global Travel Partnerships – International SOS
Peta-Gaye Pottinger, Global Immigration Program Manager – Fragomen

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Networking Lunch & Sponsor Showcase   

1:30 PM – 2:15 PM

Session #4 – “Don’t Show Me The Money” Invisible Hotel Payment Process

Explore virtual payments, their mechanics, benefits, drawbacks, and self-assessment questions to gauge their suitability for your organization. We will dive into the problems they can solve and how they work along with possible concerns to be aware of. This is well suited for anyone making payments for corporate travel. 

CALGARY speaker: Carmen Stinson, Managing Director, National Corporate Housing
MONTREAL speaker:  Stacy Mack, Chair of the Payment Solutions Committee
TORONTO speaker:  Michael Duffy, VP Product and Innovation Grasp Technologies 

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM

Session #5 – NDC Report Card – PART 1

NDC Report Card: Implementation status and learnings from around the world – A separately taped fireside chat with two IATA representatives to discuss how NDC implementation is going for other regions around the world and what Canada can learn from them on our journey. 

Pre-recorded Video-panel discussion 
Yanick Hoyles, Director, Distribution, IATA
Michaela Zaharieva, Manager, Distribution Communications, IATA

CALGARY speaker:
Caroline Johnson, Manager, Corporate Sales, Air Canada

2:30 PM – 2:50 PM

Supplier Spotlight 

The Spotlight will be on our participating sponsor suppliers as they share a brief highlight important for Canadian business travel. 

2:50 PM – 3:15 PM

Break & Sponsor Showcase

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM

Session #6 – Role of Sustainability Procurement Standards in a Hotel Program  

Hotel procurement forms a crucial part of managed travel programs, with travel managers often evaluating thousands of hotel RFP (Request for Proposal) responses annually. As sustainability becomes a core objective in many travel programs, having a straightforward approach to assess the sustainability of hotel suppliers is more essential than ever. To meet this need, the GBTA Foundation, in collaboration with the Sustainability Committee, has released the new Sustainable Procurement Standards for Hotels.

• Where is your organization at on your sustainability journey
• What are the right questions to include in your RFPs that align with your sustainability goals
• Are your hotel partners supporting your sustainability goals

CALGARY speaker:
Derrick Britt, Director, Sales Canada, Choice Hotels

MONTREAL speaker:
Megan Page, Senior Advisor, Norton Rose Fulbright

TORONTO speaker:
Brenda McCullough, Area Sales Manager, Hilton Hotels

4:00 PM – 4:15 PM

Session #7 – IATA Fireside Chat – PART 2

A separately taped fireside chat with two IATA representatives to discuss how NDC implementation is going for other regions around the world and what Canada can learn from them on our journey.  

Yanick Hoyles, Director, Distribution, IATA 
Michaela Zaharieva, Manager, Distribution Communications, IATA Facilitator: TBD

Calgary speaker:
Caroline Johnson, Manager, Corporate Sales, Air Canada

4:15 PM – 4:30 PM

Wrap-Up & Prize Drawing 

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Networking Reception in Sponsor Showcase 

*Please note that the agenda can be subject to change

Thank you for your interest in the upcoming GBTA Canada Business Travel Forum in Vancouver.

After carefully reviewing current market conditions and receiving valuable feedback, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Vancouver forum. Please know this decision was not made lightly, and we regret any disruption this may cause. 

While we won’t be able to connect in Vancouver, we would love to see you at one of our other upcoming GBTA Business Travel Forums in Canada: 

September 19: Calgary
October 22: Montreal
October 24: Toronto 

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out via jsanchez@gbta.org

Thank you to our venue sponsor:

hilton300x190

Room Block

Rooms are available at a rate of $279 per night, plus applicable taxes. Each individual guest must make their own reservations by, Friday, August 23, 2024. They must identify themselves as members of the Global Business Travel Association Group. All reservations must be guaranteed and accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card. Reservations can be made by calling the Hotel Toll Free Line at 1-888-744-5866, Locally at (604) 438-1200, Central Reservations at 1-888-559-4599 or by using this reservation link.

Cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to arrival date and no-shows will be charged one night room and tax to their credit card.

Check in Time: 4:00PM
Check Out Time: 12 Noon

Parking:

Attendee Day Parking: Complimentary parking for the first 3 hours is available in the underground parkade in Red, Brown and Green zones on P1, P2, P3 and P4, $3.00 each half hour or portion to a maximum of $13.00 per day inclusive of tax (subject to change). The parkade is accessible off Kingsborough Street.

Overnight Registered Guests: There is a Blue Zone located on each level and parking in this zone is reserved for overnight hotel guests/valet service only. Guests must register their vehicle’s license plate at the front desk. Access to the Hotel Lobby via stairs or elevator is located in the “Blue” zone. Overnight self-parking is available at $21.00 inclusive of tax per day. Daytime valet parking is available at $19.00 and overnight valet parking is available at $29.00, both inclusive of tax per day. Subject to change.

The clearance of the parkade is 6’6”. The hotel does not have on site over-height parking, however, please reach out for alternative parking options. Additional charges may apply.

Registration Pricing:

GBTA Buyer Member Buyer Nonmember GBTA Supplier Member Supplier Nonmember
$0 Complimentary $25.00

If you become a GBTA member, you will pay $345.00.  By adding membership during registration, you will save $25.00 on membership activation fees. 
$300 $395.00

If you become a GBTA member, you will pay $300.00 towards the event and $395.00 for membership.  By adding membership during registration, you will save $25.00 on membership activation fees.

2024 Sponsor

Featured

Ready to Sponsor?

Ready to sponsor or need expert advice on which opportunity is best for your organization? Fill out the form below and a member of our Sponsorship team will reach out to you shortly. 

GBTA Canada Business Travel Forums | Calgary

Event Details

The GBTA Canada Business Travel Forum 2024 in Calgary will be Thursday September 19th, 2024, hosted by:

Alt Hotel Calgary University District
482 McLaurin St. NW
Calgary, AB T3B 6K3
403-648-0482
Hotel Website

altl hotel calgary

Thank you to our venue sponsor:

alt hotels300x190

Room Block

Rooms are available for this event at a starting ate of $175 per night, plus applicable taxes, Rooms must be booked by August 20th, 2024.

Rooms can be booked by calling the hotel directly at 833-391-0482 or 403-648-0482 or by using this reservation link.

All reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card.

Check In Time: 3:00PM
Check out Time: 12 Noon

Parking

Underground Parking is available day and night. $20 for 24 hours.

Registration Pricing:

GBTA Buyer Member Buyer Nonmember GBTA Supplier Member Supplier Nonmember
$0 Complimentary $25.00

If you become a GBTA member, you will pay $345.00.  By adding membership during registration, you will save $25.00 on membership activation fees. 
$300 $395.00

If you become a GBTA member, you will pay $300.00 towards the event and $95.00 for membership.  By adding membership during registration, you will save $25.00 on membership activation fees.

2024 Sponsor

Featured

Ready to Sponsor?

Ready to sponsor or need expert advice on which opportunity is best for your organization? Fill out the form below and a member of our Sponsorship team will reach out to you shortly. 

GBTA Canada Business Travel Forums | Montreal

Event Details

The GBTA Canada Business Travel Forum 2024 in Montreal will take place on Tuesday October 22nd, 2024, hosted by:

Marriott Montréal Chateau Champlain
1 Place du Canada, Montréal QC H3B 4C9
Tel: 514-878-9000
Hotel Website

marriott montreal

Thank you to our venue sponsor:

marriott300z190

Room Block

Rooms are available for this event at a rate of $275 per night, plus applicable taxes. Rooms must be booked by September 21st, 2024.

Rooms can be booked by calling the hotel directly, 514-878-9000, 800-200-5909 or by using this reservation link.

All reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card. The Hotel will not hold any reservations unless secured by one of these methods. Individual reservations may be cancelled at no charge up to 48 hours before the arrival date. The Hotel will assess a fee equal to one (1) night’s stay, plus applicable taxes, if cancellations are received after this deadline.

Check In Time: 4:00PM
Check Out Time: 12 Noon

Parking:

Underground Self Parking:
$23 for 12 hours
$32 for 24 hours
$39 for 24 hours with in and out privileges

Valet:
$46
The parking structure has a maximum if 6 foot height and is unable to accommodate oversized vehicles.

Registration Pricing:

GBTA Buyer Member Buyer Nonmember GBTA Supplier Member Supplier Nonmember
$0 Complimentary $25.00

If you become a GBTA member, you will pay $345.00.  By adding membership during registration, you will save $25.00 on membership activation fees. 
$300 $395.00

If you become a GBTA member, you will pay $300.00 towards the event and $95.00 for membership.  By adding membership during registration, you will save $25.00 on membership activation fees.

2024 Sponsor

Featured

Ready to Sponsor?

Ready to sponsor or need expert advice on which opportunity is best for your organization? Fill out the form below and a member of our Sponsorship team will reach out to you shortly. 

GBTA Canada Business Travel Forums | Toronto

Event Details

The GBTA Canada Business Travel Forum 2024 in Toronto will take place on Thursday October 24th, 2024, hosted by:

Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Center
801 Dixon Rd
Toronto
ON M9W 1J5
416-675-6100
Hotel Website

sheraton toronto

Thank you to our venue sponsor:

sheraton300z190

Room Block

Rooms are available for this event at a rate of $239.00 plus applicable taxes. These rooms are available until September 24th, 2024. Rooms can be booked by calling 866-932-7058 or by using this reservation link.

All reservations must be accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card.  Hotel will not hold any reservations unless secured by one of the above methods.

Check In: 3:00PM
Check Out: 12 Noon

Registration Pricing:

GBTA Buyer Member Buyer Nonmember GBTA Supplier Member Supplier Nonmember
$0 Complimentary $25.00

If you become a GBTA member, you will pay $345.00.  By adding membership during registration, you will save $25.00 on membership activation fees. 
$300 $395.00

If you become a GBTA member, you will pay $300.00 towards the event and $95.00 for membership.  By adding membership during registration, you will save $25.00 on membership activation fees.

2024 Sponsor

Featured

Ready to Sponsor?

Ready to sponsor or need expert advice on which opportunity is best for your organization? Fill out the form below and a member of our Sponsorship team will reach out to you shortly. 

GBTA Canada Business Travel Forums 2024 Sponsorship Prospectus

Join us in driving the growth of the Canadian business travel sector while forging lasting connections and staying at the forefront of industry innovation. Sponsoring the Business Travel Forum unequivocally underscores our travel suppliers’ dedication to advancing the Canadian Business Travel Industry and fortifying the development of robust Corporate Travel Programs.

Give your organization the best opportunity to connect to the business travel community while expanding your network, increasing lead generation efforts, and enhancing branding opportunities.

Interested? Contact our sponsorship team with any questions.

52903617318 4c6e24d562 k

Sponsorship Opportunities

$7,500 CAD

  • One (1) tabletop exhibit
  • Two (2) complimentary supplier staff registrations.
  • Two (2) complimentary buyer registrations.  Sponsor is encouraged to invite 2 buyers for this event.
  • Logo recognition on GBTA website, official materials, and slide recognition banners.
  • All-attendee registration list distributed two (2) times: (name, title, company) 2 weeks prior, 1 week post.

$12,500 CAD

  • One (1) tabletop exhibit
  • Two (2) complimentary supplier staff registrations.
  • Two (2) minute speaking opportunity during general session (may be used for video commercial (60-second max), speech and/or presentation).
  • Logo recognition on GBTA website, official materials, and slide recognition banners.
  • Opportunity to be included in the raffle. Sponsor is required to contribute a prize per city to participate.
  • All-attendee registration list distributed two (2) times: (name, title, company) 2 weeks prior, 1 week post.

$18,500 CAD

  • One (1) tabletop exhibit
  • Two (2) complimentary supplier staff registrations.
  • Two (2) minute speaking opportunity during general session (may be used for video commercial (60-second max), speech and/or presentation).
  • Logo recognition on GBTA website, official materials, and slide recognition banners.
  • Opportunity to be included in the raffle. Sponsor is required to contribute a prize per city to participate.
  • All-attendee registration list distributed two (2) times: (name, title, company) 2 weeks prior, 1 week post.

Contact Us

Interested in sponsoring or have a question? Fill out the form below and a member of our team will reach out shortly.

Make the Most of Your GBTA Canada Business Travel Forum 2024 Experience

We look forward to welcoming you soon at one of our Business Travel Forums!  Take advantage of these helpful tips to make the most of your day:

Venue and Hotel:

Alt Hotel Calgary University District
482 McLaurin St. NW
Calgary, AB T3B 6K3
403-648-0482
Hotel Website

Located in the heart of Expanding University District.

Check in Time: 3:00PM
Check Out Time: 12 Noon

Parking:

Underground Parking is available day and night. $20 for 24 hours, based on availability. Additional parking: Street and parking lots available. Please see map here.

Agenda:

Please click here for the latest agenda. This will also be provided via a QR Code located on the back of your Registration Badge. General Session and supplier showcase will take place on the level 2 of the hotel, in the Indigo and Magenta Rooms.

Dress Code:

This event is business casual.  Please keep in mind, temperatures in the meeting rooms can fluctuate, so for those who tend to get cold, a light sweater or jacket is recommended.

Weather:

Weather in Calgary AB is generally between 4 C and 16 C during the month of September.

Registration:

General registration for the event will be from 7:00AM and 1:30 PM on the day of the event, located in the Chateau Foyer. The General Session is located in the Samuel Room on the Chateau floor of the hotel. The Supplier Showcase and Reception are also located on this level.

Social Media:

Follow GBTA Canada LinkedIn for news and updates anduse #GBTABTF2024 to post about this event!  

Exhibitors:

Exhibitors can set up starting at 6:30AM to 8:00AM on the Day of the event.  A Table will be available labeled with your company name in the supplier showcase. Please see the Registration desk prior to setting up in order to register and locate any items you may have shipped to the event.

Venue and Hotel:

Marriott Montreal Chateau Champlain
1 Place du Canada
Montreal, QC H3B 4C9
514-878-9000
Hotel Website

Enjoy your urban adventure by staying at the most iconic hotel in downtown Montreal.

Check in Time: 4:00PM
Check Out Time: 12 Noon

Parking:

Underground Self Parking:
$23 for 12 hours
$32 for 24 hours
$39 for 24 hours with in and out privileges

Valet:

$46
The parking structure has a maximum of 6-foot height and is unable to accommodate oversized vehicles

Agenda:

Please click here for the latest agenda. This will also be provided via a QR Code located on the back of your Registration Badge. General Session and supplier showcase will take on the Chateau Floor of the hotel, on level A, in the Champlain and Samuel rooms. Please click on the Chateau level on the smart elevators screen, or go 1 level below main lobby if you want to use the stairs.

Dress Code:

This event is business casual.  Please keep in mind, temperatures in the meeting rooms can fluctuate, so for those who tend to get cold, a light sweater or jacket is recommended.

Weather:

Weather in Montreal is generally between 6°C and 13°C during the month of October.

Registration:

General registration for the event will be from 7:00AM and 1:30 PM on the day of the event, located in the Chateau Foyer. The General Session is located in the Samuel Room on the Chateau floor of the hotel. The Supplier Showcase and Reception are also located on this level.

Social Media:

Follow GBTA Canada LinkedIn for news and updates and use #GBTABTF2024 to post about this event! 

Exhibitors:

Exhibitors can set up starting at 6:30AM to 8:00AM on the Day of the event.  A table will be available labeled with your company name in the supplier showcase. Please see the registration desk prior to setting up in order to register and locate any items you may have shipped to the event.

Venue and Hotel:

Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Center
801 Dixon Rd
Toronto, ON M9W 1J5
416-675-6100
Hotel Website

Comfortable Stays in Ontario begin here, offering a shuttle service to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)

Check in Time: 3:00PM
Check Out Time: 12 Noon

Parking:

The hotel will offer complimentary self parking for this event.

Guest driving in with guestroom
Guest may register at Front Desk upon check-in.

Guest driving in with no guestroom:
Outside each function space, a QR code with a Unique parking code below will be posted for attendees to scan.

They will be prompted to enter their parking code & license plate details for swift registration.

Once the Guest has registered their License Plates, the information is noted automatically on our Database, and we do not require anything to be displayed on the Car.

Agenda:

Please click here for the latest agenda. This will also be provided via a QR Code located on the back of your Registration Badge. General Session and supplier showcase will take on the First Floor of the hotel, in the Ambrosia Ballroom and Foyer.

Dress Code:

This event is business casual.  Please keep in mind, temperatures in the meeting rooms can fluctuate, so for those who tend to get cold, a light sweater or jacket is recommended.

Weather:

Weather in Calgary AB is generally between 8 C and 59 C during the month of October.

Registration:

General registration for the event will be from 7:00AM and 1:30 PM on the day of the event, located in the Chateau Foyer. The General Session is located in the Samuel Room on the Chateau floor of the hotel. The Supplier Showcase and Reception are also located on this level.

Social Media:

Follow GBTA Canada LinkedIn for news and updates and use #GBTABTF2024 to post about this event! 

Exhibitors:

Exhibitors can set up starting at 6:30AM to 8:00AM on the Day of the event.  A Table will be available labeled with your company name in the supplier showcase. Please see the Registration desk prior to setting up in order to register and locate any items you may have shipped to the event.