ProcureCon Travel 2025
May 13 - 15, 2025
JW Marriott LA LIVE
Day 2: Tuesday, June 4, 2024
THEME: TM 2.0 - Innovating The Travel Ecosystem
8:30 am - 8:35 am
Opening Remarks
John Ward -
Program Director,
ProcureCon Travel
8:35 am - 8:40 am
Chairman Remarks
Will Pinnell -
Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Americas,
HRS
8:40 am - 9:20 am
Panel: Rethink Your Policy– Practical Innovations For The Business Travelers Journey
Rita Visser -
Director Global Travel Sourcing & GPO,
Oracle
Bonnie Brabb -
Global Travel Manager,
Juniper Networks
Lee Palmer-Turner -
Travel & Subsidiary Engagement Manager MGM Studios,
Amazon
Mallory Collins -
Global Travel Supplier Program Manager,
Meta
Teddy Oberts -
Sourcing Manager – Corporate Travel,
Salesforce
Will Pinnell -
Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Americas,
HRS
"Rethink Your Policy – Practical Innovations for the Business Traveler's Journey" is a dynamic panel discussion aimed at revolutionizing corporate travel policies. This session brings together thought leaders in corporate travel to share their insights on adapting travel policies to the evolving needs of modern business travelers. The panel will explore innovative approaches to enhance traveler safety, comfort, and productivity, while balancing cost and policy compliance. This session is essential for corporate travel managers, HR professionals, and business leaders looking to create travel policies that not only meet organizational objectives but also prioritize the well-being and preferences of their traveling employees.
Key Takeaways:
- Adapting to Changing Traveler Needs: Understand the importance of evolving travel policies to align with the changing preferences and requirements of business travelers.
- Balancing Comfort with Compliance: Learn strategies to strike a balance between providing comfortable and convenient travel experiences for employees, while ensuring adherence to budget constraints and policy compliance.
- Incorporating Technology and Data: Discover how leveraging data analytics and technological solutions can aid in crafting effective travel policies
9:20 am - 9:50 am
Keynote - Driving Decisions with Data: Delight or Disaster? Presented Dr. Joe Perez, Senior Systems Analyst / Team Lead, NC Department of Health and Human Services
9:50 am - 10:10 am
Keynote: Blueprinting the Strategically Sustainable Travel Program
Scott Gillespie -
Industry Advisor,
tClara
10:10 am - 10:40 am
Networking Break: Lounge In The Solutions Zone
10:40 am - 11:15 am
Panel: Revolutionize Your Travel Budget: The Pros, Cons, And Alternatives To RFP’s
Diana Edens -
Sr. Category Manager – Global Airline & Hotel Programs,
ExxonMobil
Mathias Smyser -
Head of Supplier Category Strategy and SRM, Global Travel and Events,
Amazon
Beth Maynard -
Director of Global Procurement,
UGG/HOKA Footwear
Rossana Martin -
Senior Vice President, Global Sales - NA,
BCD Travel
Will Pinnell -
Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Americas,
HRS
Get your procurement hats on as we delve deep into the world of travel budgeting, with a special focus on the use of Requests for Proposals (RFPs). This session will feature experts in corporate travel management, procurement, and finance who will dissect the traditional RFP process, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses in the current travel industry landscape. Additionally, the panel will explore innovative alternatives to RFPs, offering fresh perspectives on optimizing travel budgeting and procurement strategies. This session is essential for travel managers, procurement officers, and financial executives seeking to modernize their approach to managing travel expenses and vendor relationships.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding RFP Limitations: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and limitations associated with traditional RFPs in travel procurement
Exploring Alternative Procurement Strategies: Learn about innovative procurement strategies that can serve as alternatives to RFPs
Balancing Cost, Quality, and Efficiency: Discover strategies for balancing cost savings with quality and efficiency in travel procurement
11:15 am - 11:35 am
Keynote: It Takes A Village: Best Practices For Procurement and Travel Management Collaboration
Joanne Kelly -
Category Manager,
Bloomberg
Rafael Rosario -
Global Travel Manager,
Bloomberg
11:35 am - 12:05 pm
Networking Break: Lounge In The Solutions Zone
Buyers, set management's travel priorities aside and ask yourselves, "What would MY ideal travel program look like?"
You'll follow a structured process for describing your vision and sharing it anonymously with your colleagues. Suppliers, listen in as buyers describe what they'd need from you.
This think tank session is dedicated to exploring innovative strategies and best practices for enhancing the duty of care in travel procurement. This session will delve into the complexities of ensuring traveler safety, health, and well-being in the constantly changing landscape of business travel. Participants will engage in in-depth discussions about balancing cost-effectiveness with high standards of care, addressing emerging challenges in travel risks, and implementing proactive measures for traveler security. This collaborative forum aims to foster a shared understanding and develop actionable solutions that prioritize the safety and satisfaction of travelers in corporate travel policies.
Key Takeaways:
Delve into effective strategies and tools for ensuring the physical safety of travelers.
Discuss the importance of considering mental and physical health in travel planning.
Tackle the challenge of maintaining high duty of care standards while managing costs.
Kevin Coffey
Travel Security & Meeting Risk Advisor and Trainer | People Risk Management EvangelizerKevincoffey.com
This think tank session delves into the forefront of technological innovation in event management. It's a deep dive into how cutting-edge technologies like virtual and augmented reality, AI-powered event planning tools, and sophisticated digital attendee engagement strategies are reshaping the landscape of events and conferences. Participants will engage in an interactive and thought-provoking discussion on integrating these technologies to create more dynamic, efficient, and engaging events. The session aims to foster collaborative thinking and generate actionable insights on leveraging technology for enhancing event experiences.
Key Takeaways:
Explore the transformative potential of VR and AR in creating immersive and engaging event experiences.
Examine how AI tools can streamline event logistics, from scheduling to personalized attendee interactions.
Focus on innovative digital strategies to maintain and enhance attendee engagement.
2:10 pm - 2:35 pm
General Session Keynote- How United Is Transforming The Customer & Employee Experience With AI
Grant Milstead -
Vice President, Digital Technology,
United Airlines
AI isn’t new, but we are all more aware of it than ever with the release of generative AI and human like qualities generative AI has. Learn how United has been leveraging AI to make its customer’s travel experience better and its employees lives easier.
2:35 pm - 3:05 pm
Panel: Meet Me In The Middle: How to Wow Your Business Travelers Without Wrecking the Budget
Tonya Most -
Indirect Procurement Manager,
TKC Holdings
Danielle Amoroso -
Associate Director – Travel & Expense, Finance,
Otsuka
Kristina Orlin -
Global Travel Manager,
Dropbox
Michael Lyons -
Regional Head of Travel Services,
HSBC
Will Pinnell -
Senior Vice President and Managing Director of the Americas,
HRS
This exciting panel discussion will focus on balancing business travelers' aspirations and needs with corporate travel budgets' financial constraints. This session brings together corporate travel management, finance, and human resources experts to explore innovative ways to enhance the business travel experience while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Topics will include personalizing travel experiences, leveraging technology for cost savings, and creative strategies for maximizing traveler satisfaction without overspending. This panel is ideal for corporate travel managers, financial planners, and HR professionals tasked with managing travel budgets and traveler welfare.
Key Takeaways:
- Personalization Within Budget Limits: Learn how to tailor travel experiences to individual preferences and needs within the constraints of a budget
- Leveraging Technology for Efficiency and Savings: Discover how emerging technologies and tools can streamline travel processes
- Creative Cost-Effective Strategies: Gain insights into innovative strategies and best practices for making the most of a travel budget
3:05 pm - 3:25 pm
Refresher Break
3:25 pm - 3:45 pm
General Session: Let’s Summarize– Reconvene, Reflect and Remember
As we draw the curtain on this transformative event, don't miss our exhilarating Grand Finale! Join us for a riveting recap where we’ll spotlight the event's game-changing takeaways, jaw-dropping surprises, and essential action items. Get ready to set your course with actionable roadmaps for a future full of possibilities!
This session promises not only to summarize but to supercharge your next steps, leaving you inspired, informed, and ready to implement. See you at the Grand Finale!