Overview
About this event
GBTA is the world's premier business travel and meetings trade organisation. It serves stakeholders across six continents. GBTA and its 9,000-plus members represent the $1.57 trillion global business travel industry. Learn more about the association at gbta.org.
GBTA Convention is the association's flagship annual event. It brings together travel managers, procurement leaders and solution providers. The event runs education, keynotes, networking and an expo hall across three days.
The 2026 edition returns to Chicago at McCormick Place. It is North America's largest convention centre. The venue connects easily via O'Hare International Airport, which serves over 200 destinations worldwide.
What Usually Happens at GBTA Convention?
The convention opens with a 5K Run/Walk and orientation sessions for newcomers. Main Stage keynotes run each day, alongside education sessions across multiple tracks. The Expo Hall runs for extended hours, giving buyers and suppliers space to connect.
Buyer-only programming runs throughout, including Braindate peer sessions and Buyer Buzz lunches. Evening networking events, including a Welcome Reception, round out each day of the convention.
When Is GBTA Convention 2026 Taking Place?
GBTA Convention 2026 runs August 3 to 5, 2026, at McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois. Registration is open at convention.gbta.org.
GBTA Convention 2026: Latest Updates
5 topicsMainstage speakers and the full agenda are confirmed. Everything below is sourced directly from convention.gbta.org.
Four Mainstage Speakers Confirmed
Anne Morriss and Frances Frei, best-selling leadership authors, are confirmed. Jia Jiang, author of Rejection Proof, is also confirmed. Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, closes out the lineup.
José Andrés Session Sponsored by World of Hyatt
The José Andrés Mainstage session is made possible by World of Hyatt. Andrés is a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and founder of World Central Kitchen.
17 Education Tracks Confirmed
The 2026 programme includes 17 dynamic education tracks. Sessions run across Tuesday and Wednesday, with three rounds each day.
Full Three-Day Agenda Published
The detailed agenda is now live at convention.gbta.org/agenda. It includes the 5K Run/Walk, Connect First Orientation, Buyer Only Braindates, and a Buyer Buzz lunch hosted by GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang.
GBTA Foundation Gala Confirmed
The GBTA Foundation Gala runs as part of the 2026 programme. Full details are available on the dedicated Foundation Gala page.
Main Topics at GBTA Convention 2026
4 topicsThe 2026 programme covers the priorities shaping business travel today. Topics span technology, traveller experience, sustainability and data-driven decision-making.
Technology and AI in Travel Management
Sessions cover how AI and new technology are reshaping travel booking, expense management and policy compliance. The AI and Innovation Pavilion on the Expo floor showcases emerging tools.
Sustainability in Business Travel
Sustainability remains a core theme. Sessions cover sustainable aviation fuel, carbon tracking and building sustainable travel policies for large organisations.
Traveller Experience and Duty of Care
Sessions address how organisations balance traveller wellbeing with cost control. Duty of care obligations remain a growing priority for corporate travel managers.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Sessions cover how travel managers use data to justify budgets and prove programme value. This reflects growing pressure to show measurable return on travel spend.
Event Experiences
7 topicsGBTA Convention 2026 runs across three full days. The programme mixes education sessions, keynotes, networking and an extensive Expo Hall.
5K Run/Walk
The convention opens with a 5K Run/Walk from 6:45 to 8:00 AM. All fitness levels are welcome to join and connect with fellow attendees.
Connect First Orientation
Connect First is designed for newcomers to the industry or convention. It runs with no sign-up required, open to all attendees.
Buyer Only Braindates
Braindate sessions connect buyers around specific topics they choose themselves. There are no panels and no scripts, just peer-to-peer conversation.
Buyer Buzz
Buyer Buzz is an exclusive buyer-only lunch hosted by GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang. Attendees vote live on real-world buyer challenges during the session.
Expo Hall
The Expo Hall runs for extended hours across all three days. Pavilions include AI and Innovation, Sustainability, and Groups and Meetings.
Main Stage
Main Stage sessions run each day, featuring the convention's confirmed keynote speakers alongside industry leader panels.
Welcome Reception
The Welcome Reception closes Day One, set against the backdrop of Chicago's skyline and architecture.
Why GBTA Convention 2026 Matters
4 topicsGBTA Convention is the definitive annual gathering for the global business travel industry. It shapes how corporate travel programmes evolve over the following year.
For Corporate Travel Managers
The 17 education tracks and Buyer Only programming give travel managers direct access to peers solving similar budget and policy challenges.
For Travel Technology and Suppliers
The Expo Hall and AI and Innovation Pavilion give suppliers direct access to thousands of buyers evaluating new travel technology. Exhibiting details are at convention.gbta.org/exhibit.
For Procurement and Finance Leaders
Sessions on data-driven decision-making and sustainability give procurement and finance leaders a clear view of where travel budgets are heading.
For HR and Duty of Care Teams
Sessions on traveller experience and duty of care give HR and risk teams practical guidance on supporting travelling employees.
Agenda
Times shown in Central Daylight Time (CDT, UTC-5). Full detailed agenda is at convention.gbta.org/agenda.
| Date | Programme | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monday, August 3 | 5K Run/Walk; Connect First Orientation; Buyer Only Braindates; Buyer Buzz lunch; Expo Hall; Main Stage; Welcome Reception | McCormick Place |
| Tuesday, August 4 | Education Sessions (3 rounds); Main Stage; Networking Lunch; Expo Hall | McCormick Place |
| Wednesday, August 5 | Education Sessions (3 rounds); Main Stage; Networking Lunch; Expo Hall | McCormick Place |
Full agenda at convention.gbta.org/agenda. Schedule subject to change.
Registration and Access
Registration for GBTA Convention 2026 is open through the official site at convention.gbta.org/registration. Multiple pass types and a Corporate Travel Team Program are available.
| Access Type | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full Convention Registration | All three days, education sessions, Main Stage, Expo Hall access | See convention.gbta.org/registration for current pricing |
| Corporate Travel Team Program | Group registration option for corporate travel teams | Details at convention.gbta.org |
| Buyer Access+ | Enhanced access for qualifying travel buyers | Application may be required |
Want updates on GBTA Convention 2026?
Get our recap, key takeaways and analysis delivered to your inbox the moment the keynote ends.
Venue
McCormick Place
McCormick Place is North America's largest convention centre. It sits on Chicago's lakefront, roughly two miles south of the Loop. O'Hare International Airport connects to over 200 destinations worldwide.
Date & Time
Aug 3–5
Starts 8:00 AM CDT
Location
Chicago
McCormick Place, United States
Format
In-person
On location only
Speakers4
Engineers shipping the work, not theorizing about it
GBTA Convention 2026 has confirmed four mainstage speakers. More speakers will be announced closer to the event.
Recap: 2025 & 2024
The biggest announcements from the last 2 GBTA Convention editions.
GBTA Convention 2025 Recap (Denver)
GBTA Convention has run annually for decades. The two most recent editions show the scale and consistency of the world's largest business travel gathering. GBTA Convention 2025 ran July 21 to 23 at the Colorado Convention Center, Denver.
It drew 5,375 business travel professionals from 52 countries. Read the official 2025 press release at gbta.org.
Main announcements included:
- Attendees included 1,141 travel buyers from 680 buyer companies and 372 travel industry exhibitors
- The Monday welcome reception, themed Art at Altitude, reflected Denver's creative culture and energy
- Braindate buyer-only sessions delivered 226 hours of learning and 1,221 onsite connections made
- Buyer Buzz launched as a new format, offering buyer-only pulse-check sessions on industry priorities
- Key themes across sessions included sustainability, artificial intelligence, extended stay accommodations and duty of care
- Leadership-focused sessions like WINiT and Ladders emphasised inclusion and professional development for attendees
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