Travel Program Strategy

Class I: A Strategic Foundation: Build Your Company Profile

Monday, February 23 at 11:00 am CT (Make up on Monday, March 2 at 10:00 am CT)

In this class, we will establish the groundwork for developing a robust, long-term travel program strategy that aligns with company culture and business goals. How should you design your program management structure to achieve this, and how will you effectively utilize technology to support it? How do you formulate your travel policy while meeting duty of care obligations and new sustainability initiatives? What about engaging stakeholders? All these elements and their approaches contribute to building a solid travel program strategy and plan.

Class II: Supplier Spend: Building Your Category Management Model

Monday, March 2 at 11:00 am CT (Make up on Monday, March 9 at 10:00 am CT)

Taking what you want to achieve based on your company profile and travel program foundational elements above, how do you set up your primary supplier categories?  We’ll look at each – air, lodging and ground – and what goes into setting it up to meet your unique requirements.  We’ll consider how you should approach the business relationships, getting what you need in your markets and from your preferred suppliers, data and reporting, negotiation tactics, and more.

Class III: Taking It To The Next Level: Building Your Supplier Infrastructure

Monday, March 9 at 11:00 am CT (Make up on Monday, March 16 at 10:00 am CT)

Let’s look at core operations and setting yourself up for success, starting with your TMC.  How do you strategically assess your program and its requirements?  What’s your OBT/Mobile strategy and how much does this factor in with your TMC choice?  We’ll look at the latest options and how to consider the best fit for expense, card and payment.  We’ll close the loop with data and reporting and show you how it feeds back into ongoing strategic planning and practice.

Class IV: Q&A Session

Monday, March 16 at 11:00 am CT

It's a wrap-up Q&A session, we will compile all questions asked throughout this series as well as open the floor to the audience to ask questions they may have! This is an optional class and is not required to receive certification.