Runways, Routes & Rising Talent: Michigan’s Business Travel & Mobility Moment

Talent. Infrastructure. Growth. 

Event Overview

This program will explore how business mobility, infrastructure, and workforce development intersect across Michigan’s travel ecosystem.

The goal is to bring together perspectives from across the industry — including aviation, higher education, economic development, and corporate travel — to better understand the forces shaping the future of business travel in Michigan.

This structure allows GBTA Michigan to engage a broader set of industry partners while creating meaningful dialogue for both buyers and suppliers.

Who Should Attend

If you influence, manage, or support business travel in Michigan — this program is for you. Whether you're benchmarking your corporate travel program, developing airline or airport strategy, building workforce pipelines, or advising on mobility decisions, you'll find relevant insights and the right people in the room.

Why Attend

Bring your VIB (Very Important Business Partner).

Direct Members are encouraged to invite a colleague, leader, or internal stakeholder who influences travel decisions within their organization, free of charge. 

April 15 Events

Buyers-Only Benchmarking Session

(Separate Registration Required)

Generously sponsored by

Wednesday – April 15
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport
5700 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

The Direct Member Benchmarking Session provides corporate travel buyers the opportunity to exchange insights, discuss program challenges, and share best practices in a confidential peer setting.

Direct Members, click here to register. 

Evening Cocktail & Networking Reception

Wednesday – April 15
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport
5700 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

All members and event attendees are invited to join us for an evening of networking and connection with colleagues from across Michigan’s business travel community.

There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. Please feel free to share this invitation with industry colleagues who may not have received it directly.

This reception provides an opportunity to reconnect with industry peers and welcome attendees arriving early for the April education program.

Main Program Agenda

Thursday – April 16

Thousand Oaks Golf Club
4100 Thousand Oaks Dr NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

8:30 AM

Registration & Networking

9:15 AM

Welcome & Chapter Announcements

Morning Education Programming

9:30 AM

Setting the Stage: Michigan’s Business Travel & Mobility Moment 
Brief framing of the day’s theme — how aviation, infrastructure, and talent connect to business travel.

9:40 AM

Runways & Routes: Airport Leadership Perspective
Airport executives discuss:

Speakers:

10:40 AM

Airline Perspective: Network Strategy & Business Travel Demand

Airline representatives share:

11:30 AM

Rising Talent: Building the Future Travel Workforce

Discussion topics:

Speakers:

12:30 PM

Lunch & Networking

Afternoon Education Programming

1:15 PM

Chapter Business Meeting

1:30 PM

Hot Topics: What’s Happening Now in Business Travel

A timely discussion covering current developments impacting the business travel industry. This session is intentionally designed to remain flexible so we can address recent news, emerging trends, and issues shaping travel programs today.

2:15 PM

Interactive Roundtable Discussion

Attendees will participate in table discussions focused on future opportunities for Michigan’s business travel ecosystem.

2:45 PM

Cross-Sector Leadership Discussion

A moderated conversation connecting themes from the morning sessions.

3:30 PM

Key Takeaways & Closing Discussion

Summary reflections and future considerations for GBTA Michigan.

4:00 PM

Conclusion & Prize Drawing

Registration Information

Attendees are encouraged to register early to secure their place at the event. Registration rates increase by $10 after 5:00 pm EST on Friday, April 10.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be received by 5:00 PM on the Friday before the event to be eligible for a refund. Refunds cannot be issued after this deadline; however, substitutions from the same organization are welcome.

To cancel a registration, please contact: [email protected]

Guest Room Block

A block of rooms has been set aside at a special rate of $125. 

Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport
5700 28th St SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Booking Link: Click here to reserve your guest room
Arrival Date: Wed, Apr 15
Departure Date: Thurs, Apr 16 
Reserve by: Wed, Apr 8

Questions

For questions regarding the event, registration, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

GBTA Michigan
[email protected]