The 2024 APAC Conference hosted by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) took place last week at the Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore from May 14-15, 2024.
Partnering with the WERC Regional Summit, the event welcomed over 800 attendees from 28 countries, including more than 40 exhibiting and sponsoring companies.
This year’s conference focused on adapting, innovating and succeeding in navigating the future of business travel. From understanding the complexities of global travel sustainability regulations to harnessing the power of technology for enhanced traveller experiences, the conference addressed these and other pressing issues facing businesses and travellers alike.
During her Main Stage presentation, Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA, touched on these subject, as well as the current state of business travel and future forecasts, global and regional outlooks, the influence of change such as workplace transformation, and how broader forces, innovation and putting travellers at the centre will be key to navigating the future for the industry.
“The workplace and workforce continue to evolve as we see a shift in hybrid schedules, changing priorities and the increased desire to align with socially and environmentally conscious companies, but there’s no doubt that people want to travel for work, even if how they travel continues to change. Meeting face-to-face remains unmatched for positive outcomes and connections,” said Neufang.
GBTA insights Neufang shared specific to APAC included how the region continues to lead in global business travel spending; an ever-growing bleisure trend; and an increasing preference for business or first-class flights and upscale hotels for work trips.
In addition to GBTA leadership, representatives from notable organisations such as Google, EY, Jetstar Asia, The Ascott and Changi Airport shared insights on the latest topics and trends affecting travellers, businesses and industry professionals during the Main Stage presentations.
The APAC Conference also featured roundtable discussions and education sessions that focused on critical priorities and opportunities in the APAC business travel sector. These included business travel management fundamentals; travel programme organisational design; the role outsourcing plays; how today’s workplace culture influences business travel; choosing sustainable suppliers; nurturing safety, health and security of mobile workers; harnessing AI and technology; global trends in relocation and mobility; and sustainability integration in corporate mobility programmes, among others.
GBTA also announced a partnership with the Australia Corporate Travel Summit (ACTS), a collaboration of the Association of Travel Management Companies and Greener Airlines, for a conference and exhibition taking place in Sydney on November 13, 2024.
The joint effort will provide unique value and benefits to travel managers in the form of a bundled delegate pass and GBTA membership, as well as discounts for GBTA’s industry members.
GBTA also revealed it will host its 2025 APAC Conference again at Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore on May 27-28, 2025.
