Joint Education Day: The Future of Travel & Leadership in The Age of AI

 

May 08, 2026
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Westin SFO
1 Old Bayshore Highway
Milbrae, CA 94030
Venue Website
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Joint Education Day: The Future of Travel & Leadership in The Age of AI

Like every industry, corporate travel is rapidly evolving, with AI accelerating innovation and reshaping how we work. At the same time, our industry remains rooted in relationships, trust, and human connection.

As roles shift and the talent pipeline evolves, the question becomes: how do we embrace new technology while continuing to develop the next generation of leaders?

This joint Education Day brings both perspectives together — from exploring AI-powered solutions, including our Shark Tank–style showcase of online booking tools, to redefining how we grow into more strategic and value-driven roles.

The future of corporate travel isn’t AI versus people — it’s people and AI, working together to elevate our industry.


Check back to see the updated agenda!

 

Keynote speaker:

 

Adam Braun, CEO & Co-Founder, Clarasight
NY Times Best Seller & Professional Speaker

Build for Where The World Is Headed Next: Travel in the Age of AI

Agenda (Subject to change)
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Travel Buyers Registration
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Travel Buyers-Only Session
“Building a Business Case That Wins Leadership Support”

Speaker: Justin Morris, Vice President, Executive Travel
Have you ever identified a promising travel solution but struggled to secure leadership buy-in or
budget approval? This interactive workshop will provide practical strategies to build a compelling
business case and effectively influence decision-makers.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Registration & Trade Show

12:00 PM – 1:20PM
Lunch and Keynote speaker


Build for Where The World Is Headed Next: Travel in the Age of AI
Keynote Speaker: Adam Braun, CEO, Clarasight

1:20 PM – 1:50 PM
Trade show and Networking 

1:50 PM – 2:60PM

Travel Buyers Panel
Moderator: Kevin Iwamoto, GBTA Past President
Panelists:

Leslie Hadden, LinkedIn

Michelle Fontaine, Okta

Eric Rhode, OpenAI


Gain insights from industry leaders as they share perspectives on navigating today’s evolving
corporate travel landscape.

2:50 PM – 3:15 PM

Networking & Trade Show


3:15 PM – 4:25 PM
AI-Powered Travel Tools: Shark Tank Showcase
Experience a dynamic, fast-paced session where innovative travel technology providers present
their solutions in a “Shark Tank”-style format.

Spotnana, Justin Schuster, Sr. Vice President Marketing 

Navan, Dominic Orsi, Sr. Enterprise Account Executive 

BizTrip - Tom Romary, Founder and CEO 

Egencia - John Sturino, SVP, Product & Engineering Egencia, Neo and Amex GBT 

LaaSy, Asim Mohammad, CTO

Additional contestants to be announced 

4:25 PM – 4:45 PM

Closing, Drawing 

Title Sponsor 


Gold Sponsors

 

Silver Sponsor

Buyer Session Sponsor

Trade Show Sponsors

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Media Sponsors

Thank you to our Host Venue:


Westin SFO Airport Discount Rate:
To get a 15% discount on the hotel rate, go to marriott.com and enter the code "X09" under the "Corp/Promo code" under the special rate section. 

 

Important Note Regarding Registration Fee:

As part of your registration for this event, a $10.00 portion of the fee will be allocated as a voluntary contribution to GBTA | Bay Area PAC to complete our chapter challenge goals. These funds will support efforts that align with the goals and values of our organization. Please note that your name will be provided to GBTA as a donor to the PAC as part of this contribution.

Contribution Details:

·              The contribution to the PAC is optional and will be automatically included in the registration fee unless otherwise indicated.

·              If you choose not to contribute, have paid your registration with a corporate card or do not wish for your name to be shared, please email [email protected] to opt out.

·              Contributions are not tax-deductible, and individuals are subject to the applicable legal limits for PAC donations.

Education Day Sponsorship Available

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Tickets

$85.00 Direct Buyer Member Ticket

$85.00 Direct Buyer Non-Member Ticket

$145.00 Member Ticket
$125.00 Earlybird rate before April 24

$180.00 Non-Member or Guest Ticket
$160.00 Earlybird rate before April 24

$145.00 GBTA ALL ACCESS OTHER CHAPTER MEMBERS ONLY
$125.00 Earlybird rate before April 24


Future Meetings

Networking & a short panel discussion: Hotel RFP Wins, Trends & Lessons Learned

 

November 12, 2026

 

4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

 

Hotel Nia, Autograph Collection
200 Independence Dr.
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Venue Website

Networking & a short panel discussion

Register Now View Details ►

 

 

Travel Buyer Panel: Travel Buyer Outlook: Lessons from 2026, Strategies for 2027

 

December 10, 2026

 

11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

 

Hilton Santa Clara
4949 Great America Pkwy
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Venue Website

Luncheon Meeting

Register Now View Details ►