London, UK – The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) - the world’s largest business travel association and worldwide leader in education, research, networking and advocacy for the industry has announced a number of in-person conferences and events as we head into the final quarter of 2021.

The events, held across multiple European locations, are amongst the first face-to-face opportunities for industry colleagues to meet and collaborate in person. Education will continue to be a key component of each event with insightful keynotes from industry leaders and a range of panel discussions covering topical subject matter, each designed to spark interesting debate amongst specialists in their field. Each event will also allow for numerous opportunities to network once again with peers, to rebuild and forge new business relationships.

According to the latest poll of GBTA members and stakeholders, 75% of European respondents expect that business travel will see a significant or moderate increase in the September to November 2021 time frame. This is supported by the latest results highlighting that more than seven in ten GBTA travel buyers felt their employees are ‘willing’ or ‘very willing’ to travel for business in the current environment.

“Following another disruptive year, I am delighted that we are once again able to host a number of in-person events for GBTA members throughout Europe. Safety and duty of care of course remain a priority and each of our events will have additional safety measures in place to ensure the well-being of delegates. Collaboration is perhaps more important than ever for the business travel industry, the return of in-person events will once again unite our industry to continue the safe return to business travel,“ said Catherine Logan, Regional VP EMEA – GBTA, adding "the multiple events across Europe will give delegates the opportunity to address the current industry wide challenges, as well as those specific to the individual regions and markets.”

“We are delighted to be able to return to in-person events and to be partnering with GBTA once again, to host the GBTA Europe Conference in partnership with VDR. Registration is now open, we look forward to welcoming you and giving the business travel community the opportunity to collaborate and network in a safe environment,“ said Hans-Ingo Biehl, Executive Director – VDR.

The In-Person Events include:

  • 16 September - GBTA France Masterclass - Hôtel Le Méridien Etoile, Paris
  • 9 November – GBTA Italy Conference - Milan
  • 6-8 December - GBTA Europe conference in partnership with VDR – Berlin

Registration is now open, please go to https://www.gbta.org/membership-and-communities/chapters-and-regions/europe for more information.

Verband Deutsches Reisemanagement e.V. (German Business Travel Association) (VDR)

The Verband Deutsches Reisemanagement e.V (German Business Travel Association – VDR) is Germany’s association for business travel. It represents the interests of German companies on issues affecting the general and competitive conditions for business travel and mobility. It campaigns for efficient, economical, safe and unhindered global travel possibilities for businesses. With more than 560 member companies, it represents total sales in the business travel sector of more than twelve billion euros annually.

About the Global Business Travel Association

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world's premier business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations on six continents. GBTA's members manage more than $345 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA delivers world-class education, events, research, advocacy, and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts.

About the GBTA Foundation

The mission of the GBTA Foundation, the US 501c3 charitable arm of GBTA, is to help the global business travel industry create a positive impact and a better future for people and the planet. The GBTA Foundation focuses on the strategy and execution of GBTA's global sustainability programs, supporting initiatives related to climate action; diversity, equity and inclusion; and other talent-related topics via education, research and advocacy.

Nikki Stimson
+44(0) 7764 618199
GBTA