GBTA Announces First-Ever Government Travel Symposium in Australasia
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) — the voice of the global business travel industry — today announced the launch of the GBTA Australia/New Zealand Government Travel Symposium. The event, a first for the region, will be held at The Brassey in Canberra on March 6,2013.
The one day Government Travel Symposium forms part of a plan of increased Australia and New Zealand activity focusing on sector specific events and follows the creation by the association earlier this year of an event for the energy and resources sector. The new government-specific event has been scheduled to co-incide with the build-up to a government review of the approved panel of TMCs which government travel buyers must select from. At the event, delegates will hear about and discuss pressing topics specific to government travel, followed by pre-organised meetings for sponsors and buyers to have one-on-one sessions.
Regional Director for GBTA Australia/New Zealand, Rachel Harper, said about the event, “Part of our ongoing strategy is the provision of continuous education and networks for travel professionals across all sectors but we considered there is a particular need for buyers from the Government and NGO sector in this region. It makes sense to tailor an event specifically for their needs, especially in light of the forthcoming preferred supplier panel review.”
Chris Telfer, chair of the GBTA Australia/New Zealand board and senior contracts manager for the Australian Federal police, added, “GBTA AUS/NZ has had wonderful support from government travel buyers over the past 17 years and we have increasingly been asked to provide government specific training and education programmes. We are delighted to now be able to offer something tailored for this sector and I know the interest and support from the government and NGO sector will be substantial.”
Ms Telfer also called for government and NGO buyer members of GBTA to come forward to be part of the steering committee. Despite the very recent launch, the event has already received the backing of global travel management company, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, who will be supporting the event as a sponsor in the region.
Peter Brady, Managing Director Australia & New Zealand, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, said “As experts in Government travel, we saw the opportunity to align with GBTA on this industry specific initiative as an exciting one. We are delighted to be supporters and think the event will deliver considerable value to buyers and suppliers in the government space.”
The Government Symposium is just one of three events GBTA is hosting this financial year in the region. Those interested in working with GBTA on forthcoming projects should contact rharper@gbta.org for further information.
