The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention is the largest annual business travel conference and a prime example of an industry event that can help grow your business and career. This year’s GBTA is being held in Chicago, IL from August 3rd – 7th, 2019. Featuring 400+ exhibitors, 175+ education, professional development sessions and nearly 7,000 attendees representing over 50 countries, this is the must-attend event in business travel. As a long time attendee, here is why we think it’s important to attend events with a large impact such as GBTA.

Industry is Always Changing

Industry events such as GBTA are a great opportunity for industry professionals to stay on top of the latest trending technology and topics.

“Last year, we saw a focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Schedules, budgets, and time away from home are stressful, which can sometimes lead to a decreased retention rate,” said Maria Koch, vice president, global sales. “At Fox, we recognized this and understand it is imperative to put a focus on traveler experience working with clients to develop recruiting and retention strategies.”

Professional Development & Educational Opportunities

GBTA and other events offer endless opportunities for professional development and education. By walking through the expo floor, you are not only bound to walk away with awesome swag, but you will also leave the conference a more well-rounded professional.

“My biggest takeaway from last year’s convention is that even after 20+ years in the industry, there is always more to learn, more collaborations to pursue, and our industry is one of constant change. This aligned well with the convention’s theme which was momentum,” said Emily Wright, client solutions manager.

A big driver of change in all industries is technology. From the medical to the auto industry, technology is always advancing and what is possible continues to evolve.

“Technology is creating great opportunities for us as we move forward with new distribution channels and ways of communicating with our travelers and clients,” said Wright.

Large industry events are a fountain of knowledge showcased through education sessions covering new technology and a wide variety of other relevant topics. We encourage you to attend sessions that interest you in addition to those you may not know much about.

If you’re attending this year’s GBTA, research and attend some of the 175 plus educational sessions, including some led by Fox World Travel and big-name celebrities. There is sure to be a session that will stick with you long after the convention doors close.

Networking with Suppliers & Peers

The world of business travel is similar to many other industries in that it is all about connections and who you know! These connections often make the difference in receiving travel incentives as part of your travel program.

“From a supplier standpoint, GBTA is the most important event I attend every year. It gives me the opportunity to schedule meetings with our key partners, stay up to date on the important issues facing our industry and impacting our customer base. It is a great week of networking and solidifying partnerships that helps our business grow and allows us to best serve our customers,” said Mike Heck, vice president, supplier solutions.

Are you attending this year’s GBTA? Let us know! Be sure to follow along with the latest GBTA news and content on our Linkedin page.