Programm

Business Travel in Numbers 

Kick off the Business Travel Track with a data-driven look at the industry. In this interview-style conversation, we’ll share key insights from the latest Business Travel Report—covering spend patterns, recovery trends, sustainability metrics, and what’s shaping corporate travel in 2026. Join us as VDR president Christoph Carnier and moderator Claudia Unger unpack the numbers behind business travel and what they mean for companies and the wider economy.

• Christoph Carnier, President, VDR & Senior Director Travel, Fleet & Events @ Merck
• Claudia Unger, Content and Network @ VDR (Moderation)

How AI is Transforming Business Travel Across the Journey

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a future concept—it’s already transforming business travel. From smarter booking and payment solutions by travel management companies, to personalized stays in global hotel chains, enhanced planning for meetings and events, and innovations in ground transportation, AI is driving change today.
In this panel, experts will share real-world examples of how AI simplifies processes, improves traveler safety, and elevates the experience. We’ll also look ahead: Which breakthroughs are coming, and which will become reality? Join us for actionable insights on how AI is shaping business travel now and in the future.

• TBC @ American Express Global Business Travel
• Joachim Marschal, Country Manager DACH @ Uber for Business
• Sebastian Adams, Director Global Sales für Deutschland, Österreich und die Schweiz @ Marriott International
• TBC @ Meetago 
• Claudia Unger, Content and Network @ VDR 

Keeping business travelers safe in uncertain times  

In a world of geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, and evolving risks, traveler safety has never been more critical. Join this insightful conversation with a leading security manager as we explore practical strategies for risk assessment, crisis response, and duty of care. Learn how organizations can balance agility with preparedness to protect their people—wherever business takes them.

• Sophie Zimmer, Senior Advisor Security Management International @ KfW  
• Claudia Unger, Content and Network @ VDR (Moderation) 

The Economic Impact of Business and Blended Travel

Business travel is more than moving people from A to B—it drives innovation, fosters global trade, and strengthens economic growth. In this session, industry leaders will explore the tangible and intangible contributions of business travel to the economy, including emerging trends like Blended Travel that combine work and leisure to enhance employee well-being and talent retention. We’ll discuss recent data, policy implications, and why investing in travel—whether for business or blended experiences—is investing in business success.

• Patrick Diemer, Chair @ BT4Europe
• Oliver Bransch, Travel Manager @ PwC, Board Member @ VDR 
• Matthias Schultze, Managing Director @ GCB 
• Fulvio Origo, Sr. Director EMEA @ GBTA
• Claudia Unger, Content and Network @ VDR (Moderation) 

Distribution Challenges: cutting out the intermediary in business travel

Airline distribution is undergoing a major transformation with NDC (New Distribution Capability), challenging traditional booking channels and reshaping corporate travel programs. What does this mean for travel managers on the front line? In this interview, we’ll explore how bypassing intermediaries impacts policy compliance, data visibility, and traveler experience. Hear firsthand how one travel manager navigates fragmented content, rising complexity, and the need to balance cost control with duty of care in an evolving distribution landscape.

• Ben Park, Executive Director of Travel & Sustainability @ Parexel 
• Claudia Unger, Content and Network @ VDR (Moderation)