Agenda
Monday 27th October
Arrival and Networking 09:00 - 10:00
Opening 10:00 - 10:05
Scott will open the day, joined by Sally Beck, General Manager of the Royal Lancaster. Together they’ll set the tone for the event and highlight the venue’s sustainability initiatives, particularly around catering and the food offering.
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Scott Davies CEO | ITM
Sally Beck General Manager | Royal Lancaster
Scott Davies CEO | ITM Sally Beck General Manager | Royal Lancaster
Navigating AI in Business Travel: Building a Smarter Travel Programme 10:05 - 10:35
As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the corporate travel landscape, this session provides a practical and strategic overview of the technologies transforming the industry—from generative AI to agentic AI.
Framed through the lens of the travel buyer, the discussion will explore how these innovations aim to improve efficiency, reduce cost, enhance traveller experience, and solve longstanding pain points such as compliance to programmes. Delegates will be guided through a roadmap for identifying, evaluating, and integrating AI solutions relevant to their travel programmes—regardless of size or maturity.
The session will also tackle key considerations such as data security, internal stakeholder buy-in, and how to assess the right partners for implementation and support. By the end of the discussion, buyers will walk away with a clear understanding of what’s available today, how to prioritise what matters most to their organisation, and how to future-proof their programme in an evolving AI-driven environment.
The Power of Mentoring 10:35 - 11:25
We all aspire to successful, fulfilling lives and careers. Hear from senior leaders and role models in the travel industry as they share how they have tried to optimise their careers and lives with the support of mentors reverse mentors, sponsors and cheerleaders. This essential session will change the way you think about what success looks like and what it takes to achieve it.
Networking Break 11:25 - 11:55
Keynote Speaker 11:55 - 12:25
The travel industry continues to shape shift and the commercial models that have powered its progress to date are changing. Consolidation in the TMC sector continues as pace but what does this mean for corporate buyers and suppliers alike ? Does culture still eat strategy for breakfast in today’s most successful travel businesses and what leadership is required to navigate an uncertain world and economy. Karen William’s inspirational journey and leadership style will be shared in a session that will provide some memorable takeaways for all.
Karen Williams CFO | Amex GBTDriving Compliance 12:25 - 12:55
Discover practical strategies to drive policy adoption and ensure consistent, company-wide travel compliance.
Networking Lunch 12:55 - 14:10
Building the Baseline - Inclusion & Wellbeing 14:10 - 14:40
Inclusion and wellbeing aren’t just initiatives. They’re the foundations of a thriving, high-performing culture. When people feel valued, safe, and supported, they don’t just belong, they excel.
Yet, many organisations still treat inclusion and wellbeing as separate or soft priorities, rather than as core contributors of business success. The result? Gaps in equity, missed opportunities for innovation, and untapped potential.
Delegates will leave this session with practical ways to boost their own wellbeing and impact, and the tools to help their organisations become a place where people and performance thrive together.
Oliver Henry Head of Inclusion and Wellbeing | easyJetITM Debate Series: The Future of Accommodation in Business Travel 14:40 - 15:20
In this lively ITM Debate Series session, industry leaders from the buyer and supplier sides go head-to-head on the future of the accommodation sector in business travel. The debate will focus on three key pillars:
• Distribution & Commercial Models: How are dynamic pricing and new agreements reshaping managed travel?
• Traveller Experience: Are we meeting traveller needs or adding friction in the name of cost and compliance?
• Responsible Operations & Sourcing: Can the annual hotel RFP process deliver on sustainability, inclusivity, and duty of care?
Expect frank views on transparency, flexibility, and innovation versus legacy processes and control—asking whether today’s accommodation model is fit for the future or ripe for disruption.
Networking Break 15:20 - 15:50
From Ambition to Action: Choosing the Right Tech to Reduce Travel Emissions 15:50 - 16:20
Sustainability as a strategic imperative’ continues to be highlighted as a priority, but are we really making progress in managing our impact and respecting the planet? For many, the drive to reduce the environmental impact of business travel is directly linked to their company’s appetite and focus—often shaped by how much business travel contributes to their overall emissions.
But it’s not just about corporate appetite. It’s also about having visibility of baselines, the ability to track progress, and the tools to communicate and implement a meaningful reduction plan.
The industry has seen many new entrants focused on supporting travel managers and programmes with technology and tools to reduce their environmental impact. But how can travel managers keep abreast of these options and understand which solutions are right for them?
Phillip Charm CO-Founder & CBO | ClarasightPersonalising Travel Policy at Scale 16:20 - 16:50
Explore how to balance individual traveller needs with company goals to deliver tailored, scalable travel policies.
Educational Close 16:50
Drinks Reception & Networking 17:00 Onwards
Includes a selection of drinks and canapés with our compliments
The above timings are British Summer Time (BST)
Note: this agenda is subject to change
