GBTA Convention 2026 is nearly here, bringing more than 5,000 business travel professionals to Chicago. With more than 100 education sessions, an expansive expo floor, and countless opportunities to connect, three days can fill up quickly.
The convention also gives attendees a firsthand look at the ideas and technology shaping the future of managed travel. This year Direct Travel will demonstrate the latest capabilities of Avenir, our advanced travel management platform.
With so much to explore at GBTA, a little preparation can go a long way. Whether you are attending for the first time or returning with a clear list of priorities, use these tips to build a more focused and rewarding convention experience.
Build Your GBTA Game Plan
Before arriving at McCormick Place, take some time to decide what you want to accomplish. Are you looking for new ideas to strengthen your travel program? Exploring technology partners? Hoping to reconnect with industry peers or meet others facing similar challenges?
Once you know your goals, start shaping your schedule:
- Review the agenda in advance: Identify the topics most relevant to your organization and save those sessions in the GBTA Convention app. The app also provides access to speaker details, the expo floor plan, attendee messaging, and event updates.
- Schedule important meetings early: Calendars fill up quickly during GBTA. Reach out to partners, peers, and solution providers ahead of time so your most valuable conversations do not get left to chance.
- Leave room for discovery: A full schedule may look productive on paper, but some of the best ideas and connections happen unexpectedly. Build in time to explore the expo hall, continue a conversation after a session, or take a much-needed break.
- Prepare for long days: Comfortable shoes, a refillable water bottle, a portable charger, and a few snacks can make a noticeable difference when moving between sessions and networking events.
Choose Sessions That Support Your Priorities
GBTA’s education program covers a wide range of topics affecting business travel today. Rather than trying to attend everything, focus on the conversations that align most closely with your organization’s current goals or challenges.
Direct Travel leaders will lead two sessions on Wednesday, August 5. Both will offer timely perspectives on the technology and strategies that are shaping modern travel management.
The Modern Travel Program Lab: Beyond Theory, What Actually Works
Wednesday, August 5
9:15–10:00 a.m. | Room S402
This interactive workshop will explore how travel leaders are using data, analytics, and AI to balance cost, traveler experience, innovation, and risk. Attendees will gain ideas for improving visibility and navigating the demands of increasingly complex global programs.
Innovation and the Pursuit of the “Perfect Business Trip”
Wednesday, August 5
9:15–10:00 a.m. | Room S406a
Drawing on GBTA research, this session will examine emerging trends in business travel. The conversation will cover AI, hotel distribution, the future of global travel programs, and what these developments mean for travel managers.
Add these sessions to your schedule and explore the complete GBTA 2026 agenda.
Let the Expo Hall Work for You
The expo floor is one of the best places to discover new solutions, compare approaches, and have direct conversations about your program. Before you arrive, review the floor plan and make a short list of priority stops, including Direct Travel at Booth #2105.
Our team will be available throughout the convention to discuss how organizations can improve the traveler experience, expand access to content, strengthen global consistency, and gain clearer visibility across their programs. At our booth, you’ll see how we are bringing together modern technology, global expertise, and exceptional service.
While you are there, you’ll also be able to collect a genuine PlaneTag handcrafted from a retired aircraft. It is a unique opportunity to bring home a small piece of aviation history!
See Avenir in Action
A convention demo should do more than introduce a list of features, but rather help you understand how a solution could address the challenges within your travel program.
Throughout GBTA, our team will host live demonstrations showing how Avenir brings together content, data, insights, tools, and expertise through a single experience. Attendees will be able to explore how the platform provides one secure place to access reporting, travel resources, program insights, and integrated partner capabilities, along with new ways to turn travel data into clearer, faster answers.
During a demo, you will see how Avenir helps organizations:
- Manage more of their travel program through one secure login
- Ask questions in natural language and receive trusted answers in seconds
- Better understand spend, traveler activity, and policy performance
- Support travelers through a connected global experience and consistent standard of care
Review the demo schedule before the convention and select the session that best matches your interests. You can also schedule time with the Direct Travel team for a more personalized conversation about your program.
Plan Your Evenings With Purpose
The convention may wind down each afternoon, but the conversations often continue well into the evening. Receptions and after-hours events offer a more relaxed setting to reconnect with colleagues and form new relationships.
Check which events require advance registration and leave enough time between your final daytime commitment and evening plans.
On Monday August 3, Direct Travel and our partners will host the Windy City Social Club. The evening will feature elevated food and cocktails, skyline views, interactive experiences, and a members-only speakeasy. Space is limited, and an RSVP is required.
Make Your Time at GBTA Count
The most rewarding convention experiences balance preparation with flexibility. Establish your goals, leave space for unexpected conversations, and come ready to learn from the people and perspectives moving business travel forward.
Before heading to Chicago, visit the Direct Travel GBTA 2026 page to explore our demo schedule, featured education sessions, and more. We look forward to seeing you at Booth #2105.
