Agenda
Thursday 12th February
Arrival and Networking 09:00 - 10:00
Opening 10:00 - 10:10
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Scott Davies CEO | ITM
ITM Industry Insights: Buyer Priorities & Supplier Focus for 2026 10:10 - 10:40
Join us for a fast-paced and insight-rich session as ITM unveils the results of our annual Buyer and Supplier Surveys. This year’s findings spotlight the shifting priorities, pressures and opportunities shaping corporate travel programmes — and how well supplier strategies align with buyer needs for the year ahead.
We’ll explore emerging trends, areas of disconnect, and the collective focus required as our industry works towards delivering a progressive, efficient and mutually successful 2026. Expect clear takeaways, practical guidance and a candid look at what buyers truly value - and where suppliers can dial up their support to drive stronger outcomes across the business travel ecosystem.
Industry Insights in Action – Panel Deep Dive on 2026 Priorities 10:40 - 11:15
Building on the headline findings from ITM’s annual Buyer and Supplier Surveys, this follow-on session brings the data to life through a dynamic panel of senior buyers and suppliers. Together, they’ll unpack the key themes, validate what the results mean in the real world and share candid perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Expect a practical, grounded discussion that explores where buyer priorities and supplier strategies truly align - and where gaps still exist. The panel will translate the survey insights into actionable next steps, offering guidance on how all sides of the industry can collaborate, innovate and shape successful pathways for 2026. Attendees will leave with clearer direction, sharper focus and tangible ideas to enhance partnerships and programme performance
Louise Kilgannon-Patel Head of Outsourcing | FESTIVE ROAD
Chris Pouney Global Travel & Expense Lead | Astellas Pharma
Networking Break 11:15 - 11:45
Budgeting 2026: Mastering Cost Forecasting in a Shifting Travel Landscape 11:45 - 12:15
With 2026 shaping up to be another year of cost volatility and evolving traveller expectations, this session equips corporate travel managers and suppliers with the intelligence needed to plan with confidence.
Focusing on air, hotel, ground transport and emerging technologies, our experts will unpack the biggest pricing pressures, regional hot spots and forecast trends that will define next year’s budgets. Delegates will gain clear, practical insights into how to build more accurate cost models, navigate internal budget conversations, and demonstrate the strategic value travel managers bring to their organisations.
The session also explores how suppliers can better equip travel managers with forward-looking intelligence, enabling more transparent, proactive and aligned forecasting whilst also building their knowledge of the key pricing trends across their sector to support internal conversations.
Attendees will leave with actionable advice, cross-industry perspectives, and a toolkit of insights to confidently lead budget planning - reinforcing their role as trusted subject-matter experts at the heart of their organisation’s travel strategy.
Bold Balance – Escape the 100% Trap and Beat Burnout 12:15 - 12:50
The pressure to excel in every area often fuels the trap of always operating at 100%. The cost? Burnout, lack of strategic thinking space, and the sense of running endlessly without advancing. The cost of ignoring burnout is staggering. Companies lose $322 billion globally each year in lost productivity, and with two-thirds of employees reporting burnout in 2025, no audience is immune.
This inspiring and energetic presentation provides the escape. Katie Virtue helps attendees shift their mindset using her Sustainable Performance playbook, including a 3-step framework and her Energy Eval, a practical tool that assesses 9 core behavior components and reveals which areas are energizing and which are draining. Audiences discover how to break through the growth ceiling and achieve happier, healthier performance that drives retention, innovation, and sustainable success.
Keynote Interview 12:50 - 13:20
Networking Lunch 13:20 - 14:20
Moments of Change: The Forces Reshaping Business Travel 14:20 - 14:55
This high-energy, interactive session dives into the structural shifts transforming corporate travel — from industry consolidation to rapidly evolving partnerships and the acceleration of AI-driven technology. Through live Slido polling, real-time audience reactions and sharp insight segments, we’ll explore the three forces disrupting travel programmes today and what they mean for buyers, suppliers and the wider ecosystem.
Together, we’ll unpack the ripple effects on programme design, governance, traveller experience and the evolving role of the travel manager. We’ll also look across the supply chain to identify where evolution is most urgent - and finish with a collective call to action as attendees choose the one step they’ll take in the next 30 days to future-proof their strategy.
Packed with insight, participation and practical takeaways, this session empowers the industry to stop reacting to disruption and start shaping what comes next.
Daniel Cockton VP Global Travel Services | WoodPowering Your Potential – Setting Up the Business Travel Community for a Successful 2026 14:55 - 15:25
As we look ahead to 2026, ITM is doubling down on its commitment to support members of the UK business travel community - not only in navigating industry complexity, but in strengthening their own professional and personal potential. This energising session is designed to equip delegates with the clarity, confidence and mindset needed to thrive in the year ahead.
Delegates will walk away with techniques they can apply immediately, from reframing challenges to resetting priorities and building habits that fuel performance. This session blends personal development with industry relevance, giving travel buyers, suppliers and partners a timely boost as they prepare for a dynamic, opportunity-rich 2026.
ITM Platinum Pathways – Shaping the Future, Together 15:25 - 16:10
In this session, we introduce ITM Platinum Pathways — a year-long, sponsored buyer working-group programme designed to tackle the biggest, most future-facing challenges in business travel. Each Platinum Pathway centres on a single key theme, led my ITM's Pathway Partners as as the leader, convener and champion of the conversation.
This session sets the stage for each Platinum Pathway leader to share their specialist topic which will drive meaningful collaboration, spark new ideas and deliver tangible value across to the industry during ITM’s 70th year and beyond.
Throughout the year, the working groups will share progress at ITM’s signature events and through regular report-outs to the wider membership. The journey culminates in the creation of a practical white paper or guide, offering clear insights and recommendations for the entire industry.
Educational Close 16:10
Networking Drinks 16:10
Wrap up the day with networking drinks after the event – a fantastic chance to unwind, connect with fellow attendees, and continue the conversations in a relaxed atmosphere.
The above timings are British Summer Time (BST)
Note: this agenda is subject to change
