Reflections on 2022 Convention – from the GBTA Board of Directors

What a week it has been at the GBTA Convention in San Diego! We gathered with 4,626 of our global business travel industry peers from over 50 countries – including 1,020 buyers representing 550 companies. And we met so many who are new to our association -- over 1,000 first-timers came to Convention.

As we all make our way home from a really exciting week, we have a few reflections to share:

• Global business travel is back, different but better.
• Our association is back, different but better.
• And, Convention is back, different but better.

We tried a lot of new things at our biggest event of the year. We heard your feedback which was overwhelmingly positive, as well as some opportunities where we could do better. The Main Stage sessions on our first-ever theater-in-the-round, the education sessions, the debates, the massively attended Expo… And of course, the moments to (Re)Connect, (Re)Imagine and (Re)Create with so many of you. There’s so much good to celebrate from the past few days. (And feet to rest.)

This is just a sampling of words from the many comments and texts we received from attendees regarding the Convention – thank you for your support and feedback:

Well received | inspiring | tremendous | appreciative | successful | well-structured | incredible | amazing | excellent | motivating | informative | relevant | engaging | terrific | energetic | real connection | proud | powerful | many voices | diverse | enthusiastic | wonderful | pleased | openness | personal | global | high energy | transparent | sustainable | buzzing | innovative | genuine | camaraderie.

We hope you have had a chance to see and read about our new GBTA brand. We are so excited about the many voices and one purpose which we represent as your Board of Directors.

We wish a fond farewell and big thanks to outgoing Board members Rita Visser, Connie Smith and Phillip Pena. And we give a warm welcome to new board members Barbara Rose, Sue Spears, and Kevin Sullivan.

We are grateful for all of you who attended Convention 2022 and made this event one for the books. We look forward to seeing you at upcoming GBTA global conferences…. Brussels, Bangkok, Mexico City, Toronto, and Dallas!

Sincerely,
Denise Truso, Board President, and The GBTA Board of Directors

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Crisis24 Intelligence Brief

Australia - Unionized rail workers to strike in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Aug. 31. Transport disruptions, crowding on available trains likely.

Russia - Russia extends flight restrictions at 10 southwestern airports and one airport in Russian-annexed Crimea until at least Aug. 23.

Thailand - Activists likely to rally across Thailand through the end of August to demand Prime Minister Prayut's resignation. Disruptions likely.

United Kingdom - Public transport workers to strike in London Aug. 19-20 in addition to UK-wide Aug. 18, 20 rail strikes; major travel disruptions likely.

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