Good preparation reaps rewards. In order to make it easier for travel and event managers to organise their schedule ITB Berlin has compiled a list of exhibitors of especial interest to business travel decision-makers. Listed under the label of Business Travel Partners at ITB Berlin, some 100 companies from around the world have now registered. They include carriers, hotel chains and technology companies. Full details including location and contact information is now available online at www.itb-kongress.de/businesstravel in the Partnerprogramm section under the menu item Business Travel Exhibitors.

Two lounges for networking
The wider range of different lounges now on offer provides visitors with better opportunities for networking. The new Home of Business Travel by ITB & VDR in Hall 7.1a covers 200 square metres and is where visitors can cultivate contacts and hold in-depth talks with business partners. The co-exhibitors of the business travel association VDR e.V. are AirPlus International, Business Visum, Derpart Reisevertrieb, Egencia, FCm Travel Solutions, Thalys and the Holiday Inn Berlin Airport.

Situated in Hall 8.1, but featuring a new concept, the ITB Corporate MICE Lounge by HSMA will be inviting travel and event managers to while away the hours here. The hosts are HSMA Deutschland e.V.

Wide-ranging supporting programme
From 6 to 8 March, 25 lectures, discussion rounds and workshops at the ITB Business Travel Forum will make up a full programme of advanced training events. Travel, event and fleet managers, as well as buyers, travel organisers and young professionals can obtain specific information at four separate events: at the ITB MICE Day, the Business Travel Hands-On Day, the Business Travel Strategy Day and at the Young Professionals Day.

The theme heading of the ITB MICE Day is “Event industry rules.“ Topics include compliance, safety and hidden costs. Key business travel topics include maverick buying, fleet management, travel risk management, travel apps and staying healthy on business trips. The Young Professionals Day will provide an introduction to three privately organised vocational and advanced training courses. Additional programme information is available at http://www.itb-kongress.de/BusinessTravelDays/BusinessTravelForum/Programm/index.jsp.

The eTravel World in Hall 7.1c will also be featuring business travel topics, including traveller tracking, mobile payment and invoicing travel costs via smartphone.