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Introducing the Ladders NextGen Workforce

GBTA Foundation Rolls Out Strategic Initiative to Build the Future of Business Travel .

The GBTA Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the Ladders NextGen Workforce initiative — a new effort designed to attract, develop, and elevate the next generation of leaders in the global business travel industry. 

Branded Ladders NextGen Workforce, this evolves the Ladders brand to encompass attracting and developing future leaders.  It’s important to note that the existing Ladders program remains intact and will continue to operate as the team-based seasonal program that drives innovation and business travel leadership development. 

As our industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future of business travel depends on the talent we cultivate today. With experienced professionals retiring and roles transforming rapidly due to technology and global change, the need to engage early-career professionals and students has never been more urgent. The NextGen Workforce initiative is our answer to that call. 

What Is the Ladders NextGen Workforce Initiative? 

The Ladders NextGen Workforce is a global initiative that will launch with an awareness campaign aimed at introducing the business travel industry to a new audience — particularly students and early-career professionals who may not yet be aware of the career opportunities it offers. Leslie Andrews, a member of the GBTA Foundation Board of Directors, shared: “When you think of travel careers, you need to think beyond greeting someone at the front desk. The breadth and the depth of the industry is far beyond that. Every profession has a place in the travel industry. Whether it’s sales, procurement, marketing, data science, product development, software development, or account management (just to name some) – there is an opportunity to build and grow your career within the exciting world of business travel.” 

Following the awareness campaign, the initiative will enter additional phases that include: 

  • Building strategic partnerships with universities, employers, and talent organizations 
  • Creating activations with GBTA Chapters and Regional Partners to foster local outreach and engagement 
  • Ensuring strong alignment between the GBTA Foundation and GBTA Global programs, with a focus on shared educational and workforce development goals 

The initiative is designed to open doors, build bridges, and help emerging professionals connect their ambitions with the dynamic world of business travel. 

Why Now? 

The talent pipeline into business travel is shrinking, and awareness of the industry as a viable, exciting career path remains low among students and early-career professionals.  

This initiative aims to close that gap — not just by recruiting the next generation, but by actively investing in their development, connection, and success. 

Join Us in Shaping What’s Next 

The Ladders NextGen Workforce initiative isn’t just a program — it’s a movement to build a stronger, more sustainable future for our industry. 

Learn more about how to get involved by visiting NextGen Ladders webpage or contacting GBTA Foundation team. at foundation@gbta.org.