Latest News
Below are the latest releases made by ITM about new projects, work completed or broad findings from research undertaken.
ITM CALLS FOR NEW BOARD DIRECTORS
The Board of the Institute of Travel & Meetings would like to call upon members for nominations for a number of board director positions for a period of 2 years. ITM has four buyer vacancies and one supplier vacancy. Representing your association at board level is both a rewarding and challenging role, with past board members acknowledging what a great developmental opportunity this kind of voluntary role can be.
ITM APPOINTS GAIL KENNY EXECUTIVE SEARCH AS NEW ITM RECRUITMENT PROVIDER
The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) UK & Ireland today announced the awarding of an initial three year contract to Gail Kenny Executive Search (GKES) for the provision of recruitment services under the ITM Recruitment brand, launched initially 4 years ago. GKES were awarded the contract after a detailed RFP exercise in which four industry providers were shortlisted.
CREDIT CRUNCH CAUSES LONG TERM DRIVERS OF CHANGE IN TRAVEL & MEETINGS
The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) UK & Ireland has released the results of its latest research across members who buy and manage travel and events for their companies, representing expenditure in excess of £34 billion worldwide. The survey, focusing on the impact of short and long term drivers on travel and meetings programmes, looked at the likelihood of travel and meetings expenditure level returns and the activities of buyers to reduce costs.
ITM ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION OF ITM BOARD REPRESENTATION AND OTHER BOARD CHANGES
The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) has announced that Pauline Powderly, of Primark, has resigned from the central ITM board this week as a buyer director to focus more time on her work and personal life. Ms Powderly was an ITM board director for 8 years and has been an ITM member for more than 26 years. She stepped down as ITM Ireland chair in 2008 and was replaced by Fiona Healy of the Dublin City Development Board.
ITM BUILDS ON WWF-UK WORK TO FOCUS ON PERSONAL LOYALTY PROGRAMME TAXATION INEQUALITY
The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) launched another new paper this week, for members and subscribers of ICARUS, which takes a look at the issue of Personal Loyalty Programmes, their impact and the tax treatment of these schemes. The paper identifies that Personal Loyalty Programmes, such as frequent flyer or frequent stay schemes, can undermine managed travel programmes. It also suggests that the current tax regime may discourage companies from trying to introduce similar schemes for travel avoidance.
ITM ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENT FOR SOUTH EAST REGIONAL CHAIR
The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) has announced the appointment of Helen Day, Cambrian Mining plc, and Jan Pullen, Moodys Investment to the post of Joint South East Regional Chair as of the 1st June 2009. The post, a voluntary position assigned to lead each of ITM's six regions, had been undertaken in a caretaker role by Linda Elsdon, formerly of Merrill Lynch, since 2008.
ITM RECRUITMENT SEEKS NEW PARTNER
The Institute of Travel and Meetings (ITM) and Purcon announced today that they have decided to part from their ITM Recruitment joint venture. The recruitment business was established in 2005 to combine Purcon's expertise in procurement and ITM's travel sector contacts but the recent economic climate has meant that Purcon has made the decision to focus on core activity.
REMUNERATION TASK FORCE REPORT RELEASED AT ITM & GTMC EVENTS
The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) and the Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC) have announced a series of release dates for their Joint Remuneration Task Force report, entitled "Creating True Transparency in TMC Remuneration". The 36 page report has taken 9 months to create and covers the whole remuneration model between TMC and buyer, from the history of remuneration to today's models and a look at what could be achieved in the future.
NOT STRICTLY TRAVEL
ITM's move to create a Strictly Come Dancing style competition at the ITM Conference in Liverpool has been universally praised by ITM members who attended the extravaganza. Dancers from the industry who trained for weeks, included ITM's very own Paul Tilstone, but it was Jason Geall from GetThere who stole the show taking first place, with ITM's Chairman Caroline Strachan coming a close second.
FOCUS GROUPS REVEAL QUESTIONS ON ROLE OF TRAVEL & MEETINGS MANAGER
The Institute of Travel and Meetings (ITM) and Centaur, the organisers of the Business Travel Show, are launching their collaborative reports on two key issues at the ITM's annual conference in Liverpool next week.
ITM CHAIR REFERENCES HISTORICAL POINT IN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION'S LIFE
Members of the Institute of Travel & Meetings UK & Ireland (ITM) voted in favour of a name change for the association to the Institute of Travel & Meetings with immediate effect. The change, approved by over 85% of members, will allow the association to retain its "ITM" moniker to take advantage of the brand investment over the last few years, whilst demonstrating a new direction for the association.
ITM BEEFS UP LOBBYING EFFORT IN UK AND EUROPE
The Institute of Travel & Meetings UK & Ireland (ITM) has announced that it is introducing a reinforced lobbying effort during 2009 in light of a number of key issues which are to impact the buyer membership. The industry affairs activity is to be driven by Chris Reynolds, an Industry Practitioner board director of ITM and Senior Partner of 3SixtySourcing.
TRAVEL AND MEETING SECTOR CALLS FOR JOINED UP THINKING
The Institute of Travel & Meetings UK & Ireland (ITM) has released the results of its latest research across members who buy and manage travel and events for companies in the UK. The survey, looking at travel and transport links, tested the opinions of these buyers on the state of the UK's present systems in supporting the business traveller, the technology available to present information to bookers and thoughts on the announcement of the expansion of Heathrow and a high speed rail system.
AVERY REPLACES PILCHER AS PROJECT ICARUS CHAIRMAN
ITM has announced today that Tony Pilcher, ex head of business travel management at HSBC and director of Pilcher Associates Limited, is stepping down as Project ICARUS chairman and Mark Avery, immediate past chairman of ITM, will be taking up the post with immediate effect.
ITM LAUNCHES MEMBER COST-CUTTING PROGRAMME
As the economic pressures bite harder on the UK & Ireland's travel and meetings sector, ITM has thought about the assistance we can provide and has launched a programme of cost cutting measures for you, our members, during 2009. The programme is comprised of two elements. First, a series of reduced costs to members directly and second, guidance and assistance with reducing travel & meeting programme costs within your companies.
PROJECT ICARUS UNDERGOES MAJOR REFURBISHMENT
ITM has announced the completion of a major programme to update each of the tools provided in the Environmental Toolkit as part of its CSR project, ICARUS. The refurbishment entails an overhaul of the toolkit with a fresh look at the information and tools buyers and suppliers need in today's business environment to reduce emissions. For the first time the toolkit also includes guidance on managing emissions from car usage, meetings and events and hotels, as well as user friendly information on radiative forcing, issues of measurement, off-setting and carbon neutrality.
ITM RAISES OVER £21,000 FOR CHARITY!
The Institute of Travel & Meetings UK & Ireland (ITM) is pleased to announce as part of their CSR policy ‘to support local and national charities through fundraising at events' they have raised over £21,400 in 2008.
ITM SEEKS NEW SOUTH EAST REGIONAL CHAIR
Linda Elsdon is stepping down from her role as ITM South East Regional Chairman having left her position at Merrill Lynch some months ago. The Institute of Travel & Meetings UK & Ireland (ITM) is therefore issuing a call to all buyer members located in the South East region to consider the role of Regional Chairman. Ms Elsdon has agreed to play a caretaking role until a successor is found.
ITM WORKS TO CREATE MICE UNDER SECTOR INNOVATOR
Fay Sharpe has been appointed by the Institute of Travel & Meetings UK & Ireland (ITM) board as the chairman of the newly created Meetings & Events Working Party. Sharpe, an existing ITM board director, is tasked with managing a cross section of meetings & events stakeholders to drive content and membership from the sector into the association to fulfil the requirements of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events) buyers and suppliers.
ITM EVENT ADJUSTS FOCUS
The Institute of Travel & Meetings UK & Ireland (ITM) has altered the final session of its January 15th Focus Forum, entitled "ECO-nomics", to consider the synergies between cost reduction and emission reduction in light of the worsening economic situation.
ITM ANNOUNCES TAXATION SURVEY RESULTS
The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) UK & Ireland today announced the results of its latest ITM Research report on taxation and subsidies, a timely release in light of recent announcements by the UK government's treasury on increases in Air Passenger Duty (APD) and reductions in Value Added Tax (VAT).
ICARUS REWARDS SUPPLIER INNOVATIONS
The results of the 2nd annual ICARUS Environmental Awards were announced today. In addition to the seven supplier awards from 2007/8 the Project ICARUS advisory group, responsible for the Institute of Travel & Meetings's CSR project, created an eighth category - that of Best Corporate Team.
INDUSTRY AFFAIRS UPDATE - USA
Through our membership of the Paragon network of global travel associations, ITM is able to bring you a USA Industry Affairs update from our affiliation with NBTA (the National Business Travel Association) in the USA.
ITM MEMBER SURVEY ENDORSES ASSOCIATION
A recent survey issued by the Institute of Travel & Meetings UK & Ireland (ITM) to measure member satisfaction and the direction of the association has provided a ringing endorsement of recent strategies.
ITM PROPOSED NAME CHANGE SEEKS MEMBERS' SUPPORT
The Institute of Travel Management UK & Ireland (ITM) board today voted unanimously on two key issues relating to the association's position in the industry. The board has decided to move to change the acronym "ITM" to represent a new, revised name of "Institute of Travel & Meetings" from the existing "Institute of Travel Management".
ICARUS BRANCHES OUT
The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) has announced that its lauded CSR programme, Project ICARUS, has moved to a stand-alone website to allow non-member subscribers for the first time.
ITM HELPS TO CREATE INDUSTRY CHANGE
After detailed consultation with the Institute of Travel & Meetings , easyJet has announced that it is reducing its point of sale fee for fares purchased via the GDS.
NEW EXECUTIVE STAFF AT ITM
The Institute of Travel & Meetings has announced two new additions to the executive team as part of its programme to take the association to the next stage of its development. Both new arrivals come with considerable experience and attributes for the roles they will undertake.
ITM SURVEY BENCHMARK SERVICE
The Institute of Travel & Meetings has developed a travel booker and traveller survey template and benchmark service for members through its Member Benefit & Engagement working party.
HARRIS TO LEAVE ITM
The Institute of Travel & Meetings has announced that Mark Harris, Head of Marketing and Communications at ITM, is moving on to concentrate on his outside interests. The association is looking for a successor for a revised role.
ITM TRAVEL BUYERS PROCESS TO CLAIM IN BA/VIRGIN FUEL CASE
ITM's contact with the sole appointed lawyers operating on behalf of UK companies in the Virgin/BA Fuel Surcharges case ensures as many ITM buyers as possible will make claims. Read on to understand what you need to do...
ITM VICE CHAIR ANNOUNCED
The Institute of Travel & Meetings are delighted to announce that Jamie Hindhaugh, Head of Sourcing at the BBC, has been appointed Vice Chair of the association, and will succeed current chairman Caroline Strachan when she steps down on completion of her term of office in 2010.
ITM & GTMC CREATE REMUNERATION TASK FORCE
The Institute of Travel & Meetings and GTMC have joined together to create a task force to challenge existing remuneration models and undertake tests on alternative systems.
ITM STAFFS UP FOR EXPANSION
The Institute of Travel & Meetings has started looking for two new staff to build upon the success already achieved. The General Manager and Industry Relations role were approved by the board on 30th May.
PROJECT ICARUS WINS SUPPORT FROM WWF
ITM's Project ICARUS has won a major endorsement by the owners of the world's most famous environmental logo, the panda. The WWF UK have produced a major piece of research and developed a campaign to reduce aviation emissions and are promoting the ICARUS Toolkit and Accreditation schemes as the methodology to use.
INDUSTRY AFFAIRS UPDATE
ITM's Industry Affairs Group operates to create links with UK government and the European Commission/Parliament to ensure members are up to date with forthcoming legislation and have the chance to contribute to consultation. In addition, the association takes a representative stance on a number of issues when warranted. This Industry Affairs Update provides a detailed analysis of 5 key issues identified through our Paragon network - CRS De-Regulation, Single European Skies, Mobile Phone use on aircraft, Sky Marshalls and airport charges.
ITM AGM VOTES IN NEW MEMBERSHIP
Members of the association voted during the Annual General Meeting at the conference in Dublin to make some significant changes to the association, not least the creation of a new tier of member.
ITM CONFERENCE SOLD OUT!
ITM has announced that its annual conference in Dublin this year has been sold out for the very first time.
ITM SEEKS CHAIR-ELECT TO CARRY ASSOCIATION FORWARD
The Institute of Travel & Meetings has started a search for its Chair-elect to take over the running of the assocation in January 2010.
AIRLINE ALLIANCES FAILING TO ADDRESS BUYER CONFUSION
The results from ITM's latest round of research suggests that buyers are yet to see beneficial results from airline alliances.
ITM TO ASSIST TRAVEL BUYERS IN BA/VIRGIN FUEL CASE
ITM's contact with the sole appointed lawyers operating on behalf of UK companies in the Virgin/BA Fuel Surcharges case ensures as many ITM buyers as possible will make claims. Read on to understand what you need to do...
ITM NE AND NW REGIONS MERGE
ITM announces the merger of the North East and North West Regions to form ITM North
ITM REPRESENTATION MEETS WITH EASYJET
On the 27th February representatives from ITM and easyJet met to discuss in detail the move by the airline to the GDS and the subsequent impact of fees on UK corporations and the market. Read details of that meeting here...
ITM SEEKS NEW STAFF
The Institute of Travel & Meetings is looking to attract new talent to the organisation's secretariat in order to develop the associations marketing and communications activity.
ENTER THE DRAGONS
Have you ever had an idea for a new product or service that would revolutionise the way business travel is bought or supplied, but are reluctant to do anything about it for fear of being ridiculed?
DOUBLE BOOST FOR ITM AS MP’s BACK ICARUS INITIATIVE
ITM has received a double boost for its Project ICARUS environmental initiative. More than 50 MPs backed an Early Day Motion (EDM) submitted to parliament at the end of December.
ALASTAIR CAMPBELL TO SPEAK AT ITM CONFERENCE
ITM has announced that Alastair Campbell, Communications Chief under Tony Blair's premiership, will be a keynote speaker at the association's Conference in Dublin from 16th - 18th April.
New legislation reveals unhealthy practices in business travel
Despite the progression of corporate manslaughter legislation through Parliament, many British companies are still exposing themselves to significant risk, according to new research from the Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM).
Meetings remain last travel management frontier
Research published research from the Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) shows that meetings, conference and events spend - so often referred to as the final frontier of travel management - is still some way from being conquered by organisations seeking to consolidate their meetings and transient expenditure.
Will Companies take Responsibility for Commuter Travel?
London – 10th July Changes in working practice are blurring the edges between commuter and business travel and this is leading companies to adopt more formal travel planning for both aspects of travel, according to new research by the Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM).
ITM ICARUS Environmental Awards for Suppliers - Goes Live today
The ITM ICARUS Environmental Awards for suppliers are designed to recognise supplier innovation and leadership in environmental impact reduction.
ITM Launches Environmental Accreditation For Buyers
The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) today unveiled the next phase of its Project ICARUS initiative with the news that travel buyers can now apply for accreditation for their carbon reduction initiatives.
