by Blacklane Team / October 24, 2024
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Discover Blacklane’s insights from the 2024 ITM Autumn Conference, including discussions on sustainability, traveler well-being, and ground transportation management.
The ITM Autumn Conference is a flagship event in the corporate travel sector, drawing over 400 professionals annually. Held at the Royal National Hotel in London, the conference gathers travel managers, corporate bookers, C-suite executives, and suppliers to explore the latest business travel trends and best practices.
For Blacklane, attending the ITM Autumn Conference is crucial for staying ahead in the evolving industry. This year, we focused on sustainability, optimizing ground transportation management, and promoting traveler well-being—three pivotal topics shaping the future of corporate travel. Our participation not only enabled us to share our vision but also underscored our commitment to leading in premium ground transportation solutions.
The Panel Discussion: “Are We Grounded?”
One of the most anticipated sessions at the ITM Autumn Conference was the panel discussion, “Are We Grounded?” Blacklane’s General Manager UK, James Dow, took the stage alongside senior leaders from Barclays, Shell, Sky, and other industry giants. The discussion centered on whether corporate travel buyers have the necessary tools to effectively manage their ground transportation programs.
Panelists:
- Samantha McKnight, Vice President Client Solutions | CIBT Visas
- Cedric Dufour, Head of B2B Sales | Trainline
- James Dow, General Manager – London | Blacklane
- Oliver Moore, Director of Travel Agency Sales – EMEA | Enterprise Mobility
- Leonard Mattison, Travel Manager & Sustainability Lead | Barclays
- Simon Andrews, Global Travel Operations Manager | Shell
- Cristina Chimenti, Head of Global Travel | Sky
Purpose: The panel aimed to explore how ground transportation fits into corporate travel programs and how companies can optimize their strategies for traveler safety, duty of care, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability.
Key Takeaways
- Diversity & Inclusion: The panel highlighted the need for more discussion around accessible travel. Are there adequate options for travelers with disabilities? Is it easy for them to request additional support? For many, the most familiar travel routes and accommodations are the least stressful, pointing to a lack of diverse and inclusive travel solutions.
- Duty of Care and Traveler Well-Being: James Dow stressed the importance of prioritizing duty of care in corporate travel. With 56% of travelers finding business trips stressful and 86% experiencing productivity loss due to travel-related fatigue, reducing stress is essential. Blacklane’s premium chauffeur services aim to alleviate these challenges, helping travelers arrive at their destinations in the best possible condition.
- Managed Ground Transport: Currently, only 30-40% of corporate travel programs manage ground transportation. Dow warned that unmanaged ground travel poses safety risks and limits companies’ ability to monitor employee movements, emphasizing the need for better management practices.
- Sustainability and Carbon Reporting: With sustainability a growing priority, many companies are focusing on achieving net-zero carbon emissions. Dow outlined Blacklane’s commitment to reaching net-zero by 2040 but argued that this alone isn’t enough. Companies must fundamentally rethink their ground transportation choices to meet sustainability goals.
56% of travelers find business trips stressful, and 86% experience productivity loss due to travel-related fatigue; thus, reducing stress is essential.
Other Panel Discussions
Beyond the focus on ground transportation, the ITM Autumn Conference provided valuable insights into broader travel industry trends. The discussions addressed critical challenges facing businesses today, including sustainability, traveler safety, and cost efficiency.
- Sustainability Initiatives: A key theme throughout the event was the urgency for greener travel solutions. “Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s an operational necessity” was a recurring sentiment. Panels emphasized how companies are increasingly adopting low-carbon options, such as electric vehicles and rail, to minimize their environmental footprint.
- Traveler Safety: Improving duty of care was another major topic. The discussions covered various aspects of risk management, from safeguarding traveler health to enhancing safety measures for business trips.
- Cost Efficiency in Corporate Travel: With travel budgets tightening, balancing cost control with quality service emerged as a central theme. Gillian Dowling, Global Category Manager for Travel & Meetings at Kerry, noted, “It’s about smart spending—finding ways to optimize every part of the travel program without sacrificing the traveler experience.” The panels explored strategies for streamlining travel operations while maintaining high standards of service.
The Road Ahead for Corporate Travel
As the corporate travel landscape evolves, the importance of ground transportation continues to grow. Businesses need reliable, managed solutions that support traveler well-being, align with sustainability objectives, and integrate seamlessly into their corporate travel programs.
At Blacklane, we are committed to leading the way with premium chauffeur services, a dedication to sustainability, and a focus on traveler safety. Looking ahead, we are excited to partner with companies to deliver innovative solutions that optimize ground travel strategies.
To elevate your corporate travel program with safe, sustainable, and seamless ground transportation, explore Blacklane’s solutions here.
