Samantha Krause

Before starting my journey in Business Travel, I knew very little about it. I had seen people travel for work and done so myself a couple of times, but I never really understood the industry behind that simple trip from A to B. Well, looks like it's a huge industry and it's full of great, talented and passionate people. The GBTA | Global Business Travel Association convention this year will be in Chicago, and from the GBTA | Inclusion & Culture Committee we're launching our 2nd Annual Pathways to Success program in which we will offer FIVE college students an opportunity for mentorship, education and advancement in travel. If you're a student or a professor in Chicago, don't hesitate to reach out! This is a great opportunity for you or one of your students to discover this world. BCD Travel Advito #Businesstravel #GBTAconvention

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Many travel programs are sitting on valuable data but not all are using it to its full potential. This Data Maturity framework is meant to spark reflection on where you are today and what an optimized travel data state is for your organization. A few questions to consider: 💡 Are your TMC, card, and expense feeds consolidated? 💡 How complete and timely is your data? 💡 Do you have access to predictive analytics? 💡 Are your insights actionable and benchmarked? 💡 Who owns the data, and are responsibilities clear? 💡 Are AI and automation part of your roadmap? There’s no single right answer, every organization is at a different stage. The key is recognizing where you are in your maturity level, and defining what state aligns with organizational objectives. Let's make 2026 the year your data becomes a strategic asset! Prime Numbers Technology #DataMaturity #TravelData #ExpenseIntegration #AI #Analytics #CorporateTravel #DataStrategy #Primetimeforbetterdata #travelmanagement

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Behind every seamless corporate journey is a team that truly knows how to move as one. Last week at AAA Corporate Travel, amongst the client calls and travel dashboards we took time to focus on what really drives our business forward: teamwork, strategy, and innovation. In our latest team meeting in Cincinnati, we unpacked what it takes to stay at the forefront of corporate travel—diving deep into account management best practices, optimizing our sales processes, and aligning our technology roadmap. From evolving client needs to the future of meetings & events, one thing is clear: collaboration fuels everything we do. Here’s what stood out: 🔹 Cross-department synergy is our superpower 🔹 Tech-driven solutions are making travel smarter—and smoother 🔹 Every client success story starts with an aligned internal strategy We’re proud to have a team of experts who don’t just keep up with the pace of business travel, they help define it. #AAAambassador #AAACorporateTravel

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Budgets are tighter. Expectations are higher. Today, every trip is under the microscope. So what should travel manager's be focused on in 2026? Advito's Shelley Fletcher-Bryant shares the five themes that will shape corporate travel programs this year: https://ow.ly/FX1L50XSr8b

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If your sales manager isn’t in front of customers, the seller next door is. Comp sets don’t wait! They visit accounts. They build pipeline. They maintain pace. They watch for new businesses opening near the hotel. Sales visibility isn’t optional. It’s market share!

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As a core component of the TripSource® platform, BCD’s message hub boosts traveler engagement with timely alerts for smoother, safer trips – all while reducing program costs. Learn more: https://ow.ly/PssM50Ytw1S #OpenByDesign

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Feedback is a doorway - don't slam it shut with delivery. Most feedback fails for one reason: tone before intention. If you want change, start by creating safety: • Ask permission (“Can I share one observation?”) • Be specific, not personal (“Here’s what I saw…” not “You always…”) • End with a question that invites ownership (“How would you tackle this?”) Better feedback doesn’t "fix" people. It unlocks them. It opens up their own exciting possibilities. Pro tip: model how to receive feedback first - your team will mirror you. #CoachingCulture #RadicalCandor #FeedbackThatWorks

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What travel data can tell you... If you’re looking One of the most overlooked benefits of a well-managed travel program? 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬. Behind every trip is a data point: on spend, booking behavior, travel patterns, even carbon footprint. Lately, I’ve seen more companies in the region start to use that data to:  • Reframe how travel supports their business goals  • Spot inefficiencies and streamline processes  • Build more responsible, sustainable programs Not every business has unlocked this yet, but those that do are making smarter decisions, faster. What kind of insights are you getting from your travel data? #BusinessIntelligence #CorporateTravel #TravelAnalytics #MEA #SustainableTravel #DataDrivenDecisions https://lnkd.in/evE2xG9y

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One of the best posts I've seen on LinkedIn so far in 2026. ROI is important when selecting a TMC, but what truly matters is a TMC that delivers the best service and experience during a crisis. Unfortunately, that often gets lost in the RFP process. Additionally, many companies don't understand what they're actually paying for because they over-commoditize travel. The best service and experience comes at a price—and that's what travelers truly need. #procurement #indirectspend #travelmanagement #corporatetravel #cfo

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Companies have controls for PTO, bonuses, and raises. So why no control over travel spend? We manage travel for over 10,000 employees, and the requests say it all: - "This airport is 6 minutes closer, I don't care if it's $300 more for the flight." - "I need Delta only even though it's 34% more, because otherwise my Delta status is gone." - "That hotel you're proposing doesn't have a proper bar for the evenings - book the neighboring one for double." - "I don't like Avis, I need to earn Hertz points for my family trip this January." It’s not about forcing the cheapest option - it’s about defining what makes sense. A good travel policy helps align employee comfort with company goals. With proper policies and approval flows, companies can save 20 - 30% on travel annually. Add in discounted rates, and you’re looking at up to 40% savings annually.

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