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Lesson 2: The SMM Wheel and It’s Components

This lesson introduces the Strategic Meetings Management (SMM) Wheel—its components and purpose—and highlights the critical role of engaging stakeholders for a successful SMM program. The Strategic Meetings Management (SMM) Wheel provides a comprehensive framework for managing enterprise-wide meeting processes, spend, volume, standards, suppliers, and data.Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for professionals in meetings, events, travel, or procurement who are responsible for—or looking to influence—organizational meeting strategies. Attendee Commitment: 1-2 hours per module. Special thanks to our collaborators:Stephanie McNamara - CventJulie Haddix - CventBrenda Davis - International SOS & Meetings & Events CommitteeGem Bassett - Curated by Gem & Meetings & Events CommitteeThis course has been made possible by:

Lesson 3: Build your Strategy

This lesson introduces participants to the foundational phases of building a Strategic Meetings Management (SMM) program. It guides learners through discovering key stakeholders and performance insights, designing a tailored strategy, and aligning the program with broader organizational goals. Participants will explore tools such as the GBTA Business Case Framework and learn how to establish internal collaboration and ensure brand integrity throughout the process. Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for professionals in meetings, events, travel, or procurement who are responsible for—or looking to influence—organizational meeting strategies. Attendee Commitment: 1-2 hours per module. Special thanks to our collaborators:Stephanie McNamara - CventJulie Haddix - CventBrenda Davis - International SOS & Meetings & Events CommitteeGem Bassett - Curated by Gem & Meetings & Events CommitteeThis course has been made possible by:

Lesson 4: Define the Value

This lesson explores how to demonstrate the value of an SMM program by analyzing spend and funding, calculating ROI, and identifying and mitigating risks. Learners will gain financial insights, learn to assess return on investment, and understand how to protect the organization through effective risk management strategies. Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for professionals in meetings, events, travel, or procurement who are responsible for—or looking to influence—organizational meeting strategies. Attendee Commitment: 1-2 hours per module. Special thanks to our collaborators:Stephanie McNamara - CventJulie Haddix - CventBrenda Davis - International SOS & Meetings & Events CommitteeGem Bassett - Curated by Gem & Meetings & Events CommitteeThis course has been made possible by:

Lesson 5: Grounded in Policy and Partnerships

This lesson focuses on evaluating existing organizational policies and identifying any gaps relevant to Strategic Meetings Management (SMM). It also explores how to build effective supplier strategies and leverage Preferred Supplier Programs across key categories such as hotels, technology, and travel.Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for professionals in meetings, events, travel, or procurement who are responsible for—or looking to influence—organizational meeting strategies. Attendee Commitment: 1-2 hours per module. Special thanks to our collaborators:Stephanie McNamara - CventJulie Haddix - CventBrenda Davis - International SOS & Meetings & Events CommitteeGem Bassett - Curated by Gem & Meetings & Events CommitteeThis course has been made possible by:

Lesson 6: Elevate your SMM Program

This lesson explores how to plan and deliver modern, forward-thinking meetings by integrating technology, prioritizing sustainability, and ensuring attendee safety. Learners will examine emerging tools, eco-conscious practices, and risk mitigation strategies that align with evolving expectations and global standards.Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for professionals in meetings, events, travel, or procurement who are responsible for—or looking to influence—organizational meeting strategies. Attendee Commitment: 1-2 hours per module. Special thanks to our collaborators:Stephanie McNamara - CventJulie Haddix - CventBrenda Davis - International SOS & Meetings & Events CommitteeGem Bassett - Curated by Gem & Meetings & Events CommitteeThis course has been made possible by:

Lesson 1: Fundamentals of Strategic Meetings Management

This lesson provides a foundational understanding of Strategic Meetings Management (SMM), including its definition, value, and connection to the travel industry. Learners will explore the essential components of a successful SMM program, the skills required to implement it, and current industry trends that influence strategy and planning. The lesson also emphasizes aligning the program with brand identity and leveraging available resources. Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for professionals in meetings, events, travel, or procurement who are responsible for—or looking to influence—organizational meeting strategies. Attendee Commitment: 1-2 hours per module. Special thanks to our collaborators:Stephanie McNamara - CventJulie Haddix - CventBrenda Davis - International SOS & Meetings & Events CommitteeGem Bassett - Meetings & Events Consultant, CuratedThis course has been made possible by:

Searching for Truth: Navigating Risk in the Age of AI & Misinformation

In today’s world, AI is the new wild west – pumping out a lot of misinformation and creating new challenges for travel risk management. With no sheriff in town to fact check, how do you identify reliable intelligence? In this session, we'll teach you how to separate fact from fiction and strategies to revolutionize your risk management approach, ensuring smarter, safer outcomes for your travelers. This session was held during Convention 2025 in Denver, CO.

Supplier Essentials: Lesson 1

Lesson OverviewThis lesson, designed for business travel suppliers, explores the evolution of corporate travel, the key stakeholders shaping the ecosystem, and the technologies that power modern travel programs. Learners will examine global trends, research insights, and real‑world case examples to understand how innovation, regulation, and market forces influence travel strategy and client expectations. The lesson also highlights the critical role suppliers play in business continuity and client success, emphasizing collaboration, credibility, and value creation in a competitive market.What to ExpectThis lesson is entirely asynchronous. Learners have 30 days from the time they enroll to complete the course.The lesson will consist of text, audio, videos, interactive activities, knowledge checks, and an exam. Lesson 1 consists of 4 sections:Section 1: History and Development of Business TravelSection 2: Business Travel ToolsSection 3: Corporate Travel Trends and ResearchSection 4: Why Business Travel MattersUpon course completion, learners will be able to download their certificate of completion. GTP holders will earn 1 GTP credit.ContributorsA special thank you to the GBTA Education Committee for making this course possible.

Sustainable Travel Management: Part 1

Course OverviewThis course equips you with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement effective sustainability strategies within your travel programs. You will learn how to leverage sustainable procurement, utilize sustainability data, and adopt emissions-reducing technologies throughout the business travel value chain. We will explore how to empower travelers to make informed choices through policy, booking tools, and stakeholder engagement. By understanding how to track emissions and utilize resources like the GBTA Foundation’s Sustainability Toolkit, you will be prepared to drive meaningful change and integrate sustainable travel values at every level of your organization.The course will consist of Module 1 and Module 2, each broken down into distinct lessons. Each Lesson will have a knowledge check for you to check your knowledge. Learners are required to complete each check and must earn an 80% or more to move forward.Who should attendThe Sustainable Travel Management course is designed for corporate travel managers (travel buyers) and those who offer solutions managed travel programs (suppliers, TMCs, consultants, etc.). The content will be applicable to organizations who are starting their sustainable travel program journey and those who are looking to fill specific gaps in their climate action practices. Business Travel ManagersProcurement/Category ManagersSustainability Directors Travel Suppliers Airline professionalsHotel professionalsGround Transportation professionalsTechnology Company (OBT) professionalsTravel Management Company (TMC) professionalsBusiness Travel Consultants

Strategic Meetings Management / Full Course (Lessons 1-6)

WelcomeThe Fundamentals of Strategic Meetings Management Full Course contains all 6 modules. Learners will have access to the modules in sequential order and must complete the survey at the end of module 6 to complete the course and obtain the Certificate of Completion. Course OverviewAs corporations increasingly integrate travel, procurement, and meetings into their business strategy, the need for a structured approach to meetings management has never been greater. This foundational course provides a comprehensive introduction to Strategic Meetings Management (SMM)—a discipline focused on managing enterprise-wide meeting and event processes to achieve measurable business objectives aligned with organizational goals. Developed by seasoned experts in travel, procurement, and meetings, this course equips participants with the skills and knowledge to develop, deploy, and sustain a Strategic Meetings Management Program (SMMP). Through a combination of real-world insights and practical tools, learners will gain a deep understanding of how to contain costs, mitigate risk, manage data, implement technology, and ensure high-quality service delivery. Participants will explore six key modules covering the fundamentals of SMM, stakeholder engagement, strategic design, policy alignment, value definition, and future-focused execution strategies. This module was created in collaboration with Cvent and the GBTA Meetings & Events Committee. Special thanks to our collaborators:Stephanie McNamara - CventJulie Haddix - CventBrenda Davis - International SOS & Meetings & Events CommitteeGem Bassett - Curated by Gem & Meetings & Events Committee This course has been made possible by:

Prompt Engineering & AI Agent Mastery

Unlock the potential of AI and turbocharge your Travel program! Prompt Engineering & AI Agent Mastery will enable travel leaders and team members to discover how effective prompt design can automate tasks, enhance communication, and improve decision-making. Attendees will gain actionable insights into implementing AI-driven agents that boost productivity far beyond what you thought possible. Join us for a transformative experience that elevates your operational efficiency. This session was held during Convention 2025 in Denver, CO.

Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Travel Jargon Explained Simply

Ever felt like you need a PhD to understand travel management? Don't worry, you're not alone. In this session, we'll untangle those complex, head-scratching topics until they’re as simple as a 5th grader’s homework. We'll break down the toughest concepts (like NDC, fare filing, mid-office and back-office systems, and more), stripping away the complexities and making them easy to understand. Learning Objectives: Understand complex travel management topics through simple, jargon-free explanations Learn what to do and where to turn when you encounter a confusing travel concept Build confidence in tackling complex travel topics using practical strategies.This session was held during Convention 2025 in Denver, CO.

Intrapreneurial Mindset: The New Superpower for Travel Managers

Intrapreneurs are the bold insiders who think like entrepreneurs—travel managers and suppliers reimagining what’s possible from within their organizations. United by a drive to create better journeys, they’re transforming corporate travel to meet the needs of today’s business travelers. Hear how they’ve unlocked their intrapreneurial superpower through real stories, case studies and strategies that spark transformation, drive efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the traveler experience.This session was held during Convention 2025 in Denver, CO.

Travel Through Time - Bridging Generational Gaps and Innovating for All

Travel buyers and suppliers agree: traveler experience is paramount. But what happens when needs differ across generations? Join our dynamic multigenerational panel as we reveal insights from our 2025 survey on generational priorities. We will discuss cutting-edge strategies to bridge these gaps and transform traveler experience for all. Don't miss this chance to elevate your approach to travel.This session was held during Convention 2025 in Denver, CO.

Accessibility By Design: Best Practices to Advance Inclusive Business Travel

As the future of business travel evolves, accessibility and inclusion are no longer optional—they are essential. This session will equip travel procurement professionals with practical knowledge and actionable best practices to ensure their travel programs are inclusive and accessible to all employees, including travelers with visible and invisible disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and those with temporary impairments. Through real-world examples and program design strategies, attendees will learn how to embed accessibility into every stage of the travel procurement process—from sourcing and RFPs to policy creation, traveler support, and post-trip feedback. This session was held during Convention 2025 in Denver, CO.

Metrics That Matter - What's the Competitive Advantage of Sustainability in Business Travel

As policy momentum around climate action shifts across the U.S. and Europe, companies are increasingly relying on internal business cases to maintain and scale sustainability efforts. This session explores how organizations can measure and communicate the return on investment (ROI) of sustainability — particularly within business travel. The GBTA Foundation's Sustainability Leadership Council will discuss practical metrics, key performance indicators, and data strategies that link sustainable practices to business value—like cost savings, employee experience, and risk mitigation. Attendees will leave with tools to define success, build stronger internal buy-in, and embed sustainability in core travel operations. This session was held during Convention 2025 in Denver, CO.

Beyond Data; Buyer/Supplier Magic Inside the Hotel RFP Lifecycle

Uncover the behind-the-scenes of the hotel RFP cycle process! Industry experts share insights on data evaluation, negotiations of static and dynamic rates, and overall program execution including RFP tool set up and custom questions. Designed for both travel buyers and hotel suppliers, this session offers best practices, key trends, and actionable tips to streamline RFPs and boost results. Presented by the GBTA Accommodations Committee.This session was held during Convention 2025 in Denver, CO.

All for one and one for All - Designing Solutions for Diverse Travelers

From neurodiversity to disabilities, travelers are diverse. How do you ensure they get the support they need when they need it? How do you ensure everything is legally compliant with HR? In this session, a multinational corporation and its consulting team will discuss identifying diverse traveler needs and building a support framework to address gaps. Attendees will walk away learning tips and strategies for implementing accessibility into their travel policy from a team who made it all happen. This session was held during Convention 2025 in Denver, CO.

Aviation Headwinds for 2025 - Workforce, Sustainability, and Supply Chain Update

The aviation industry faces interconnected challenges, from workforce shortages and FAA regulations to sustainability demands, rising costs, and supply chain disruptions. Each issue amplifies the others, creating a complex landscape for travel managers. Join us to explore how these factors impact one another and discover strategies to navigate and optimize travel programs in today’s environment. Presented by the GBTA Aviation Committee.This session was held during Convention 2025 in Denver, CO.

Top 10: 2025 Convention Recordings

Discover the best of the 2025 GBTA Convention with this exclusive course bundle, featuring the top 10 rated sessions. Each session highlights cutting‑edge insights, industry trends, and practical strategies from leading experts in business travel.Each 2025 Convention recording is approximately 45 minutes in length and will earn 1 GTP credit.The recordings include: Prompt Engineering & AI Agent MasteryIntrapreneurial Mindset: The New Superpower for Travel ManagersAre You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Travel Jargon Explained SimplyTravel Through Time: Bridging Generational Gaps & Innovating for AllAccessibility By Design: Best Practices to Advance Inclusive Business TravelMetrics That Matter: What’s the Competitive Advantage of Sustainability in Business Travel?All for One and One for All: Designing Solutions for Diverse TravelersBeyond Data: Buyer/Supplier Magic Inside the Hotel RFP LifecycleSearching for Truth: Navigating Risk in the Age of AI & MisinformationAviation Headwinds for 2025: Workforce, Sustainability & Supply Chain