Richard Eades is global category manager for travel, meetings and events at BP, and is speaking on the following session at Business Travel Show Europe: BTS Europe @30 Special Session: Is the convergence of business travel and meetings redefining the role of travel managers?
What's the biggest challenge you currently face as a corporate travel manager?
There are two main items. Firstly, high year-on-year cost increases across all the supply base affected by inflation and demand. And secondly, the expectations of stakeholders/travellers and leadership of the speed of technology change versus the actual speed of change. The travel industry can be extremely complex – sometimes unnecessarily – and technology needs to be enhanced, more integrated, and more logical to deliver efficiency and a next generation user experience.
If your TMC could do one new thing to make your life as a buyer easier, what would that be?
Put a timeframe on things and commit to the future tech roadmap whilst continuing to deliver value. Never lose sight of the end user experience.
Do you think sustainable travel is possible? What's the best way to achieve it?
Yes. By global collaboration and learning from multiple industries. Obtain commitment and accountability, educate, engage and communicate. Ensure travel is seen as an investment rather than a cost or tick-box exercise.
Is the convergence of business travel and meetings redefining the role of travel managers? Yes. Post-pandemic, the way and the times of the day we work, the actual environment and logistics have all changed. The role of travel and meetings to support and facilitate the diverse workforce has adapted to these changes and is generating a huge amount of data that will influence how the travel manager of tomorrow operates and needs to think.
As Business Travel Show Europe marks its 30th anniversary this year, what would you say is the biggest innovation to positively impact corporate travel in the three decades since the event was founded?
The internet. It's enabled global connectivity and multiple distribution channels.
What do you think will have the next big impact?
Personalised AI and smart sustainability.
Why is Business Travel Show Europe such a key date in your schedule?
It provides interaction with peers and key suppliers and the chance to learn about new potential suppliers .
Business Travel Show Europe takes place at ExCeL London on 19-20 June. Travel bookers, managers and procurement personnel can register for free attendance here.