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]