The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) recently hosted its GBTA Convention 2026, welcoming 5,500 attendees from 47 countries for the industry’s largest annual gathering and a week of discussions focused on the future of business travel.
Held August 3 to 5 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, GBTA Convention 2026 convened business travel buyers, suppliers, innovators, policymakers, volunteer leaders and partners to connect, learn and help shape the future of the global business travel industry. This year’s convention brought together nearly 1,200 buyers from 681 companies representing more than USD$46 billion in self-reported annual travel spend.
The event also featured nearly 400 exhibitors and more than 1,300 first-time attendees. Almost 90 education sessions were available across 17 tracks and more than 250 peer-reviewed speakers and presenters, offering practical insights and best practices for business travel professionals across every segment of the industry. The convention delivered an estimated $18.5 million in economic impact to the local Chicago area.
Programming highlighted GBTA’s expanding learning pathways and professional development resources, including Advanced Principles of Business Travel Management, Strategic Meetings Management, Sustainable Travel Management and Supplier Essentials. GBTA also showcased its new on-demand GBTA Learning and Community+ digital platforms, both designed to help business travel professionals access education, resources and peer connection throughout the year.
“GBTA Convention continues to be where the global business travel industry comes together to understand what’s changing, build meaningful connections and shape what’s next,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO of GBTA. “This year’s gathering reinforced the essential role business travel plays in driving economic growth and co-operation around the world, while helping organizations and professionals adapt, innovate and lead through change.”
Throughout the three-day event, attendees explored the trends, technologies and workforce dynamics re-shaping business travel, while sharing practical strategies for managing programs in an increasingly complex global environment. Centered on the themes of Our Selves, Our Organizations and Our World, GBTA Convention reflected the association’s commitment to strengthen the industry through community, learning, advocacy, innovation, sustainability and professional development.
GBTA Convention 2027 is planned for August 2 to 4 In San Diego and GBTA Convention 2028 is planned for July 25 to 27 in Philadelphia.
