ARE YOU PROVIDING ADEQUATE RISK MANAGEMENT FOR YOUR TRAVELLERS

In Conversation With… Elizabeth Anderson, Global Travel Risk Assistant, Inmarsat

Elizabeth is presenting 'Ask the experts: how to implement a risk management programme' at Business Travel Summit Amsterdam, which takes place at the city's RAI from 25-26 September. Book your free place now at amsterdam.businesstravel-summit.com

Tell us about your session in one sentence?
It's a good opportunity to get into the practical details of setting up a travel risk plan.

What is the single most important piece of advice/information buyers will take away from your talk?
Identifying the loopholes and joining up the dots to ensure a comprehensive travel risk programme.

What are the top three tips you would give to travel managers/buyers when it comes to implementing a risk travel management programme?
Write your own Travel Safety Policy with the assistance of your security provider to understand the various risks and use this as a guide for your travel safety management. Know who your travellers are - understand the various profiles and types of risks.
Learn effective ways of communicating with your travellers.

Do you think – overall – organisations provide adequate travel risk management? Do you feel some countries are better than others? Why is it so essential right now?
I don't think that companies yet provide fully adequate travel risk management but there is a growing focus on it and while larger companies are often better prepared due to the widespread recognition of risks and availability of resources, smaller and medium sized companies are increasingly aware of the need to have a plan in place but often have less resource. It is particularly important now where the risks at least appear to be growing and it is an opportunity to advise travellers on the various risks surrounding travel. I don't know if certain countries are better than others but those such as the UK, US and Germany as well as Asia-Pac countries are likely the most focused.

What’s the biggest challenge facing buyers now and why?
Getting senior management and colleagues from different departments involved (establishing ownership and types of risks), communicating effectively with travellers as well as understanding the different types of risks that can affect travellers.

What’s the biggest opportunity they should be taking advantage of and why?
Keeping up with publications to constantly review your travel risk programme, using the resources you have and speaking to your security provider regularly. 

Why is it important to have a summit dedicated to buyers in the Nordics and Benelux?
Because of the number of companies based in this area who engage in regular international travel including travel between these countries.

Why are you looking forward to BT Summit Amsterdam?
To meet peers and find out what they are doing.

THE HOTEL GUEST EXPERIENCE IS OUTDATED

In conversation with Barbara Mauthner, Corporate Sales Manager, conichi, ahead of her session at the Business Travel Summit Amsterdam next month. 

Tell us about your session in one sentence?

During my session I will showcase our revolutionary technology that enables guests, hotels and corporates to benefit from a personalised and seamless hotel experience.

What is the single most important piece of advice/information buyers will take away from your talk?

The hotel guest experience is outdated and does not fulfil the needs of today's customer. From pre to post stay we optimise the guest experience allowing for a personalised and mobile experience which will reduce process times for hotels and costs for corporates.

What’s the biggest challenge facing buyers now and why?

Meeting users needs while reducing processes and costs.

What’s the biggest opportunity they should be taking advantage of and why?

The ways new technology can impact the guest experience to reduce operational complexity, waiting times and costs.

Why is it important to have a summit dedicated to buyers in the Nordics and Benelux?

These locations show large amounts of corporate travelers who value time and efficiency and are among the most advanced in mobile services in Europe - thus these markets need to stay ahead of the trends in order to best cater to their customers.

What does being traveller-centric mean to you? How does it benefit buyers?

Being traveller-centric means creating an experience that is tailored around the traveller's needs: mobile, simple, effective and personalised. This benefits the buyer as it improves efficiency on the hotel side by reducing processes allowing them to focus on personal interactions with guests.  

Why are you looking forward to BT Summit Amsterdam?

I am looking forward to meeting industry leaders in order to share and discuss future trends and how we can impact the industry together.