As one of the premier events in the world of corporate travel, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention is the must-attend gathering for business travel professionals looking to connect, learn, and shape the future of the industry. This year’s event promises to be especially impactful, with a dynamic lineup of education sessions, networking opportunities, and technology showcases.
Among the innovations on display, Direct Travel will be demoing Avenir: Travel Edition—our highly anticipated, next-generation travel platform that launched earlier this year.
With so much in store throughout the convention, a little preparation goes a long way. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned travel manager, this guide offers practical tips to help you get the most out of your GBTA 2025 experience.
Your GBTA Game Plan
- Build a focused itinerary: Start by reviewing GBTA’s Know Before You Go guide, which includes details on the mobile app, transportation logistics, and session highlights.
- Schedule meetings ahead of time: Calendars fill up fast. Reach out to key vendors, peers, or partners now to ensure you make those valuable connections. (Plus, being proactive has its perks. When you schedule a meeting with Direct Travel, you’ll receive a Sonos Roam 2 waterproof Bluetooth speaker as a thank you.)
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be on your feet more than you think—especially in the expo hall. Go with a stylish and supportive option, and your feet will thank you.
- Hydrate and snack smart: To stay focused throughout the long day, pack a few energy bars and a refillable water bottle (and give yourself bonus sustainability points for avoiding single-use plastics.)
- Pack business cards or a digital contact app: Not everyone uses the same networking tools, so it’s best to be prepared for both physical and virtual exchanges.
- Build in breaks: GBTA can be overwhelming, especially for first timers. Give yourself breathing room between sessions to recharge and process what you’ve learned.
- Plan your evenings intentionally: Receptions and after-hours events are where many of the most meaningful conversations happen. Look out for RSVP-only events and make sure to register for these ahead of time, such as Direct Travel’s After Party at Meow Wolf Denver. (This won’t be one to skip!)
Attend These Can’t-Miss Education Sessions
As you plan ahead to ensure your time at GBTA aligns with your organization’s travel priorities, here are two key sessions to flag. These will be especially useful if your organization has experienced any friction with legacy business travel solutions:
Buyer Buzz
Monday 7/21 | 11:05 – 11:50a | Room 2-3A
Discover what’s buzzing for travel buyers and connect with like-minded business travel peers at this brand-new networking event. Hear opening remarks from Direct Travel CEO Christal Bemont, followed by fast-paced discussions, lively networking, and interactive insights.
It’s Not You, It’s Me: Rethinking Your Travel Program Relationships
Wednesday 7/23 | 11:15 – 12:00p | Room 207
Chief Product Officer Sarah Kuberry Martino will be joined by leaders from Spotnana and TROOP to unpack what’s broken in corporate travel. The panel will be putting the industry’s toughest topics on the spot, and attendees should expect live polls, bold hot takes, and a few mic-drop moments.
Beyond attending sessions, be sure to take the opportunity to join networking events, visit the expo hall, and explore everything Denver has to offer during downtime.
Experience What’s Next in Travel
While in the expo hall, stop by booth #1401 to see how Direct Travel is reimagining travel management with our powerful technology, smarter insights, and unmatched service. Meet with Direct Travel leaders—including CEO Christal Bemont and Executive Chairman Steve Singh—and get insights from our team of travel experts on how to future-proof your program.
Our booth is also the go-to spot to attend a demo session to see how Avenir: Travel Edition simplifies program management by bringing travelers, managers, and advisors together on one seamless platform:
Before heading back out onto the expo floor, fuel up with a complimentary latte or espresso, get your initials engraved on a custom Fellow tumbler, and snag a branded linen bag for taking home all your GBTA swag.
Reimagine Your Business Travel
With GBTA’s annual convention just days away, now is the time to be part of the collective movement shaping the future of global business travel. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from industry experts and learn about the latest travel technology.
GBTA 2025 is your chance to meet with the Direct Travel team and experience Avenir: Travel Edition for yourself. Be prepared to demo our next-generation travel platform and see how it can transform your business travel. From intelligent trip planning to policy alignment and personalized support, we’re building the future of travel—together.
To learn more about how to connect with Direct Travel at GBTA and beyond, contact our team.
