Recap of GBTA Convention 2024: Key Topics From Business Travel's Largest Annual Tradeshow

The GBTA Convention 2024 brought together professionals from all over the world to discuss emerging trends, share insights, and explore the challenges facing the industry. This year's convention highlighted several critical topics that are not only shaping the future of travel management but also challenging the traditional ways in which companies operate. As we look ahead, it's clear that the industry must adapt to these new realities to stay competitive.

Non-Profiled Travelers: Navigating the Complexities of Guest Travel

One of the most pressing issues that was discussed at the convention was the management of "non-profiled" travelers. These are individuals who aren't regular employees but still require travel arrangements—consultants, contractors, temporary workers, and guests. Managing travel for these non-profiled travelers presents a unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to ensuring smooth payment processes, maintaining compliance with company policies, and delivering a seamless travel experience.

The rise of the gig economy and the increasing reliance on temporary workers mean that more and more companies are encountering the complexities of managing guest travel. These travelers often fall outside the scope of traditional corporate travel programs, making it difficult to track expenses, reconcile payments, and ensure compliance. As companies strive to control costs and mitigate risks, the industry is focusing on developing solutions that can address these challenges effectively.

To tackle these issues, the industry is turning to innovative payment solutions that can simplify the travel process for non-profiled travelers. Virtual payments are gaining traction as a preferred method, offering a secure and efficient way to handle payments while providing transparency and control over expenses. The need for such solutions is more urgent than ever, as companies look to streamline operations and enhance their travel programs.

NDC: The Future of Airline Distribution

Another significant focus at the convention was the New Distribution Capability (NDC), a new standard in airline distribution that is transforming how airlines distribute their content and interact with travel management companies (TMCs). NDC enables direct access to richer content, more personalized offers, and greater flexibility in booking, promising to enhance the overall traveler experience.

However, the transition to NDC is not without its challenges. As TMCs and corporate travel departments adapt to this new standard, they are faced with the task of integrating NDC capabilities into their existing systems. This process can be complex, particularly when it comes to managing unused tickets, processing changes, and handling refunds efficiently. The shift to NDC requires careful planning, the right technological support, and a willingness to embrace change.

The industry is at a crossroads, where embracing NDC could mean greater personalization and better service for travelers, but it also requires overcoming significant operational hurdles. As more airlines and TMCs adopt NDC, the need for effective solutions to manage this transition becomes increasingly important. Turkish Airlines' recent announcement of its NDC aggregator partners following its exit from Sabre highlights the shifting dynamics in airline distribution. This move underscores the growing trend of airlines seeking greater control over their distribution channels, further emphasizing the urgency for the industry to adapt to these changes.

The Crowdstrike Incident: A Stark Reminder of the Need for Crisis Preparedness

A topic that resonated strongly with many attendees was the widespread disruption caused by the Crowdstrike disaster. This incident, which led to significant travel disruptions at the beginning of the conference, served as a stark reminder of the importance of crisis preparedness in the travel industry. Whether it's a cybersecurity breach, a natural disaster, or another unforeseen event, having robust systems and contingency plans in place is crucial for minimizing disruption and protecting both travelers and company assets.

The Crowdstrike incident underscored the need for companies to invest in technologies and processes that can help them manage crisis effectively. This includes everything from data tracking and communication tools to flexible booking systems and secure payment solutions. In an increasingly unpredictable world, the ability to respond quickly and efficiently to crises is a critical component of any successful travel program.

Grasp Technologies: Empowering the Future of Travel Management

As these challenges continue to shape the industry, the need for innovative solutions that can address these issues is clear. Grasp Technologies is committed to providing the tools and support that travel management companies and corporate travel departments need to navigate these complexities and stay ahead of the curve.

graspPAY is designed specifically to address the challenges associated with non-profiled travelers. By offering secure, traceable payments that ensure 100% reconciliation, graspPAY minimizes the risk of fraud and simplifies the payment process for guest travelers. This solution is particularly valuable for companies looking to streamline their travel programs and gain better control over expenses.

In addition to graspPAY, our suite of products supports the industry's transition to NDC and strengthens crisis preparedness. For example, GraspTUESDAY—our ARC reconciliation solution—ensures that all transactions, including those from NDC channels, are accurately tracked and reconciled. Meanwhile, graspANALYTICS provides comprehensive insights into travel spend, allowing TMCs and Corporations to make informed decisions and optimize their travel programs.

In a rapidly evolving landscape, Grasp Technologies is here to help you navigate the complexities of modern travel management. Our innovative solutions are designed to empower companies to manage travel more effectively, respond to crises with confidence, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive industry.

Want to learn more about how Grasp can help your company?