FCm is launching two IT firsts for the company as part of its ‘Let’s Talk’ campaign at this year’s Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention in San Diego (August 5 - 7, 2013).

The global leader in corporate travel management is unveiling FCm Mobile and new-style ‘FCm Traveler Itineraries’ accessed via the TMC’s FCm Portal tool. Industry experts from FCm’s global IT team will be on hand throughout the GBTA convention to run demonstrations of the two new products.

Earlier this year, FCm announced its partnership with UK-based firm Mantic Point to introduce ‘FCm Mobile’ - an integrated mobile phone solution for the global travel management company’s (TMC) corporate travelers worldwide. Currently the product is available in several FCm countries and this week is being launched for the North American markets.

FCm Mobile gives travelers access to their itineraries, enables them to receive flight status notifications and to check-in for flights. It also provides travel information such as airport guides, currency conversion and weather forecasts.

The solution allows FCm’s travel teams to stay in touch with clients while they are on the move, providing up-to-the-minute information via their mobile devices.
The partnership between FCm and Mantic Point followed a six month review by FCm, which investigated a range of mobile phone solutions and apps currently available for the travel market.

FCm’s Vice President of Technology US, Debbie Koruna, said FCm was excited about launching FCm Mobile in the US at GBTA 2013 and delighted to be working with Mantic Point.

“This is a fully integrated product within FCm’s suite of global technology tools and not simply a resale of an existing mobile solution on the market,” Debbie said.

“FCm Mobile, using the Mantic Point platform, has the ability to integrate with external databases, GDS systems and provides multi-language capability, Debbie added. “It provides FCm with a globally consistent application to ensure business travel for our customers is quick, easy and instantly accessible.”

“Specifically in the North American market where our customers heavily use the FCm Portal platform, integration into that solution is a key differentiator to other products on the market,” Debbie said.

“Instead of having to create several logins for their TMC-provided tools and mobile applications, one login can be used across all platforms which simplifies the process for travelers and provides travel managers the security they need to universally disable access when employees leave their company,” she added.
Mantic Point CEO, Mike Atherton, who is also thrilled to be attending the GBTA Convention, welcomed the new partnership.

“We’re really proud that FCm has chosen the Mantic Point team to work with,” Mike said. “With our unique technology, process and design skills we aim to give the travel trade, services that fit with their business needs, helping them and their customers more effectively manage the travel process.
“Everyone at Mantic Point is looking forward to working with the FCm team and delivering a great mobile solution for FCm customers.”

Complementing the mobile offering, FCm will also be unveiling its new web-based itinerary management solution for travelers, which has been integrated into the FCm Portal product starting in the US first.

FCm’s Global CIO, John Morhous said, “This allows for the travelers end-to-end experience with FCm to be managed through our own tools.”

“They can start on the web or with a consultant to make a booking, and manage that booking through whichever channel they prefer, online, offline, or through their mobile, John added. “Industry experts from FCm’s global technology team will be showcasing demonstrations of the two new products throughout GBTA.”
FCm’s US President, Billy McDonough said, “FCm’s ‘Let’s Talk’ campaign invites GBTA attendees to visit Booth #1237 at the San Diego Convention Centre and talk about FCm Mobile, FCm Online, FCm Secure, FCm Data, FCm Consulting and more from August 5 - 7, 2013.”

“FCm’s global team is thrilled to be showcasing such an exciting suite of new products and services to benefit our customers in the US first,” Billy added. “This is a major coup for the US and reflective of our continued commitment to the world’s largest capital market.”

This year’s booth space is the TMC’s largest footprint at the iconic global travel convention to date. It boasts two IT demonstration kiosks, a lounge for convention attendees to meet with its experienced global sales team, and a chillout zone—complete with a local craft beer and martini bar, water and light snacks—where guests can relax and learn more about each of FCm’s suite of tailored product offerings.

In addition to its increased booth space, FCm is proudly hosting two private offsite events at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego with a selection of its preferred partners. Both events are being produced by FCm’s sister company cievents. Representatives from FCm’s white glove concierge leisure travel company Travel Associates will also be on deck to promote their unique service offerings at the tradeshow and its affiliated events.

FCm Travel Solutions is considered 2013 Mexico & Central America’s Leading Travel Management Company, 2013 Middle East’s Leading Travel Management Company and 2013 South America’s Leading Travel Management Company World Travel Awards.