Karen Hutchings

Founder Cobb & Hutch Consulting

Karen is known as a Global Leader learning the nuances of business by living and working in all areas of the globe. Recognized as having an innovative mindset and known for challenging the status quo and driving change across the travel, meetings & events industry. She has never been afraid to take chances and try new ideas and initiatives, an intrapreneur by choice with a desire to always be part of a diverse and high performing team. · As the EY Global Head of Travel, Meetings & Events Pre COVID managed US$2.1 billion travel spend and approximately $400M in Meetings & Events spend. Karen was regularly engaged by the client serving team to support EY client engagements acting as a subject matter expert and became renowned for the adoption of alternative technologies to support the EY Travel Meetings & Events program which was unique in the industry. EY STAT was her brainchild which was implemented initially within EY and now being sold to clients. · The Merrill Lynch team that Karen lead won travel team of the year in 2007 and the EY Travel, Meetings & Events team were named Team of the Year 2015 by Buying Business Travel Magazine, and ITM in 2017. Karen herself was recognized as the BTN Multinational Travel Manager of the Year in 2015 and 2018 and one of the top 25 most influential in the travel industry in 2015, 2018 and again in 2023. 2022 saw Karen inducted into the Business Travel News Hall of Fame in recognition of her innovative approach and driving change across the travel industry and was awarded a life time achievement award in 2023 by GBTA Winit · Previously Karen lead the travel meetings & events team at AIG, was ASPAC and EMEIA Regional Travel Head at Citi and Global Head of Travel at Merrill Lynch On a personal note … While running was always a passion, having run 26 marathons around the world, Karen now spends her spare time with her horses, sheep, cats, rescue dogs Buddy& Bubbles and Brian the goat as well as supporting her husband in his downhill mountain bike adventures and support a dog sanctuary in Goa India to retain her connectivity with the country she has become to love

Day 1: Monday, June 3, 2024

8:45 AM Mindshare Synthesis on Mainstage

Witness a confluence of ideas as our Advisory Board table leaders converge on the main stage. They will:

Share collective insights
Reflect on groundbreaking suggestions
Discuss overarching themes and breakthrough ideas

Our Distinguished Advisory Board: Spearheading these strategic sessions are our Advisory Board members – a blend of industry stalwarts and visionary thinkers. As table leaders, they’ll channel discussions, share their expertise, and bridge the gap between challenges and solutions.

9:05 AM Chairman Remarks

9:10 AM Keynote- At Cruising Altitude: An Industry Perspective From 45,000 FT

In the upcoming keynote "At Cruising Altitude: An Industry Perspective From 45,000 FT," Eric Gray and Danielle Cavnor from PWC will offer insightful projections into the future trends and directions of the travel industry. They will discuss the anticipated changes driven by evolving consumer demands and technological advancements, emphasizing the need for adaptability and innovation in procurement and travel operations. The keynote will include a forward-looking analysis of how global events are expected to influence travel dynamics and how businesses can strategically adapt their travel policies for efficiency and sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

Adaptability to Emerging Trends
Embracing Technological Innovations
Focusing on Sustainable and Efficient Travel

9:50 AM Panel: From Booking to Boarding: How tech is Transforming Travel Management

In this insightful panel discussion, we will explore the revolutionary impact of technology on the travel management sector. The panelists will share their unique perspectives on how digital advancements are reshaping the way corporations manage travel, from booking processes to the boarding experience. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest technological innovations, strategies for implementing these technologies, and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities in corporate travel.

Key Takeaways:

Innovations in Digital Travel Management: Discover the latest technological advancements that are simplifying and enhancing the booking and travel management process
Strategies for Implementation and Adoption: Learn about effective strategies to integrate new technologies into existing corporate travel systems
Future Outlook and Challenges: Gain insights into the future trends in travel technology

3:35 PM Panel: Automate, Innovate, Elevate: How AI is Changing the Landscape of Corporate Travel Procurement

In this engaging session, industry experts will explore the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in corporate travel procurement. The panel will delve into how AI technologies are automating complex processes, fostering innovation, and elevating the efficiency of travel management. Attendees will gain insights into the latest AI advancements, practical applications in travel procurement, and strategies for integrating AI to optimize cost, compliance, and traveler experience. This session is designed for corporate travel managers, procurement professionals, and technology enthusiasts eager to understand and leverage the power of AI in the ever-evolving domain of corporate travel.

Key Takeaways:

Understand how AI is simplifying and automating intricate tasks in travel procurement.
Learn about cutting-edge AI tools and technologies that are revolutionizing corporate travel management.
Gain insights into on how to measure the return on investment (ROI)

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Karen.

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