The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) on April 5th will return to Stockholm, the host city of its October Global Conference, to continue the important discussion of travel distribution.ACTE will put the findings of the Cranfield University White Paper, entitled “The Future of Distribution” centre stage, and will distribute copies of the Paper to members. The Paper was initiated to create an open industry debate on how distribution channels will evolve, particularly in light of GDS Deregulation and the growing popularity of online travel management firms. The Cranfield study will also evaluate the booking costs of purchasing tickets through different channels. Attendees at the Stockholm Executive Forum will be the first to see a copy of the study, and will have a unique opportunity to listen to an expert speaker who will comment on the findings.

The event, which is co-organized with the local SBTA and the procurement association SILF, will also feature several, information-packed breakout sessions. The Outsourcing and Procurement session will address the key differences between travel procurement and travel management departments, and identify the responsibilities of each. Seasoned procurement and business travel professionals will offer insights, solutions and advice to attendees on achieving success in this new environment.

Forum Delegates also will discuss how to better manage meetings and events, and get more control over travel spend. ACTE also will release a special Nordic report, which will include advice on how travel managers in this region can improve meetings management skills.

The “Total Cost of Travel” session is expected to spur a lively discussion, as members track how travel management has evolved from the 1980’s to present day. This session will examine the costs of air travel with a microscopic lens, including fees connected to frequency and service, and the impact of low cost carriers.Ê

The Stockholm Executive Forum is expected to be ACTE’s most comprehensive meeting to date, benefiting attendees from all segments of the industry.

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