"European" Themed Sessions Sharpen Focus Of ACTE Corporate Travel Educational Conference in Munich

Munich -- While the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) prides itself on the overall global content of its acclaimed educational conferences, the event planned for Munich 21-23 October 2007, has a distinctly European flair. Eleven of the 26 seminars and presentations deal directly with European issues. According to the association's Executive Director Susan Gurley, there are a higher percentage of European issues facing the industry at the moment, and a number of European travel groups are relying on ACTE to address them at the Munich conference. These issues include the evolution of corporate social responsibility, duty of care, CRS, "shared services," and rail travel developments.

"It stands to reason that we would deal with as many regional issues as possible when the core of our educational resources will be mobilized and on site in Munich," said Gurley. "Furthermore, the majority of these issues will require debate, comment, or explanation by resident authorities, who are already registered." The eleven "European" sessions were developed at the direct request of ACTE's European constituency, or through requests from the regional travel associations that are sending representatives.

The eleven "European" Sessions are:
· M101 -- Going Global: Siemens Case Study (B)
· M105 -- Airline Contract Management – Source-to-Settle (B, CMP)
· M201 -- IATA & Travel Management (B, CMP)
· M203 -- Integrating Carbon Neutrality in Your Corporate Travel Supply Chain (B, CMP)
· M301 -- Executive Workshop -- Leading with Influence: Culture and Value Differences in Teams
· T101 -- Going Global: SAP Case Study (B)
· T103 -- Best Practices in Meetings and Events Purchasing in the European Marketplace (CMP)
· T105 -- Managing Rail Spend
· T301 -- Implementing a Carbon Reduction Strategy (B)
· T304 -- Risk Management & Duty of Care (B)
· T305 -- Buyer Only Roundtable – Spotlight on Agency Value (B)

In continuing with an ACTE educational conference enhancement, sessions designated with a "B" either feature a buyer-led panel or are "buyer only." Session marked with "CMP, C.P.M., or A.P.P.," may qualify for educational credits for the Certified Meeting Professional designation, and for the Institute of Supply Management's recertification or reaccredidation programs.

"While these eleven sessions hold a specific interest for our European members, they will also be very useful to travel management executives from other regions with travelers moving extensively throughout Europe. The fact that so many of our educational sessions can be used toward certification or accreditation in other associations emphasizes how ACTE saves its members time and money," said Gurley.

ACTE reports that registrations for the Munich conference are ahead of last year's European conference, and attracting a higher percentage of first-time corporate participants.

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) represents the global business travel industry through its international advocacy efforts, executive level education programs, and independent industry research. ACTE's membership consists of senior travel industry executives from over 50 countries representing the € 200 Billion travel business industry. With the support of sponsors from every major segment of the business travel industry, ACTE develops and delivers educational programs in key business centers throughout the world.  ACTE has offices in Asia, Canada, Europe, Latin America, South Africa, and the United States.