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GBTA APAC Conference

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Know Before you Go

Get Ready for the Business Travel Event of the Year

The countdown is on to GBTA APAC Conference 2025 | Singapore! This year’s conference is packed with great education sessions, engaging main stage sessions, panel discussions, and incredible exhibitors.  Co-locating with WERCAPAC25 for the 3rd year running – delegates can explore synergies between business travel and workforce mobility and benefit from the learning and networking opportunities from both Conferences.

Conference Start Time:
Tuesday May 27, 8:00 AM Registration in the Fairmont Foyer and welcome coffee at Canning & Padang.

Conference Location:
Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore

Parking & Directions:
Click here for directional instructions to Fairmont Singapore and Swissotel The Stamford. GBTA have a small number of complimentary hotel parking coupons that will be offered to delegates on a first come, first served basis- requests should be made at the GBTA registration desk.

Registration Desk

The registration desk, located in the Fairmont Foyer, will be open both days of the Conference for attendees to check in and receive a name badge.  Registration will open at the following times:

Tuesday, May 27, 8:00 AM
Wednesday May 28, 8:00 AM 

Made Possible by

Download the Conference App

Download the free Conference app and access the full agenda, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and attendee lists and prepare ahead of time!  The app will allow you to create your own agenda of selected sessions, interact with other attendees, view the expo floor map and much more!

Download on the Apple App Store
Download on the Google Play Store

You can also access the full agenda on the  Attendee Hub


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Accommodation

If you require accommodation, we encourage you to make the arrangements as soon as possible, if you haven’t done so already. Visit the accommodations page for links and offers.

Attendee Wi-Fi Access

Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, details below:

SSID: Fairmont_meeting
Password: feelwelcome 

Go! Running Tours

Go! Running Tours is delighted to invite Conference delegates to join either a morning running or a brisk walking tour of Singapore starting directly from the Fairmont Hotel Foyer, on Wednesday, May 28 from 6.30 AM – 7:30 AM. Sign Up here>>.  *Please remember to hydrate before the run or bring water along especially if you’re brisk walking. 

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Check Out Get Pica

Get any photos taken by our on-site photographer of you delivered directly to your inbox with GetPica!

Download Your Personalized photos in 5 steps:

  1. Access the Conference photo album hereAlternatively you can download the GetPica app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play.
  2. Create your personal account.
  3. Enter the event code: #GBTA-WERC
  4. Take a selfie (for facial recognition)
  5. Explore all the photos you appear in and share your favorite moments on your social network!

Follow GBTA APAC on LinkedIn and stay connected with GBTA on social media both during the conference and throughout the year. Engage in the conversation using our official hashtag #GBTAAPAC25. Share your participation in the GBTA APAC Conference 2025 | Singapore with your network—utilize our branded graphics and captions or create your own!

What to do in Singapore

Check out the Destination Toolkit Page for a guide on what to do, where to go and what’s happening in Singapore!

Key Conference Events

We’ve highlighted below some of the key Conference highlights.  You can find out more about the full Conference programme via the Conference app and in the attendee hub.  

Opening Main Stage: Shaping the Future of Business Travel and Tourism in Asia Pacific

May 27, 2025, 9:00 AM-10:10 AM

Sponsor Speaker

  • Jim Chung General Manager - Global Key Accounts & Southeast Asia, Trip.Biz


GBTA Opening Remarks

  • Peter Koh, Chair, APAC Advisory Board
  • Mark Cuschieri, President, GBTA, Executive Director Global Head of Travel, UBS
  • Poh Chi Chuan, Executive Director – Exhibitions & Conferences, Experience Development Group, Singapore Tourism Board

 

GBTA BTI™ Outlook and Macro Trends

Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA explores the current state of business travel globally and in the dynamic APAC region with a focus on macro global trends shaping the industry.

This session leverages GBTA research and insights, including the Business Travel Index (BTI), to provide an overview of economic, technological, and policy-driven forces impacting business travel. Delve into key trends for 2025, such as sustainability, digital transformation, and the evolution of travel management strategies.  Explore how global shifts and regional dynamics shape the future of business travel. Discover key trends and data driving the next era of travel management success. 

 

Keynote: Shaping the Future of Business Travel and Tourism in Asia Pacific
With Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation

Gain valuable insights into global economic trends, the growing importance of sustainability, and Asia Pacific’s immense growth potential and its implications for the business travel and tourism sector.  This session will spotlight the innovations shaping the future of the industry, paving the way for sustainable and forward-thinking solutions.

 

Keynote: Overcoming Challenges - Pivoting in the Face of Adversity
With Mathilda D'Silva, Founder and CEO, OCEAN PURPOSE PROJECT


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GBTA - Main Stage: Facilitating the Future of Business Travel

May 27, 2025, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Sponsor Speaker

  • Wim Iserief, Director of Sales, SkyTeam Alliance


Unlocking Cross-Border Business Travel with Innovative Payment Solutions.
With Carol Ho, Senior Director, Visa Commercial Solutions - Large & Mid Market, Visa Worldwide Pte Limited

As cross-border business travel continues to grow, the need for seamless, secure, and efficient payment solutions has never been greater. This session explores how innovative payment technologies are enabling businesses to unlock the full potential of international travel by simplifying transactions, enhancing traveler satisfaction, and ensuring compliance with local regulations to support the evolving needs of a global workforce.


Pioneering Tomorrow: Rethinking the Future of Business Travel Management - Featuring Top TMC leaders

In today’s rapidly transforming business travel landscape, evolving expectations of travelers, advances in technology, and increasing emphasis on sustainability are reshaping the role and services of TMCs. Hear from the TMC business leaders on today’s challenges, trends and the future of business travel management.


Moderator

  • Mike Orchard, Head of Performance, FESTIVE ROAD

Panel

  • Ana Pedersen, Global Chief Commercial Officer, CTM
  • Bertrand Saillet, Managing Director, FCM Travel
  • Tao Song, Chief Executive Officer, Trip.Biz
  • Sarosh Waghmar, Founder & Chief Product Officer, Spotnana


Made Possible by

Networking Cocktail Reception

May 27, 2025, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM

After a full day of education, thought leadership and networking - join your fellow attendees to relax, chat and unwind over a cocktail!

Go! Running Tours

May 28, 2025, 6:30 AM-7:30 AM

Go! Running Tours is delighted to invite Conference delegates to join either a morning running or a brisk walking tour of Singapore starting directly from the Fairmont Hotel. Register here>>

 

 

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Buyer- Only Breakfast

May 28, 2025, 8:00 AM-9:00 AM

Start your morning with a fresh perspective on business travel at this energizing breakfast session - where the script is flipped and a hospitality student takes the lead. Get ready for bold questions, candid insights, and a dynamic conversation exploring buyer behaviors, the balance between loyalty and flexibility, and what’s shaping travel procurement in 2025.

 

It’s a light-hearted yet insightful way to kick off your day and connect with fellow travel buyers over a relaxed breakfast.  Spaces are limited - reserve your seat now and share any dietary requirements: register here>>

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Opening Main Stage Day Two: The Future of Decarbonized Travel Programs

May 28, 2025, 9:00 AM-10:00 AM

Sponsor Speaker

  • Jim Crowder, Strategic Sales Director, APAC, Enterprise Mobility

 

Sustainability Acceleration Challenge Reveal – Where is APAC at?
With Delphine Millot, Senior Vice President, Sustainability and Managing Director, GBTA Foundation.

GBTA will unveil findings from its Sustainability Acceleration Challenge, an industry-first global benchmarking initiative to evaluate the current state of business travel programs and the actions being taken by organizations to decarbonize them. The results identify where organizations are trending well, and the biggest opportunities to accelerate climate action to materially reduce their business travel emissions, to reach corporate Net Zero targets by 2050.

 

Demystifying the Future of Decarbonized Global Travel

As the travel industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, decarbonization has become a critical goal for stakeholders across the globe. But what does a decarbonized travel future truly look like, and how can businesses navigate this complex transformation?

 

In this session, we’ll unravel the challenges and opportunities tied to decarbonizing global travel. Industry experts will explore actionable strategies for reducing emissions, from sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), multi-mobility options, electrification to carbon offset programs and innovative travel policies. Learn how companies are aligning their sustainability goals with practical, scalable solutions while addressing the evolving expectations of travelers and regulators.

Join us to gain valuable insights and tools for leading your organization toward a more sustainable and responsible future in travel.

 

Moderator

  • Sandeep Shastri Senior Director, Airline Distribution - Asia Pacific, Sabre


Panel

  • Brian Ho, Head of Sustainability, Resort World Sentosa
  • Boris Mak, Vice President, Sustainability, Singapore Airlines
  • Amy Niu, Travel Manager Asia Pacific, Arcadis

 

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The Big Idea - Interactive Session

May 28, 2025, 10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Engage in a dynamic and interactive discussion, where industry professionals come together to debate key themes shaping the future of business travel. This session encourages audience engagement, fresh perspectives, and lively discussion, fostering innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Be part of the conversation and help shape the ideas that will drive the industry forward.

Moderator

  • Catherine Logan, Regional SVP - EMEA and APAC, GBTA

Panel

  • Ben Wedlock, Senior Vice President, Global Sales - Asia Pacific, BCD Travel
  • Nan Park, Principal, USILAW
  • Andy Winchester, APAC Travel Manager, Bloomberg

 

Made Possible by

Closing Main Stage: Customer Experience Redefined in Today’s Business Travel

May 28, 2025, 4:00 PM-5:00 PM

Sponsor Speaker

  • Fuzuki Mizuno, Global Corporate Account Manager, United for Business

In the evolving world of business travel, customer expectations are higher than ever, fueled by advancements in technology, personalization, and the seamless experiences they enjoy as consumers.

 

As companies strive to provide superior experiences, business travel stakeholders are reimagining how to deliver value, convenience, and satisfaction at every touchpoint.

 

This session will explore innovative strategies and emerging trends shaping the modern business travel experience. From leveraging AI for hyper-personalized service to creating frictionless booking and travel management systems, we’ll discuss how organizations are meeting the changing demands of corporate travelers while enhancing engagement and loyalty.

Join us to uncover the tools and strategies that are redefining customer experience in business travel today.

 

Moderator

  • Elle Ng-Darmawan, Regional Director, APAC, GBTA


Panel

  • Teresa Matheson, Vice President, American Express Global Business Travel
  • Joann Toh, Global Travel Manager, Amway
  • Kar Ling Wong, Chief Strategy Officer, and Managing Director, SEA, Ascott, The Ascott Limited

 

Made Possible by

Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors: