Agenda
Wednesday 22nd January
Arrival and Networking 09:00 - 10:00
Opening 10:00 - 10:10
Scott Davies CEO | ITM
Nikki Parsons ITM Chair & Global Director for Travel | Arcadis
Future-gazing, predictions and speculation – What’s in store for business travel in 2025 ? 10:10 - 10:40
Staying on top of industry trends is an important strategy for both buyer and supplier alike. In the face of new technology, increasing regulation, geopolitical unrest and changing societal and business priorities, staying informed on industry trends can keep travel programmes and supplier propositions informed and agile.
Jo Lloyd Head of Global Account Management and Consulting | FCM
Buyer & Supplier priority results 2025 10:40 - 11:20
Join our speakers as they share the long awaited results of our 2025 Buyer and Supplier Priority Survey results.
Scott Davies CEO | ITM
Networking Break 11:20 - 12:00
Translating the Buyer Results 12:00 - 12:25
Following the reveal of ITM’s Buyer and Supplier Priorities Survey results, we invite an expert panel of buyers to help us translate what some of these findings may mean for travel management in 2025.
Nikki Parsons ITM Chair & Global Director for Travel | Arcadis
Wayne Lappage Senior Global Travel and Expense Manager | Yunex Traffic
Lisa O’Leary Senior Category Manager - Business Travel | Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe
Bridging the Gap: Aligning Buyer and Supplier Priorities 12:25 - 13:00
This session delves into the critical areas of alignment and divergence between key stakeholders in the business travel industry. With insights from a seasoned panel representing both sides of the community, we’ll examine how these priorities influence working relationships and their implications for collaboration in the year ahead.
Join us for an engaging exploration of strategies to foster mutual understanding and build stronger, more productive partnerships. This interactive discussion promises actionable takeaways to help you navigate buyer-supplier dynamics effectively in 2025.
Karen Hutchings Founder | Cobb & Hutch Consulting
James Dow General Manager - London | Blacklane
Understanding Tomorrow’s Business Travellers 13:00 - 13:30
This panel discussion will draw on new research to explore generational tensions in business travel. It will explore what these tensions mean for travel programs and share actionable insights for evolving your program to engage, stay relevant, and anticipate the needs of different traveler generations.
Networking Lunch 13:30 - 14:40
Decoding the Dynamics: Pricing, Capacity, and Distribution 14:40 - 15:10
Explore the intricate interplay of pricing, capacity, and distribution strategies in the ever-evolving airline and hotel sectors. While supply and demand remain foundational, new variables such as preferred demand types, innovative marketing, and shifting distribution channels are reshaping the landscape. This session will delve into how these factors influence pricing strategies and operational decisions across both segments.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’ll unpack the potential impacts of macroeconomic and geopolitical forces on costs, competition, and consumer behaviours. Gain insights into the complexities of these critical industry pillars and learn how to anticipate changes to better navigate the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead
Dimitris Hiotis Senior Partner, Head of Travel, Tourism and Leisure | Simon Kucher
Charting the Skies: Airline Leadership Insights 15:10 - 15:40
As the aviation sector continues its growth trajectory, it faces complex societal, macroeconomic, and geopolitical forces that shape its future. What lies ahead for airlines globally in 2025, and what priorities are driving leadership teams as they set their strategic direction?
In this session, a senior airline leader will share insights into the headwinds and tailwinds impacting the global airline industry. Discover why these forces are critical to business travel and gain a deeper understanding of how airlines are navigating the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead.
Networking Break 15:40 - 16:10
Beyond Costs: The Trick to Unlocking the True Power of Forecasting 16:10 - 16:50
This session will delve into how data-driven insights can support areas like emissions tracking, capacity planning, and risk assessment, enabling organizations to balance sustainability, traveler satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Richard will also discuss the interplay between AI-driven tools and human expertise, examining their potential to improve decision-making and strategy. Finally, the session will offer practical approaches to align suppliers’ revenue objectives with buyers’ cost-saving priorities, providing actionable insights for navigating the complexities of today’s travel landscape.
Rich Johnson Head of Solutions Group | CWT
Educational Close 17:00
The above timings are British Summer Time (BST)
Note: this agenda is subject to change