Autumn Conference 2025: Connection, Collaboration and Curiosity Drive Progress

The ITM Autumn Conference 2025 brought together 500 business travel professionals from across the UK and Ireland to explore the future of the industry. From AI and mentoring to wellbeing and sustainability, the event provided a wealth of insights to take forward into the remainder of 2026 and beyond.

Cutting Through the Noise: The Future Role of the Travel Manager
Kintela Group challenged attendees to stay curious and optimistic, identifying one key business risk and working with executive sponsors to align travel with corporate goals. The message was clear — visibility drives influence, and mentoring helps separate noise from true priorities.

AI – Trick or Treat?
BCD Travel’s lively session revealed both the power and pitfalls of AI in travel management. With human oversight essential, the focus should be on using AI to support decision-making and reduce friction — not simply to boost efficiency.

Transformation Through Mentoring
Katie Garrahy and Oliver Moore highlighted the value of informal mentoring, encouraging delegates to find their network and change environments to spark new perspectives. Mentoring, they noted, is about asking questions that help others think differently.

272nd to 3rd…And Counting
Karen Williams of Amex GBT shared how resilience, optimism and embracing discomfort have shaped her career journey. Her reminder: inclusivity and kindness create lasting impact and help everyone realise their potential.

Building the Baseline – Inclusion & Wellbeing
Oliver Henry connected mindset with productivity, offering practical steps to improve energy and focus. From mindful mornings to screen-free evenings, wellbeing begins with small daily habits.

Comply With Me
This session reframed travel policy as accessible, evolving guidance that educates and empowers travellers. Policies should be culturally relevant, timely and easy to digest — reinforcing that visibility ensures safety.

From Buzzword to Business Value
Philip Charm demonstrated how sustainability should be embedded into every part of a travel programme. Identifying your maturity stage and partnering with suppliers can turn sustainability into measurable business value.

ITM Debate Series: The Future of Accommodation
Buyers and suppliers debated the future of accommodation models, calling for trust, transparency and flexible sourcing strategies. Collaboration and open dialogue were highlighted as the keys to progress.

Across every session, the recurring theme was clear - connection, collaboration and curiosity drive progress.

 

Download the Key Takeaways here