Record Numbers Attend ACTE Asia-Pacific Education Conference to Discuss Growth Insurance Agenda

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives’ (ACTE) Asia-Pacific Education Conference in Singapore this week attracted a record 460 participants from 21 countries, with a program designed for corporate growth in uncertain economic times.

The two day event which was billed as “growth insurance” for the business travel management profession provided a platform from which participants could discuss solutions for issues such as cost-containment, compliance, automation, and green travel program implementation.

“ACTE is seeing both tremendous growth in registrations tracking well above 2007 for its Asia-Pacific Education Conference, as well as a strong trend attracting senior executives,” said Susan Gurley, the association’s Executive Director. “Both the attendance figures and the caliber of our attendees speak volumes for the regard in which this industry holds ACTE education events.”

ACTE President Richard Crum said that the travel industry’s message during the conference was one of strength and unity.

“ACTE has constructed the strongest and longest chain of professional travel management influence in the world. The bond of data, power, and opportunity created at this conference will undoubtedly extend throughout the business travel industry and the Asia-Pacific region.”

Crum cited ACTE’s aggressive action regarding energy, data privacy, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as driving forces in the industry, and during this conference.

Two keynote speakers, Rama Bijapurkar, Infosys India and Eric Conrad, IBM led participants on how companies can create long-term commercial viability during rapid economic expansion and how effective supply chain management strategies can result in critical successful outcomes.

 They were supported by 14 educational sessions ranging from technology to advanced travel management techniques.

“This is my third year attending the ACTE Asia-Pacific conference, and each year it has grown both in size, as well as in the quality of its education.  The presentations this year have been very interesting, and the more diverse representation of speakers from throughout Asia has added to the conference’s value,” said Keiko Sund, Country Travel Representative, Cargill Japan Limited.

One of the most dynamic programs of the event was the Global Business Summit, focusing on CSR and moderated by Stephen Frost, Director, CSR Asia. Three renowned experts – Jonathon Martens, Counter-Trafficking Project Specialist, International Office for Migration; David Sheil, Director Operations, Association for Sustainable and Responsible Investment in Asia; and Wayne Koh, Regional Travel Manager, Asia-Pacific Autodesk – focused on the challenge of incorporating effective CSR strategies into corporate travel programs.