Day One of Conference Focuses on Education and Networking for Delegates
Prague, Czech Republic (24th September, 2013)—The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)—the voice of the global business travel industry—kicked off its annual GBTA Europe Conference yesterday afternoon with keynote speaker Gerd Leonhard, futurist, author and CEO of The Futures Agency.
The session entitled ‘The Future of Business and Communications in a Networked Society’ was supported by Radius Travel and focused on how “SoLoMo” – social, local and mobile technology – is changing the way in which we obtain, digest and use information. Gerd predicted that 65% of the Global population would be using the internet by 2020 and that we were working towards a “digital default,” a networked society where everyone is connected to everyone and 80% of internet traffic is through mobile devices.
Gerd went on to challenge delegates to start looking backwards from the future, to predict where their business may be in five years time and how they are going to get there looking at current real time examples such as Apple and IBM to illustrate the point. He predicted that “Big Data,” a current hot topic is set to become more prominent as businesses rapidly increase the amount of data collated. Gert encouraged delegates to look at their organizations big data strategy and the impact data has on communications, business and human relationships.
“I am delighted that the GBTA Europe Conference has launched with such a hard hitting, thought provoking keynote speaker,” said Catherine McGavock, GBTA’s Regional Director for Europe. “Gerd’s insightful projections into the future of how technology will shape how we communicate were fascinating and the debate that followed gave delegates ideas on how these changes will impact our industry. I look forward to continuing with a full day of stimulating content and intense debate today.”
The keynote was followed by a Welcome Reception sponsored by Choice Hotels. Delegates continued to network with fellow European travel buyers and suppliers at the Opening Dinner sponsored by American Airlines and British Airways.
Networking between buyers and suppliers was facilitated by an app sponsored by Diners Club International. The app also keeps attendees abreast of all the conference sessions, discussions and functions available at GBTA Europe 2013, so attendees don’t miss out on any of the unparalleled education, networking and business opportunities available during the conference.
