The Business of Travel

About Episode One: Singapore has a 2040 vision for the future of business events. What does that mean for the rest of APAC? In the latest episode of Business of Travel, GBTA's APAC MICE Power Talks series, Navodit Srivastava, Hospitality Cloud Leader for Cvent in Asia Pacific, sits down with Carrie Kwik of the Singapore Tourism Board to explore how one of the region's leading destinations is preparing for the next two decades of MICE growth. They unpack infrastructure investment, sustainability priorities, evolving buyer expectations, and what it takes for destinations to remain competitive in a complex regional landscape. About APAC MICE Power Talks GBTA APAC MICE Power Talks is a thought-leadership podcast series created by the GBTA APAC MICE Committee to explore how the business events industry is evolving across Asia-Pacific. Designed for corporate buyers, destinations, venues, DMCs, and industry partners, the series brings forward practical conversations on strategy, innovation, sustainability, technology, and the future of meetings and events in one of the world's most dynamic regions. Each episode features candid discussions with industry leaders and decision-makers, focusing on real challenges and opportunities shaping MICE programmes today. The intent is not promotional, but insightful—offering perspectives that help planners, suppliers, and stakeholders make better-informed decisions in a complex, multi-market environment. A defining feature of the podcast is its destination-focused approach. Selected episodes spotlight specific APAC destinations, including established hubs and emerging markets. These conversations go beyond surface-level narratives to examine each destination's MICE ecosystem—covering infrastructure, policy developments, sustainability initiatives, talent, technology adoption, and the unique experiences they offer to global and regional buyers. By combining destination voices with corporate and industry perspectives, GBTA APAC MICE Power Talks provides a balanced view of how destinations are positioning themselves for the future of business events. The series serves as a platform for shared learning, regional collaboration, and forward-looking dialogue—bringing APAC destinations into focus through meaningful, industry-led conversations. Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

The Big Idea: How divisive debates in travel are shaping the future The verdict is in! After three fiery debates across GBTA's APAC, Europe, and Australia conferences, we're unpacking the results, reactions, and revelations that shook the business travel community. This isn't a replay; it's a deep dive into what the debates revealed about the future of our industry. Which arguments swayed the audience? Where did consensus emerge, and where did fault lines deepen? Join us as we explore the key insights and implications from these high-stakes discussions: The Future of OBTs: Are they on the brink of extinction, or evolving with AI and chatbots? Next-Gen Traveller Behaviour: Does flexibility drive better outcomes than rigid policy? Biometrics & Secure ID: Will tech streamline travel or create new global challenges? Expect candid analysis, surprising trends, and expert commentary on what these debates mean for travel programs, technology, and the traveller experience. If you want to know where the industry is headed, and why, this podcast has the answers. Brought to you by BCD Moderator: Chris Elmitt, CEO LIVVE Speakers: Sarah Whiting, Senior Director Global Solutions Engineering, BCD Travel Siobhan Prideaux, Sr Director Sales , BCD Travel Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

In an era where data tells the truth about traveller motivations, "When the Data is the Story" explores how numbers can illuminate narratives of culture, identity, and experience. Drawing from the 2025 Traveller Identity Consensus report, Evita Robinson and Dr. Alana Dillette reveals how BIPOC traveller data does more than quantify, it humanises and reframes the industry's understanding of community-driven exploration and global movement. Key Takeaways: How to translate raw data into storytelling frameworks that reflect lived cultural experiences. The role of inclusive data collection in shaping equitable tourism narratives. Strategies for leveraging insights from underrepresented travellers to inform media, marketing, and policy. Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Danielle Caviar, VP of Sales for BlockSky, shares insights on how her company is reshaping corporate travel through innovative partnerships, like the one with Kayak for Business. She highlights the benefits of blockchain technology for real-time data syncing and the importance of direct airline connections. Danielle discusses the modular integration approach and emphasizes cost reductions for clients in various industries. Furthermore, she delves into automated settlements and transparent pricing, promising significant savings for businesses.

Corporate travel management: obsolete relic of the fax machine era… or the industry's best-kept secret weapon? Depends who you ask. Airlines will say, 'We don't need TMCs.' TMCs will say, 'Good luck with duty of care when your VP of Sales is stuck in O'Hare at 11pm.' This 20-minute discussion will focus on the predictions and fears of the TMC's future role Speakers: Stephanie Lachance EHI, Strategic Sales Director Mauro Di Re, Travel Portfolio and Corporate Expenses – Managing Partner at American Iron & Metal (AIM) Brought to you by the GBTA Canada tech committee Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Personalising the Business Travel Journey: 5 Key Trends You Need to Know Dan Norris, Andrea Batchelor, Juliet Howie, Jo Westlake GBTA Europe Accommodations Committee Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

This is the first in a series of podcasts from the GBTA Europe Technology Committee - exploring the opportunities for AI in the business travel industry. First up is Sarah Whiting & SkyLink. Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

The business travel industry is fueled by innovative supplier companies who focus on serving the needs to both corporate travel programs and the travelers these corporate customers send out on the road for work trips. GBTA is fortunate to have many of these innovative supplier companies serving on its Allied Leadership Council – which is made up of its top industry supporters across several travel categories. In this podcast series, GBTA Allied Leadership Council members along with key executives from their companies discuss top company focus areas, the latest business travel trends they're seeing, and what the future holds for corporate travel programs. Moderator Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA – New York, NY, USA Jorge Cruz: Executive Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing Yannis Karmis: Senior Vice President, Product Planning & Development Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Featuring Liz Fraser, Chief Revenue Officer at Serko, in this thoughtful conversation, we explore how leadership in business travel is transforming to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. From redefining purpose and embracing AI to reinvigorating company culture and building diverse, future-ready teams—this episode uncovers the mindset shifts, skillsets, and strategies that will shape the next era of leadership. Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this is your roadmap to leading with impact in the future of business travel. Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

The business travel industry is fueled by innovative supplier companies who focus on serving the needs of both corporate travel programs and the travelers these corporate customers send out on the road for work trips. GBTA is fortunate to have many of these innovative supplier companies serving on its Allied Leadership Council – which is made up of its top industry supporters across several travel categories. In this podcast series, GBTA Allied Leadership Council members along with key executives from their companies discuss top company focus areas, the latest business travel trends they're seeing, and what the future holds for corporate travel programs. · Moderator Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA – New York, NY, USA · Frank Passanante, Senior Vice President & Global Head of Sales & HRCC, GBTA Allied Leadership Council Member, Hilton · Marizel De La Torre, Vice President Global Distribution, Hilton Music track is Space Jazz by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License