JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
Events
Business Travel Show
BTS 2012 AT A GLANCE
The world’s largest fully hosted buyer programme Bringing together 1,200 senior travel and procurement managers.
Keynote speaker: CNN presenter Richard Quest
The Business Travel Tech Zone New for 2012, the Zone is designed for business travel technology suppliers whose buyers are interested in both the Business Travel Show and Travel Technology Europe.
Education, education, education Twenty-six sessions, including an opening keynote speech from CNN Business T
raveller TV-anchor
“They come to BTS for three main reasons: to meet the widest possible range of suppliers to source new products; to learn effectively in conference or conversation; and to network efficiently with their peers or suppliers.” He says all three elements are being highlighted in 2012 alongside an investment by Centaur of more than £500,000 – double its 2011 investment – in the fully hosted buyer programme and delivering the show’s quality, buyer-oriented content. Chapple says the growth in exhibitor numbers to some 200 incorporates big brands returning after an absence, plus a number of innovative new suppliers, including less-known airlines serving emerging economies, together racking up repeat or new-buyer interest.
BUYER-CENTRIC Research among the buyer community has also led to the conference formatting being changed to include more intimate roundtable or ‘masterclass’ discussions, more case study examples, and fewer sessions with suppliers (who can often be tempted to advertise themselves) on the panel. “There are still some panel sessions with
100
suppliers but, essentially, we have created a buyer-centric programme,” says Chapple. “The number of masterclasses has been doubled; these are led exclusively by travel managers or former travel managers, and are also buyer-only sessions.”
In a similar vein, the programme includes sessions specific to meetings, although the Business Travel & Meetings Show (BTMS) title adopted during the past two years has been dropped. “This is due to our primary focus,” says Chapple. “However you want to argue it, perhaps under the new guise of strategic meetings management programmes (SMMPs), the dark arts of travel management and of planning
and executing meetings, are distinctly separate disciplines that defy convergence. In practice, you can focus as a show on one or the other, but not both. “The two touch at some levels, so while BTS has always included some meetings content, it is first and foremost a corporate travel show and our long-term strategy is to maintain its position as the leading show in the sector.” Chapple says the blind panic in business
travel during 2008-9, manifest in the marketing cutbacks of 2010, has evolved into a new “realism” of promotional spend through continuing tough economic times. “Companies are not so worried or fearful
about spend,” he says. “They know they’ve still got to be out there and are channelling their money and efforts into the areas that will give them the best return.”
TECHNICAL TALK Chapple adds that the BTS focus on corporate buyer specifics has also led to the creation of a new Business Travel Tech Zone, situated between BTS and the adjacent Travel Technology Europe 2012 show – also organised by Centaur – at Earls Court on the same dates. This crossover zone between the two shows effectively distils the technological analyses and tools specific to corporate travel applications, he says.
In addition to individual company events or receptions staged in conjunction with BTS, the networking element of the show for hosted buyers – 75 per cent of whom are from the UK and 25 per cent from more than 12 European countries – includes the European Travel Buyer Awards dinner, the First Class Lounge for one- on-ones, and the Hosted Buyer Event at Altitude 360 at Millbank Tower. The keynote speaker on the opening day of BTS 2012 is CNN Business Traveller presenter Richard Quest. n
Richard Quest, panel debates, case studies and masterclasses. The educational programme offers focused, practical and inspirational content, and is highly popular with corporate travel buyers.
European Travel Buyer Awards This black-tie gala evening is now in its fourth year, celebrating the achievements of Europe’s most accomplished travel buyers. More than 500 guests will gather on Monday, February 6, the night before the show.
First Class Lounge For the exclusive use of hosted and executive buyers, plus special guests of the show. It offers a respite from meetings and conference sessions, and buyers can enjoy complimentary refreshments and internet access.
Cellars in the Sky Head to the Business Traveller stand to taste award-winning wines from the world’s airlines.
HSMAI Pavilion Where Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International members can meet top business travel professionals from all across Europe.
ITM Village The Institute of Travel & Meetings is back this year with its village of supplier members.
After-show party Sponsored by Buying Business Travel.
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