The GBTA Convention 2023 was held August 13-15 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. More than 5,200 registered participants hailing from 58 different countries attended, bringing together professionals from the industry to learn, connect, and explore new opportunities. More than 1,100 travel buyers representing 600-plus buyer companies, along with more than 300 exhibitors participated in the convention and expo.
Notable topics such as the evolution of the global business travel sector; the future of work; sustainability; and diversity, equity, and inclusion took center stage, highlighting the industry’s focus on current topics in the aftermath of the pandemic. The convention kicked off with a keynote speech by explorer Chris Bashinelli. GBTA disclosed the outcomes of its 2023 elections, naming the new president, Mark Cuschieri, the executive director and global head of travel at UBS, and vice president, Rosemary Maloney, the manager of global travel, expense and card, at Alteryx.
Among the programs available this year, the WINiT by GBTA Summit presented its core mission to empower and enhance the careers and lives of women in travel-related fields. The “Future of the Workforce” panel discussion delved into the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in cultivating a sense of belonging within organizations, and how collective efforts can foster a culture of acceptance and well-being. In alignment with its commitment to sustainability, the GBTA Foundation once again curated a Sustainability Pavilion and related programming. These initiatives introduced imaginative strategies to make business travel more ecologically conscious, environmentally friendly, and sustainable.
GBTA also unveiled the “2023 Business Travel Index Outlook” report in collaboration with Visa. Forecasts indicate that spending will surpass pre-pandemic levels, projected to exceed $1.4 trillion by 2024 and reaching nearly $1.8 trillion by 2027. This represents a faster resurgence of the global business travel than previously anticipated. In 2022, global business travel spending witnessed a 47% increase to reach $1.03 trillion, with robust growth expected to continue, aiming for a 32% surge in 2023.
GBTA Convention 2024 is scheduled to take place in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 22-24, and the 2025 convention will be in Denver, Colorado, from July 23-25.