The BTN Group Travel Buying Showcase Series

ongoing - starting in March 2024

topics to be announced soon

Please scroll to the bottom of this page for 2023 session descriptions.

The BTN Group Travel Buying Showcase Series gives corporate travel buyers the opportunity to conduct efficient reviews and compare similar products, technologies and services developed by suppliers to address industry challenges and support managed business travel and/or business travelers.

Each virtual session will feature three to five supplier companies representing similar products or service offerings. Each company will showcase their unique value proposition, along with focusing on their newest or updated offerings through a 10-minute presentation/demo, followed by 10 minutes of audience Q&A. At the conclusion of all of the presentations, a buyer-only session will be held, allowing buyers to have confidential discussions with peers about the presentations.

2022 travel procurement virtual workshop series Buyer Attendee Stats:

• Registered Corporate Travel Buyers/Per Workshop: 266

• Annual T&E Spend/Per Workshop: $13 Billion

• Uniqueness of Buyers: 48% are exclusive to the BTN Group database and are not members of GBTA

2023 Workshop Descriptions - 2024 topics to be announced soon

Introduction to Procurement/Sourcing Categories for Managed Travel & Meetings Programs

This workshop will provide a thorough introduction to procurement strategy, its role within organizations and how it applies to managed travel and meetings programs. An overview of key procurement tools and tactics that can apply specifically to travel and meetings will be presented, as well as some key procurement terms that all corporate buyers should know.

Additionally, it will serve to answer questions such as:

·       What categories should be sourced by the travel and meetings program and which categories should be sourced in conjunction with other departments?

·       How often should various categories be sourced?

·       How do travel and meetings suppliers view procurement and how can that perspective be used to develop more beneficial relationships and drive greater value?

The RFP Process

The RFP establishes a strong foundation for your organization in a procurement process. This workshop will focus on:

• When to conduct an RFI versus and RFP

• What elements should be included in an RFP

• How to incorporate new focus areas and priorities, such as sustainability and DEI, into an RFP

• What tools and technologies exist to support the RFP process and make it more efficient

Leveraging Your Data to Source Wisely

This workshop will teach travel buyers how to classify their data accurately so they can get a deeper understanding what their organizations are spending money on and what the potential is for cost saving so they can make informed decisions during sourcing initiatives.

Project Management, Change Management & Communication

Any successful procurement process needs to be well-organized. This workshop will focus on various project management tools and techniques that can be utilized during the procurement process, as well as change management strategies and communication strategies to employ.

Evaluation: Scoring and Decision Making

This workshop will provide a framework for how to evaluate and score the responses to your requests for proposals and select the best product or supplier partner for your travel and meetings program. Contract negotiation strategies also will be discussed.

Implementation: Tales of Horror and Success

Once you’ve made your selection, it’s time to implement your new supplier partner or product. This workshop will provide you with the steps you need to take and questions you need to ask to ensure that you get what you bargained for and that the process goes as smoothly as possible.