Agenda:
8:30 AM – Breakfast, Check-in and Sponsor exhibits open
10:00 AM – Program starts
12:00 PM – Lunch served
1:30 PM – Program resumes
4:00 PM – Reception starts

Ask Me Anything: A Travel Manager Fireside Chat with Ronda Dean
Join an open, candid conversation with Ronda Dean, U.S. Travel Manager at F5 Inc., in this interactive Ask Me Anything (AMA)-style fireside chat. In a relaxed, unscripted format, attendees are invited to ask real‑world questions about managing a modern travel program—from supplier relationships and contract negotiations to meetings strategy, policy decisions, and traveler communications.

An AMA is an audience‑driven discussion with no set agenda—questions come directly from participants, ensuring the conversation focuses on what matters most to you. With deep experience across TMC operations, airline sales, booking tool implementations, meetings & events, and long‑standing leadership within GBTA, Ronda brings practical insight, honest perspective, and lessons learned from both the buyer and supplier sides of the industry. Expect authentic dialogue and actionable takeaways grounded in day‑to‑day travel management reality.

Ronda Dean-Travel Manager-F5 Inc.

 
Ronda Dean is the U.S. Travel Manager at F5 Inc., a Seattle-based company specializing in data security.  At F5, Ronda oversees management of key travel supplier relationships, contract negotiations, CVENT administration and traveler communications. 
Ronda’s professional background includes experience in travel management company operations, account management and business development; international airline sales; travel program and policy consultation; booking tool assessment and implementation; and meetings & event planning.
Ronda has held numerous leadership positions within GBTA; most recently she was the President of the Chapter President Council, prior to that she served two terms as the GBTA Oregon chapter president.  She has also contributed to the chapter as Director of Education, Director of Events, Vice-President, Secretary and currently Director or Education.   

Value Through Smarter Hotel Partnerships
Hotel partnerships are playing an increasingly strategic role in corporate travel programs—but defining and delivering real value requires a more thoughtful approach than traditional sourcing alone. In this panel discussion, industry experts will explore what hotel partnership truly means in both the short and long term, and how expectations are evolving for buyers, hotels, and travelers alike.
Panelists will examine the often-competing priorities of each stakeholder group—balancing cost, availability, service delivery, traveler satisfaction, and commercial objectives—and discuss how successful programs accommodate these needs in a way that drives mutual value. The conversation will focus on how stronger alignment leads to more resilient, productive hotel relationships.
The panel will also address how to maximize hotel partnerships, so results are meaningful, moving beyond transactional rate negotiations to stronger collaboration and measurable outcomes

Jennifer Nicholas-Senior Director-Advito

Jennifer Nicholas is Senior Director and Hotel Spend Management Practice Lead at Advito, where she leads a global team of consultants supporting corporate travel programs around the world. With deep expertise in hotel sourcing, market dynamics, and ongoing program performance, Jennifer partners with clients to develop tailored strategies that balance cost, traveler experience, and risk management. She is known for translating complex hotel market data into practical, actionable insights, while also playing a key role in advancing Advito’s innovation and data‑driven solutions across the broader travel ecosystem.

Greg Denny-Director of Supply Chain and Business Development-CRS Temporary Housing

Gregory Denny is the Director of Supply Chain and Business Development for CRS Temporary Housing, the first temporary housing company to solely serve the insurance industry. CRS partners with hotels, property management companies, and REITs to provide immediate accommodations for property loss-of-use claims, working directly with insurance carriers and their customers in their time of need.
With over 15 years of experience optimizing operations and driving revenue growth, Greg has transformed CRS's supply chain into a competitive advantage through strategic vendor management, cost-reduction initiatives, and a diversified supplier portfolio that ensures seamless service delivery for policyholders and adjusters.
Greg has spearheaded enterprise-wide improvements including cross-functional ERP implementations, proprietary integration platforms connecting company systems to client and supplier networks, and CRS's expansion into two new international markets. His comprehensive understanding of both supply chain optimization and business development ensures partnerships deliver maximum value for all stakeholders.

Terry Beatty-Director and People Leader of Corporate Accounts-Choice Hotels

Terry Beatty is a Director and People Leader of Corporate Accounts within Global Sales at Choice Hotels. He is responsible for leading a team focused on strategic customer partnerships and driving sustained growth across complex, multi-location corporate accounts.
With deep experience in sales leadership, account strategy, and customer relationship management, Terry is known for collaborative, people-first leadership that balances strategic thinking with practical execution. His work centers on helping organizations navigate change, strengthen partnerships, and drive results through clear communication, accountability, and thoughtful panning. He is passionate about talent development, team culture, and building authentic relationships that deliver measurable business impact. 

Advocacy in Action: Elevating Corporate Travel Through Industry Engagement
Business travel is shaped every day by policy decisions, regulations, and supplier practices—and corporate travel professionals have more influence than they may realize. In this session, Delphine Millot, SVP Advocacy and Sustainability for GBTA, shares how industry advocacy directly impacts corporate travel programs and why engagement matters.

This discussion will highlight the key issues affecting business travel today and provide practical ways members can advocate for their companies, travelers, and the industry. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to turn awareness into action and use their collective voice to help shape the future of business travel.

Delphine Millot-Head of International Government Affairs-Grayling

Delphine leads GBTA’s advocacy, people and planet programs. Her vision is to inspire and enable the business travel ecosystem to lead with purpose – providing the voice, platform, and resources necessary to build a resilient future for the industry. Since the GBTA’s Foundation’s relaunch in 2022, she led the global expansion of people-focused programs WINiT and Ladders and launched game-changing initiatives that support climate action in business travel. In her previous role as Head of International Government Affairs for Grayling, Delphine advised multinationals across various policy areas including transport, energy, environment, consumer and health. Delphine lives in New York city and holds master’s degrees from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and from the French Institute for Political Sciences.

Modernizing Corporate Travel Payments: Control, Data, and What Actually Works
Payments can be one of the most critical and complex components of a corporate travel program. They directly impact cost control, fraud risk, data visibility, traveler experience, and supplier relationships. As programs move beyond traditional cards and reimbursements toward virtual cards and centralized payment solutions, travel managers must balance the needs of finance, travelers, and suppliers alike.
In this panel discussion, industry experts from corporate travel, finance, and payment solutions will examine how modern payment strategies affect every stakeholder in the travel ecosystem. Panelists will share real-world insights on virtual card adoption, reconciliation and data challenges, supplier acceptance, traveler friction, and how successful programs evaluate payment solutions without sacrificing usability or supplier partnerships.

Carmen Stinson-Managing Director of Travel Services -National Corporate Housing

With a passion for the travel industry and a drive to bring innovative solutions, Carmen Stinson is an experienced professional with a diverse background. Currently, she holds the position of Managing Director – Travel Services at National Corporate Housing. She also serves as a Committee Member for GBTA Payment & Expense Solutions as well as GBTA PCTT (project, crew, team, travel), having also served in other GBTA chapters in Florida and Colorado. In previous roles, Carmen held several hotel positions for a total of 16 years before joining the TMC world as a Director of Global Corporate Travel. With a commitment to excellence, deep knowledge of processes, she continuously strives to elevate the travel industry and make a lasting impact.

Location: Marina Del Rey Hotel   Event parking discounted to $15.  Overnight parking is $35.
Address: 13534 Bali Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

The April 29 deadline for booking the group rate at our meeting venue has passed, but you may call 310-301-1000 to check on availability and rates.  

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE:  Education Day Sponsorship Opportunites listed here
Education Day offers sponsors a high‑visibility opportunity to connect with influential travel buyers, suppliers, and industry leaders at the region’s premier business travel event. Sponsors gain targeted brand exposure and engagement through a full day of keynote sessions, expert panels, and dedicated networking opportunities. This sponsorship positions your organization as a trusted partner and thought leader supporting the future of corporate travel in Southern California and beyond.

 Thanks to our Education Day PLATINUM SPONSOR!

Thanks to our Education Day Breakfast SPONSOR!

Thanks to our Education Day Gold SPONSOR!

Thanks to our Education Day Reception SPONSOR!