Agenda

Monday 5th October

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Arrival Breakfast and Networking  09:00 - 10:00



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Opening  10:00 - 10:10

ITM CEO Scott Davies and ITM Chair Gemma King opens the day with a warm welcome and an overview of what’s ahead.

  Scott Davies  CEO | ITM

  Gemma King  Chair | ITM

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No Normal - Chaos, Change and Consequences   10:10 - 10:55

A sharp, insightful look at the political and economic forces shaping the UK and the world. Luke will cut through the noise to explore the key developments, emerging risks and opportunities, and what they mean for business and the wider economy.

 Luke Jones  Broadcaster & Journalist

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Platinum Pathway: The Value of the Managed Travel Programme  10:55 - 11:30

Explore the outputs of ITM's Pathway Working Group, expertly led by Jo Lloyd from FCM Consulting, as they reveal a practical framework for demonstrating the strategic value of managed travel beyond cost savings. Buyers and suppliers will leave better equipped to articulate impact, strengthen stakeholder engagement and elevate the role of travel within their organisations.

  Graham Ross  Head of Global Program and Process Enablement | FCM

  Gemma King  Chair | ITM

  Karen Hutchings  Partner | Kintela Group'

  Sue Jones  Corporate Travel & Events Professional | HSBC

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Networking Break  11:30 - 12:10



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Platinum Pathway: From buzzwords to business value: What's your next move?  12:10 - 12:45

AI is moving fast, but successful adoption isn't about doing everything at once. Discover the findings from ITM's AI Pathway Working Group and hear practical perspectives from across the industry. Learn how to identify the opportunities that matter most, prioritise your next steps and build a roadmap that delivers measurable value for your programme.

  Sarah Whiting  Senior Director Global Solutions Engineering | BCD Travel

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Check In or Check Out? Rethinking Hotel Strategy  12:45 - 13:15

Travel programmes are changing but are hotel strategies changing with them? This interactive session uses live Slido voting to challenge the assumptions behind annual RFP cycles, negotiated rates, preferred hotel partnerships and the traditional separation between transient accommodation and Meetings & Events.

We’ll test the room on “True / False / It Depends”, explore whether joining up transient and M&E demand could unlock greater commercial value, and question whether today’s supplier partnerships will deliver the right service and value for tomorrow. We’ll finish with a “Keep / Challenge / Kill” exercise, giving delegates a practical way to rethink what stays, what changes and what needs to go in their own hotel strategy.

  Cameron Spence  Global Practice Line Lead, Hotel | AMEX GBT


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Networking Lunch  13:15 - 14:35



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What AI Can't Do (And Why That Matters More Than Ever)  14:35 - 15:10

We've all heard what AI can do. Write emails and presentations, analyse data, summarise meetings. But as the technology gets smarter, what becomes more valuable is everything it can't replace.

Join Kushal and Pat Domke from United Airlines for an honest conversation about what they've learned from adopting AI across a global business. From the successes to the surprises, we will look at where AI genuinely adds value, where people still make the difference, and the skills every professional should be building now – regardless of role or sector.  The session will also touch on how supplier organisations are likely to prepare for AIs impact on negotiations.

The session aims to leave you with practical ideas you can apply straight away, a clearer view of where AI fits into your working day, and a better understanding of the human skills that will set people apart in the years ahead


  Kushal Pasari  Director – AI/ML Eng & Platforms | United Airlines

  Pat Domke  Director – IT Application Development, Cargo & Sales Technology | United Airlines


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Checking The TMC Form – Which Horse Should You Back?  15:10 - 15:45

The role of the TMC is changing fast. As AI, new technology, mergers and new business models reshape the industry, buyers are having to think differently about what they need from a travel partner — not just today, but over the lifetime of a travel programme.

In this session, three TMCs will each share their view on what the modern TMC should be delivering to help organisations build future-ready travel programmes. After each short video, our panel of travel buyers will challenge, debate and discuss the ideas, exploring what really matters when choosing a strategic travel partner for the years ahead.



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Climbing Without the Ladder: Future Workforce, Skills and Partnerships  15:45 - 16:20

As business travel is reshaped by AI and changing workforce demographics and expectations, the traditional career ladder is starting to look more like a series of strategic moves than a straight climb. This panel explores how to build a sustainable career for the future and how an evolving industry and generational shifts may impact both buyer and supplier roles. 

 The discussion will touch on, what employees value in employers, why influence and communication may matter more than hierarchy, and which human skills — from speaking with impact to leading through uncertainty — will be most critical in the next decade.

  Claudia Jackson  Managing Director UK and Ireland | BCD Travel

  Sally Beck  General Manager | Royal Lancaster London

  Harry Grabham  Head of Growth & New Business | Talma 


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Educational Close  16:20



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Drinks Reception & Networking  From 16:30


Including complementary drinks and food stations 
The above timings are British Summer Time (BST)
Note: this agenda is subject to change

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