Join Travel Industry Leaders for Unmatched Learning Opportunities at The Global Business Travel Association 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia

Published on June 29, 2024

By: Rana Pratap

The 55th annual GBTA Convention, hosted by the Global Business Travel Association, is scheduled for July 22-24, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. This premier event for the business travel community offers a comprehensive agenda that includes opportunities for networking, professional development, and access to the latest industry insights.

Key features of the convention include:

• Networking with industry peers, suppliers, and partners.
• Educational sessions and keynote speeches from renowned speakers such as Dan Ariely, Carla Harris, and Dr. Bertrand Piccard.
• Tailored professional development and training across various levels of experience.
• Insights into new research, trends, and technologies within the business travel industry.

The event is open to both GBTA members and non-members, with early bird registration available until September 19, 2024. The previous year’s convention attracted over 5,200 attendees from 58 countries, featured more than 600 buyer companies, and hosted over 300 exhibitors.

The program begins on Monday, July 22, with an Opening Main Stage event at 3:00 PM ET and runs through Wednesday. Attendees are recommended to book their stay through Thursday, July 25, to take full advantage of the convention schedule, including extended expo floor hours on the final day.

Attendees can enhance their experience by extending their stay in Atlanta. The city offers a vibrant cultural scene with historic districts, diverse cuisine, and lively arts and entertainment. Registration provides immediate access to hotel bookings, with one room allowed per registrant. For exhibitors and sponsors, a block of rooms can be requested through a designated button, with an initial deadline of February 16, 2024. Post-deadline requests will be considered on a rolling basis. Registration for the convention must be completed prior to booking a room within the GBTA hotel block.

GBTA 2024 offers comprehensive shuttle services between select hotels and the convention venue at the Georgia World Congress Center, located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA. Shuttle schedules are as follows:

• Monday, July 22: 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Tuesday, July 23: Two sessions; morning from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM and afternoon from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM
• Wednesday, July 24: Morning session from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM, and an afternoon session from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Featured Speakers:

• Dan Ariely will explore the psychology behind decision-making in his keynote on Monday, July 22. His insights are invaluable for anyone involved in marketing, sales, or influencing user behavior.
• Carla Harris will speak on Tuesday, July 23, about leadership and building trust. Her extensive experience on Wall Street provides a solid foundation for her guidance on refining leadership brands.
• Dr. Bertrand Piccard takes the stage on Wednesday, July 24, to discuss sustainability and innovation. His unique experiences, such as his solar-powered flight around the world, offer profound lessons on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in technology and environmental stewardship.

Participants can check the event map for details on which hotels are within walking distance and which are on the shuttle route.

Venue Information:
The Convention will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center, Center B Building. Please ensure you arrive at the correct location, as there are similarly named venues in Atlanta.

Traveling to Atlanta:
Arrivals and departures will be through the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. GBTA has arranged for airline discounts with Delta and United Airlines using the code NY3A8.

Local Transit:
For local travel, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) provides extensive public transportation options across the city.