Remember back in 4Q2020 when some business leaders were predicting – and celebrating – the demise of internal meetings travel?.

Well, with the onslaught of the Great Resignation shortly after, that prediction certainly didn’t come true. GBTA’s own research has shown that it continues to be a category of business travel that is strategically important.

I was reminded of that last week as our GBTA Team descended on the Mile High City of Denver for site visits and internal meetings in a multi-purpose trip for work and team building.

Our trip was, in part, preparation for the 2025 GBTA Convention (July 21-23). From traditional programming to new surprises, we are already envisioning the many great moments you’ll have for connection, education, professional research development, inspiration and business success. Registration opens later this fall, so stay tuned.

And our Denver-inspired agenda also made time for team connections. As our industry knows well, travel for internal meetings fosters engagement and especially for remote workforces. GBTA’s team for two years has been office-less, so this once-a-year gathering is an important way for us to reconnect and recharge – together. Representing four continents, nine countries and at least a dozen US states, the full GBTA staff came together for a productive three days of strategic thinking and team activities focused on what’s next for our members, our industry and GBTA.

Our tour of the Colorado State Capitol was also a reminder of the important role GBTA’s advocacy and policy priorities play in our industry. GBTA’s advocacy efforts in the US and Europe – along with our future focus on additional countries and regions – are more important than ever in a year where many critical government elections have been taking place around the world. (I invite you to keep up with the latest through GBTA’s advocacy newsletters and newly revamped advocacy web page.)

Next month, GBTA heads to New York City for the WINiT Summit and Gala that brings together professionals to explore and celebrate the impact of women across the travel industry. And, in advance of that, coming this month will be the announcement of our annual WINiT Top 50, recognizing female professionals and exemplary industry leaders.

In addition to GBTA’s upcoming annual Italy Conference in Milan, and Business Travel Forums across Canada and Latin America, the GBTA + VDR Conference in partnership with the Nordic Business Travel Associations is also only a few weeks away in Copenhagen in November, along with our co-located GBTA Sustainability Summit.

It’s also that time when many are focused on meeting their professional development goals for the current year – and budgeting for 2025. Whether in-person or virtual, GBTA has numerous professional development courses events webinars, podcasts, research and more lined up to keep you on top of and ready for what’s next in our ever-changing industry.