GTP Credits:

Presenting Sponsors: 

Get ready for a full day of learning, collaboration, and connection at this year’s GBTA Michigan Education Day & Trade Show! Held in a dynamic format of roundtable discussions and supplier panels, this event is designed to help buyers and suppliers unlock mutual value in today’s evolving travel landscape.

Event Highlights:

• ALL THINGS NEGOTIATION! The theme of the day is negotiation! 
• Interactive Table Dialogues on Car Rental, Air, Hotel, and TMC
• Expert Supplier Panels moderated by Louise Miller & Neil Hammond
• Networking Opportunities during breakfast, lunch, and throughout the trade show
• Trade Show Exhibits featuring top industry suppliers and exciting prize giveaways!
• Key Takeaways Session: Practical strategies for sourcing, negotiation, and partnership-building

Whether you're looking to deepen supplier relationships, gain insights into industry trends, or sharpen your negotiation skills, this is a must-attend event for all travel professionals.

Speakers: 

Louise Miller

Results Plus Consulting 

Louise has more than 30 years executive leadership, most of those years reporting to the CEO of BCD Travel in various commercial and technology roles. She spent almost 2 years at Amex GBT during the early days of the 2022 IPO - managing a team of over 100 leaders managing sales and account management for 500 enterprise clients and prospects. While Louise spent more than 20 years reporting to the CEO of one of the largest Global TMCs and spent time in leadership roles in several others. As a consulting firm Partner for over 6 years, she has lead more than 70 engagements to bring value to clients across travel, meetings, expense and payments. Louise is an expert in the global travel and distribution value chain. 

Neil Hammond

Partner, GoldSpring Consulting

Neil Hammond, partner as GoldSpring Consulting has over 20 years experience in the travel industry as a buyer and consultant. Neil started his career with Schlumberger and has worked in the United Kingdom, France and the USA whilst traveling
extensively during his career. Neil held various roles in Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Quality Assurance supplying oilfield equipment to the field locations before becoming Global Travel Manager for Schlumberger where he implemented the $360 million travel program in 40 countries.

Bryan McGill

VP Global Program Management, BCD Travel

Based in Michigan, Bryan McGill brings 25 years of expertise in the travel industry, including two decades with BCD Travel. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles in strategic consulting and program management, guiding clients with innovative solutions and driving operational excellence. Bryan is recognized for his ability to deliver value through long-term partnerships, streamlined programs, and customer-focused strategies.

Aaron Durkin-Kocurek

Director of Sales, FCM

Aaron Durkin Kocurek is a sales leader with more than 15 years of experience helping companies grow through trusted partnerships and smart strategy. Over the past eight years at FCM Travel Solutions, he’s advanced from Business Development Manager to Director of Sales, consistently surpassing goals and earning recognition as the top U.S. sales performer in 2023 and 2024. Drawing on a career that spans travel, technology, and healthcare, Aaron is known for building lasting client relationships, mentoring high-performing teams, and bringing energy and focus to every opportunity.

Susan Altman

Chief Sales Officer, AmTrav

Susan’s experience in Business Travel is extensive, and exclusive to the TMC space. She has held senior management positions in account management, operations, industry relations, sales and executive leadership since 1998 at companies like American Express, BCD, and now AmTrav. Her sales career has been notable, working in the global arena for most of her career, matching many Fortune 100 companies with their perfect TMC program and services. Susan’s work at AmTrav is in revenue leadership, leading a large team of expert sales directors and enablement resources. Her team focuses on long term relationships with customers, designing customized programs that are the perfect intersection of cutting edge technology and outstanding customer service.

Uma Sethi

Director, Business Travel Sales

With over two decades of proven expertise in hospitality sales and business travel management, Uma Sethi has built a distinguished career with Hilton, consistently driving growth, forging global partnerships, and shaping customer-focused strategies. Known for building and nurturing long-lasting relationships, Uma Sethi blends business acumen with a customer-first approach, ensuring clients and internal stakeholders achieve win-win outcomes. By collaborating with cross-functional teams and leveraging market insights, Uma has successfully led negotiations, RFP strategies, and global account management

Eugenia Fregoso

Director, Corporate Business Travel, Travelty

Eugenia Fregoso is the Director of Corporate Business Travel at Posadas Hotels, where she leads the corporate negotiation and travel programs across the United States for the entire Posadas portfolio. With over 14 years of experience at the company, Eugenia has been recognized multiple times for her outstanding performance and contributions to business development.

Originally from Mexico and a Florida resident for more than 25 years, Eugenia brings a deep understanding of both Latin American and U.S. markets. Her exceptional skills in negotiation, customer service, and strategic planning have been key drivers of her success and have earned her recognition throughout the industry.

Prior to joining Posadas Hotels, Eugenia led business development and marketing efforts for Fortune 100 companies. Since 2013, she has served at Posadas, actively managing approximately 300 accounts and designing innovative marketing strategies to drive growth.

Kim Burns 

Director, Global Travel, Lear 

Kim has been with Lear Corporation for over 20 years, and currently holds the role as the Director of Global Travel.  Prior to Lear, Kim worked in the airline industry for 15 years. 

Nick DeMarco

General Manager, Central Sales, Delta Airlines

Nick DeMarco is General Manager - Central Sales for Delta Air Lines, based in Detroit. He is responsible for the management of five sales professionals that manage Delta, KLM, Air France and Virgin Atlantic Airways sales programs for corporate customers and travel companies in the Detroit District, which is comprised of the states of Michigan and Indiana, as well as the metro areas of Toledo, OH and Memphis, TN.  Nick joined Northwest Airlines in June 2005 as a District Sales Manager and was promoted to Regional Director, Corporate and Agency Sales in March, 2007. Following the merger of Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines in late 2008, Nick held the role of Regional Sales Manager for Delta, and he moved to his current role in February 2023.  Prior to joining Northwest, he held sales management roles with British Airways and Emirates Airline. Nick received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Colorado at Denver and a bachelor’s degree from The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor.

Cynthia Van Heeswijk

Director, Global Accounts, United Airlines

Cynthia van Heeswijk is the Director of Corporate Global Accounts at United Airlines, where she leads a team of Global Account Managers in forging strategic partnerships with corporate clients. Her primary objective is to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions that elevate the travel experience for her team’s portfolio of accounts.

Before her current position, Cynthia served as the Director of Pricing, Analytics, and Contracting at United. In that capacity, she collaborated closely with sales managers to design and execute contracts for global air travel. She has been a part of the United team since 2001

Melissa Rix 

Manager, Field Sales, Southwest Airlines

Melissa Rix is a Manager on the Field Sales at Southwest Business, where she leads a team of Senior National Account Managers across the Midwest to drive revenue growth and expand Southwest Airlines’ market presence. With more than 20 years of experience in sales, Melissa has built a strong foundation in customer relationship management, strategic planning, and servant leadership. She is passionate about cultivating meaningful partnerships, inspiring her team, and finding innovative ways to create value for customers and partners alike.

In addition to her leadership role, Melissa serves as Co-Chair of the Sustainability Champion Team for Southwest Business, reflecting her deep commitment to advancing sustainability initiatives and shaping a more responsible future for the airline industry. Originally from Michigan, Melissa brings Midwestern roots and values to her work. Outside of the office, she enjoys gardening, live music, and spending time with her family. She is also a proud toddler mom and dog mom to a rescue Pit Bull.  Guided by her StrengthsFinder themes: Achiever, Relator, Input, Positivity, and Maximizer.  Melissa is driven to build connections, inspire excellence, and make a lasting impact both personally and professionally.

Anna McConnell

Vice President of Sales, Avis Budget Group

Anna McConnell is Vice President of Sales at Avis Budget Group, where she leads global corporate and mid-market sales, overseeing some of the company’s largest and most strategic accounts. With nearly 15 years of experience in the mobility and travel industry, Anna has built a reputation for driving revenue growth, strengthening customer partnerships, and capturing competitive market share through data-driven strategy and authentic leadership. Throughout her career, Anna has been a champion for building high-performing teams and fostering inclusive leadership. She is deeply engaged in mentoring and developing the next generation of women leaders, serving as an active participant in industry initiatives such as WINiT and Women in Travel & Hospitality Leadership. Her passion lies in helping professionals shift from activity to impact — focusing on what truly moves the business forward while cultivating resilience and confidence.

Robert Halloy

Director of Sales, Enterprise Mobility

Rob Halloy is an accomplished Sales Director with a proven track record of driving revenue growth and building high-performing sales teams. Based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, Rob has been with Enterprise Mobility for 15 years and has spent the past 10 years as a sales leader in five different markets across the Eastern United States.  Sales Leadership experience in vastly different markets allows Rob to bring strategic leadership and deep market insight into his role, consistently delivering results.  One consistent truth remains: buyers are drawn to those who provide genuine value, understand their core objectives, and are committed to delivering meaningful results.

With a strong background in sales strategy, client relationship management, and team development, Rob works closely with senior leadership to align sales initiatives with broader business goals. His collaborative approach and commitment to excellence have earned him recognition as a trusted leader and mentor within his organization. Rob is passionate about empowering teams, creating career development and growth opportunities within the organization, optimizing sales processes, and leveraging data-driven insights to unlock new opportunities. He thrives in dynamic environments and is dedicated to fostering long-term client partnerships built on trust and value.

Evening Prior Networking Reception: 

Co-sponsored by: 

A complimentary reception will be held on the evening prior (Wed, Sept 24) at the Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport, and we hope lots of our locals can attend along with those coming in a day early and overnighting. Anyone can attend just this event, but still must register a ticket for the event. 

Note: If you're local and cannot make the meeting on Thursday, please come out and enjoy some light bites, cocktails, some laid back networking, good times, and lots of laughs! 

Date: September 24, 2025 

Time: 5:30 - 8:00pm 

Venue: Sheraton Detroit Metro Airport 

8000 Merriman Rd, Romulus, MI 48174

Beverage Bevy: 

Let the beverage fun begin! Bring out your creative side, and contribute your favorite or a fun beverage to the bevy!  The Government Committee is proud of the success of this fundraising opportunity, and funds earned at this event are one of two primary sources of support for our annual commitment to GBTA’s work in Washington, DC. Your active participation in this exciting event is encouraged and gratefully appreciated. For every item contributed to the auction, you will receive ONE FREE ENTRY. Consider not only wine/beer/alcoholic beverages, but non-alcoholic mixers, fine coffees/teas or maybe kombucha! Drawing tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20.00. (ZERO price increase since 2019!) Your Gov’t Committee can accept cash or credit card.       

Trade Show Information: 

The GBTA | Michigan Trade Show is an opportunity for Exhibitors to connect with the local members on a deeper level in a more intimate setting. This event fosters meaningful engagement between buyers and suppliers, enabling productive conversations around travel program needs, industry trends, and partnership opportunities. It’s a focused environment designed to support strategic sourcing initiatives and relationship-building. Don't miss this chance to build meaningful relationships and discover new opportunities in a collaborative environment.

*Please note, the entirety of the event will be in one space. All Exhibitors will have maximum visibility throughout the entire day, and will be able to participate at their table and also within the meeting easily. 

Table Pricing: 

$175: Member Pricing 

$250: Non Member Pricing 

Agenda: 

7:30am: Vendor Setup

8:15am: Arrival, Networking, Trade Show 

8:45am: Welcome & Business Meeting

9:15am: Sponsorship Presentation

9:30am: Introduction and Objectives

9:35am: Table Exercise & Supplier Panel: Car Rental 

                   Moderator: Louise Miller

                Panel: Anna McConnell & Robert Halloy

10:35am: Break 

10:45am: Table Exercise & Supplier Panel: Air 

                  Moderator: Neil Hammond

                Panel: Nick DeMarco, Melissa Rix & Cynthia Heeswijk

11:45am: Sponsorship Presentation 

11:55am: Lunch & Trade Show 

1:15pm: Table Exercise & Supplier Panel: Hotel 

                   Moderator: Neil Hammond 

                Panel: Uma Sethi, Eugenia Fregoso & Kim Burns

2:15pm: Table Exercise & Supplier Panel: TMC 

                  Moderator: Louise Miller 

               Panel: Brian McGill, Aaron Durkin-Kocurek and Susan Altman

3:15pm: Break 

3:25pm: Key Takeaways - Negotiating for Value 

                 Louise Miller & Neil Hammond

3:50pm: Wrap Up & Prizes