Globalization Main Focus for GlobalStar's Third Annual Industry Forum
Globalization Main Focus for GlobalStar's Third Annual Industry Forum Leading joint venture partnership of TMCs discuss global integration in the travel industry LAS VEGAS, Nev. (April 9, 2007)
Globalization is a key focus for many travel management companies, not only from a supplier perspective, but also cultural perspectives from key global markets - Asia, Europe, India and Latin America. Numerous complexities surround globalization models and technology breakthroughs, which is the main topic of focus at GlobalStar Travel Management's Third Annual Industry Forum in Las Vegas on May 1 & 2. The Industry Forum will start with a reception and dinner on Tuesday, May 1 and commence on Wednesday, May 2 with keynote speeches from travel industry experts Kevin Mitchell, founder and chairman of the Business Travel Coalition and Norman Rose, president of Travel Tech Consulting and analyst for PhoCusWright. Kevin Mitchell is the founder and chairman of the Business Travel Coalition, an advocacy organization that represents the interests of corporate buyers of business travel services. He is a highly recognized expert among the industry and will be discussing globalization in the context of managed travel, as well as its opportunities, challenges and effects on corporate competitiveness. Norman Rose is a travel industry veteran with more than 23 years of experience in both corporate and leisure travel markets. As an analyst and consultant for the past 11 years, Rose's focus has been on emerging technologies and how they impact business practices in the travel industry. He is considered the foremost expert on technology in the travel industry and will be discussing emerging trends in travel technology that help with globalization efforts. The Industry Forum will focus on understanding globalization models and technology breakthroughs affecting the travel industry. Additional panelists include Bev Heinritz, general manager of GetThere; Bruce McIndoe, CEO of iJet; Gary Rectenwald, president of RFPExpress; and Linda Bayfield, global account manager for Travelport. "In its third year, the GlobalStar annual industry forum continues to educate corporate clients and travel industry executives on the impact of globalization," said Martin P. Metzler, worldwide president of GlobalStar. "This forum is the foremost event for participants to collaborate and learn from insightful industry leaders and share experiences, trends, and best practices." Topics to be addressed at the conference: A New Era of Business Globalization and Implications for Managed Travel, The Travel Managers' Perspective on Globalization, Globalization Efforts From The Travel Supplier Perspective, Key Cultural Perspectives from Global Markets – Asia, Europe, India and Latin America GlobalStar Travel Management held its first global conference in Las Vegas in 2003 and Berlin in 2004 to discuss a variety of issues affecting the global travel management industry, such as outsourcing, cost-savings, corporate travel initiatives and global awareness. In 2005, Singapore hosted the first annual GlobalStar Industry Forum to address the future of corporate travel in Asia-Pacific, followed by a discussion of GDS deregulation and corporate travel trends affecting Latin America in Buenos Aires in 2006. For its third annual industry forum, GlobalStar is back in Las Vegas. For more information about the industry forum and to attend, email: dgerrard@globalstartravel.net
Contacts:
Steven Morse T: 972.488.4790 E: steven@vollmerpr.com
Erin Townsend T: 972.488.4790 E: erin@vollmerpr.com
About GlobalStar Travel Management
GlobalStar is a long-term equity partnership comprised of the world's foremost independent travel management firms dedicated to managing and serving their clients' global travel needs. This premier collection provides clients with innovative technology, local expertise and exceptional value through a true commitment to personal service and a spirit of collaboration so clients benefit from the utmost in worldwide account control. Located in more than 50 countries around the world, GlobalStar partners possess a deep commitment to personal service that begins with a hands-on approach and is delivered to clients by experienced agents and accessible management teams. For more information, please visit www.globalstartravel.net
