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Nearly 700 travel buyers, suppliers, and attendees joined the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Canada Conference 2023 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto this past May 15-17. The event featured an exhibit hall with nearly 60 companies, educational sessions, and panel discussions from hotel, airline, and meetings professionals over the three days.
Regional VP-Americas Nancy Tudorache kicked off the event with opening remarks
According to a release from the association, conference topics focused on critical priorities and opportunities in the Canadian business travel sector including travel manager needs of the future; traveler evolution and the passenger journey; insights on the roll-out of New Distribution Capability (NDC); sustainability in business travel; and rebuilding the industry workforce. The event also included numerous buyer and supplier sessions, networking opportunities, and a special welcome event for new and returning industry professionals.
Bustling show floor included dozens of exhibitors
“Bringing together GBTA’s business travel community for insights, learning, and face-to-face connection time are all key to navigating and growing the sector in Canada. This event engages industry professionals and organizations in better understanding and preparing for the future of business travel while also enabling them to engage and learn in an incredible peer-to-peer environment,” said GBTA Regional Vice President-Americas Nancy Tudorache, who also addressed attendees with opening remarks.
CEO Suzanne Neufang presented a business forecast
GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang also offered a strong forecast for business travel in Canada, based on data from GBTA’s Business Travel Index. If current forecast models hold, Canada is projected to be back to pre-pandemic levels of spend by 2025, representing $35 billion CAD ($26 billion USD) for business travel alone. The projection for 2023 is just over $20 billion USD.
During the event, Canada Regional Direct Board Member Sharlene Ketwaroo-Nanoo announced that she would be stepping into a new role as GBTA’s Regional Director for Canada, effective immediately. Her position will be replaced when GBTA holds its election this August.
Canada Regional Chair Sue Spear (left) and new Regional Director for Canada Sharlene Ketwaroo-Nanoo 
“Sharlene has been an active and valued GBTA Board member. We are excited that she has now joined the association to execute on an excellent strategy. With her deep knowledge and involvement in Canada, the region is in a strong position to continue to grow and thrive under her association leadership,” said GBTA Board President Denise Truso. She added, “And with heartfelt appreciation, on behalf of the GBTA leadership and team, we’d like to recognize and thank John Pease for his contributions and expertise serving as our interim leader for the region over the past months.”
Next up for the association is its annual convention, being held this August 13-15 in Dallas. More information can be found at convention.gbta.org.
Visit gbta.org for more information.
[05.30.23]
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Value was found at the first Connecticut Coffee Talk, a quarterly remote meeting of Connecticut’s professional luxury ground transportation operators, held by the New England Livery Association (NELA) on Tuesday, May 23.
During a discussion that picked up on a recent New York Times article lamenting the death of the stretch limousine, one attendee said his market continues to show very strong demand for stretch work. However, he is hearing that coachbuilders cannot buy new chassis certified for conversion under Ford-Lincoln’s Qualified Vehicle Modifier program (QVM) or Cadillac’s Certified Master Coachbuilder program (CMC). The veteran operator said Connecticut DOT still requires that operators use only QVM or CMC limousines.
Another operator asked for guidance on what insurance, or assurances, a New York City-based operator carries, or might offer, in order to verify that he can safely cover farm-in work for Southern Connecticut operators while only using owner-operators. The attendee said he is getting solicitation from limousine companies, in NYC, that are only loosely affiliated and without a Luxury Base license. A quick search of nyc.gov/tlc pages could not determine what coverages having a New York City Luxury Base License implies.
“We could use good help. And they’re usually pretty professional: Owner-operators have skin in the game. But we need proof of indemnity from the ‘company,’” stated the member during the meeting.
Later, in a follow-up email thread after the Coffee Talk, it was discovered that consumers can no longer look up the legitimacy of their Connecticut livery provider. The operator said he has regularly pointed ‘future customers’ to the site and to choose License Type “Transportation-Livery.” However, that category is no longer available. NELA reached out for information to the Taxi and Livery Bureau at the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
[05.26.23]
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MLA President Len Joseph of On the Town Limousines
On Tuesday, May 23, 25 members, vendors, and guests attended the Maryland Limousine Association (MLA) luncheon meeting held at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood in Baltimore. Topics discussed at the meeting included fuel card services, insurance, vehicle shortages, and the recent Day on the Hill hosted by the National Limousine Association. CD Editor Rob Smentek was present for the event.
Alex Sussman of COAST fuel cards
Following attendee introductions and a brief preview of the afternoon’s agenda, MLA President Len Joseph of On the Town Limousines introduced the first speaker, Alex Sussman from COAST fuel cards, who described his company’s services and what they can offer the luxury transportation industry. Next, Joseph provided some insight into his experience with the Day on the Hill. He and MLA member Willie Cook of DTS Worldwide described the “asks” the industry had for the governmental representatives and legislators, including preventing congestion taxes, fairness at the curb, ERTC processing, and restoring bonus depreciation. Joseph then discussed the possibility of teaming up with the Virginia Limousine Association to handle issues that affect both organizations.
Holly McCulloh of Hilb Group Insurance
MLA President Len Joseph of On the Town Limousines, MLA Secretary Joanna Fridinger of The Limo Lady, and CD Editor Rob Smentek
Then, Joseph invited Holly McCulloh of Hilb Group Insurance to participate in a Q&A about the insurance industry and what operators are facing. Regarding insurance renewals, McCulloh informed the MLA membership that insurers are doing “deep dives” into operators’ backgrounds including checking their websites, Yelp reviews, and even Google maps to make sure they’re representing their fleets accurately. Simply put, she advised operators to “have your house in order” prior to seeking renewal. When asked by an operator in attendance why rates are going up even for folks with clean driving records, McCulloh explained that inflation and expensive claims have caused increases across the board. She advised operators to get telematics to help keep rates low.
L to R: German Ruiz of Madison Capital, Willie Cook of DTS Worldwide, and Alex Sussman of COAST
The meeting’s final guest was Armik Megerdichian, the Lincoln Brand Manager from Sheehy Ford Lincoln in Gaithersburg, Md. The veteran retailer admitted that parts availability and vehicle inventory are still affected by the pandemic, and advised operators to continue to plan ahead when buying new vehicles. For example, if you think that you’ll need a vehicle in January, consider placing the order in August. Megerdichian also confirmed that the used car market is still hot, and that there is plenty of opportunity for operators to unload unwanted metal.
Before the meeting was concluded, Joseph urged the operators in attendance to keep their eyes open for illegal operators. He encouraged everyone to take photos of illegal cars and license plates and email them to the Public Service Commission.
Visit mdlimoassoc.org for more information.
[05.25.23]