A World Cup–Inspired Playbook for the Future of Business Travel

GAME PLAN

Kickoff: Morning Program | Setting the Pitch

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Registration and Networking

9:00 – 9:15 AM | The Whistle Blows

 GBTA | Georgia Chapter Leadership
Welcome remarks and a kickoff to a full day of insights, teamwork, and forward-thinking strategy as we prepare for the next era of managed travel.

9:15-9:25 Venue Sponsor: Welcome from Brookhaven City Centre Team
 David Kemp, Director City Centre Events and International Sales, Brookhaven

9:25 – 10:00 AM | Opening Keynote: Atlanta Takes the World Stage
  Speaker: William Pate, President & CEO, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau

Match Focus: Atlanta Takes The World Stage

10:00 – 10:15 | Sponsor Spotlight: Redefining the Playbook
  Speaker: Kathy Bedell, VP, Americas & Affiliate Programs BCD Travel. Education Day Premier Sponsor

Match Focus: The Tech-Enabled Travel Manager: From Good to World-Class

10:15-10:45 | Locker Room Refresh, Networking, Exhibitor Engagement 

Late Morning The Group Stage: Buyer and Supplier Strategy

10:45-11:45 | Buyer Panel: Inside Today's Travel Programs

  Speaker and Panel Moderator: Bob Somers SVP Global Sales, Delta Air Lines
Panelists:

Laura Gavulic, Manager, Corporate Travel Program, Southern Company

Amanda Somers, Senior Director Global Travel, Koch

Jennifer Steinke, Director Travel, Meetings & Fleet | Procurement Moderna

11:45 - 11:50 | Legislative Minute

11:50-1:00pm | Half Time Fan Zone. Lunch. Networking. Exhibitor Showcase.

🌍 The Second Half | Innovation & Execution

1:00-1:45 | VAR Review: Travel Technology & Program Design
  Speaker: Jennifer Steinke, Director Travel, Meetings & Fleet | Procurement Moderna

🏆 Late Afternoon | Power Plays in Lodging and Meetings

1:45 – 2:30 PM | Supplier Spotlight: The Hotel Strategy Playbook.

The State of Corporate Travel & Meetings

 Speaker: Chris Hardman, President and CEO Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association (GHLA)

Match Focus: Hospitality, Policy Shifts & Market Dynamics

2:30-3:00 | Hydration Break, Networking & Exhibitor Showcase

3:00-3:45 | Championship Mindset Session: Connection Over Perfection

 Speaker: Kathy Bearden, Managing Partner & President, KBearden & Associates
Strategic Relationships Consultant | Leadership Coach | Storyteller

Match Focus: “It’s Not About Perfection… It’s About Connection.”

🥅 Final Whistle | Closing Session

3:45-4:00 PM | Post-Match Analysis: Key Takeaways & What’s Next and Raffle Drawing
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The Fan Experience | Networking, Exhibitor Showcases & Fan‑Zone Engagement

9:00 AM-4:00 PM High-energy breaks, Expo time, and peer connections make this an ideal day of learning and growth with contvinuous attendee interaction

View More Details on Speakers, Topics and Education Day

Venue
Bookhaven City Centre

4001 Peachtree Rd NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319

Parking
Self Parking is available in the Brookhaven Marta Station parking lot located on Apple Valley Road behind the City Centre. Guests can walk through the station tunnel, up the stairs, and the Centre will be on their left.  More Details.

TICKETS
Register by May 7 Early Bird
Members: $100. Non-Members: $125

Late Registration After May 7: Members / Guests: $150

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Thank You To ...

Education Day Premier Sponsor

GBTA Georgia Cornerstone Sponsor

Venue Sponsor