In October 2015, ITP held its latest global conference in Singapore, attended by 48 delegates from 31 countries. Lasting two and a half days, the programme included presentations by guest suppliers Amadeus, RoomBook Pro, Swiss Space Systems and TraXess. Three new ITP partners gave introductory presentations and were welcomed to ITP by Jean-Claude Fert, ITP’s Chairman.
The theme for this conference, our first in Asia, was “Investing in the future” which accurately relates to ITP’s current and future plans for gaining new business and increasing global coverage. The message to all partners was “Now is the time to invest in your business” covering commitment to the ITP Network and the effective utilisation of ITP’s Value Proposition. This includes new and existing products and services introduced by ITP with a view to enhancing partners’ local and multinational competitiveness.
ITP’s new Director of Business Travel, Richard Lovelock, introduced himself and was welcomed by Jean-Claude and all those present. Richard’s role will be to build a cohesive business development infrastructure and identify commercial opportunities for the partners.
Peter Dennis, Conference moderator, kicked off the education sessions with a presentation aptly named “Investing in the Future”. Peter’s session focused on various future needs and developments in the Travel Industry in general but particular emphasis was placed on Mobile Travel Technology. Developments in this area are moving at a rapid pace and demand is soaring amongst corporate travellers who are more connected and technology savvy than before. The session outlined where ITP partners need to focus investment to keep pace with future client needs.
The first day also played host to a presentation from the Multinational Steering Group, formed following a request from ITP partners attending our previous conference in Lisbon. The Group’s objective was to analyse current Sales processes and make recommendations to the ITP Board and partners with a view to maximising the number of multinational customer opportunities. The MSG, as it has become known, is made up of senior Sale personnel from a cross-section of ITP partners including Denmark, Poland, Germany, UK, Switzerland and the USA. The MSG presented a number of recommendations for ITP partners to consider to improve our leverage of market opportunities and bring our service propositions closer together.
ITP partners took part in interactive break-out sessions covering “Strategies for Driving Real Value” and they were also asked to submit a ‘wish list’ of products and services that they would like ITP to research and review to be prioritised by number of requests and followed up by the ITP team in Eton, UK.
During Day Two there were a selection of presentations demonstrating successful partnerships, business diversification processes and brand optimisation, all delivered by ITP partners. The Educational theme then continued for the rest of the day as all ITP partners attend the Supplier Workshop. The workshops were very well supported by our preferred suppliers and product providers. Feedback from all involved was positive and all involved enjoyed meeting each other and discussing commercial opportunities.
On the last day of the Conference the theme, “Investing in the Future”, was revisited with a presentation on Mobile Personalisation. Thereafter the agenda covered ITP related topics with the introduction of the new ITP Intranet, ITP Survey results and ITP financial statement. Switching subject matter slightly, Peter Dennis then ran a panel discussion on “Disruption and Evolution with Airline Distribution” very much focused on current developments and how they could affect ITP partners and their businesses in the future.
The two evening programmes presented the ideal opportunity for partners to network with each other, mingle with suppliers and relax a little after a full Conference programme on each day. Thanks to the creative efforts of Diners World Travel – ITP Singapore, everyone was able to see a little of the country and activities included a ‘trishaw’ ride along the Heritage Trail followed by drinks and dinner at the world-renowned Raffles Hotel.
The second evening included a short cruise around Marina Bay followed by dinner at the Royal Palm Restaurant and then a ride on the ‘Singapore Flyer’ wheel with views across the Bay and Singapore’s impressive skyline.
As is customary at every ITP Conference we always receive requests from ITP partners who would like to host the next conference in their home market. They then make a short presentation to ITP partners who then vote for their preferred option for the following year. On this occasion, ITP Romania won the vote so that Bucharest is the chosen destination for the ITP Conference in 2016.
If you haven’t already, please send through your registration forms and we look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible!
