Program Description

Corporate travel managers do much more than oversee bookings and enforce policy. They help organizations control costs, support employee productivity, manage risk, advance sustainability goals, and improve the traveler experience. Yet many travel programs still struggle to gain visibility and recognition at the executive level.

In this engaging panel discussion, experienced travel managers will share how they demonstrate the value of their programs, align travel strategies with business priorities, and build strong partnerships with TMCs and suppliers. Attendees will hear practical examples of how travel leaders are increasing executive engagement, communicating program impact, and positioning travel as a strategic contributor to business success.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Explore ways to measure travel program success beyond cost savings.
• Learn how to connect travel metrics to broader business goals and outcomes.
• Understand how TMCs, suppliers, and technology partners can help strengthen program value.
• Discover strategies for increasing visibility and executive support.
• Gain practical ideas for positioning travel management as a strategic business function.

Moderator:

Steven Van Overmeiren

As a former corporate travel leader for global giants in the technology and legal services sectors, Steven spent years navigating the friction between legacy systems and modern business needs. Now, as a consultant at Garner, Steven helps organizations dismantle the legacy, one-size-fits-all approach to build agile, multi-layered programs that integrate travel, meetings, expense, and payment. A vocal advocate for industry modernization, Steven is known for challenging the status quo and helping leaders think differently about what programs can achieve in an AI-first world.

Panelists:
Sean Parham

Sean Parham is the Senior Manager of Travel & Expense at Veeam Software, where he leads global strategy and program scaling in 50 countries. Alongside his role at Veeam, he serves as a Strategic Consultant to Planned, recently co-authoring a comprehensive industry guide on building and scaling modern Meetings Management programs. With over 35 years of experience, Sean is renowned for building high-touch, technology-forward travel programs from the ground up for leading tech innovators, including Snap Inc., Riot Games, and Discord. A past two-term President of the Los Angeles Business Travel Association, Sean is a recognized thought leader dedicated to humanizing the corporate travel experience through seamless digital integration.

Kristine Rosenberger

Kristine Rosenberger is a passionate travel industry professional and Regional Travel Manager for the Americas at NES Fircroft.  Kristine brings a people-first approach to travel management, combining strategy, relationship building, problem-solving, and innovation to create better experiences for travelers and the business. Kristine is an active member of the business travel community, involved with GBTA and WINiT, and passionate about sharing knowledge, mentoring others, and helping shape the future of business travel. She takes great pride in building strong partnerships, embracing new technology, challenging the status quo, and always finding a way to get the job done.
She is especially proud to be part of the NES Fircroft Global Travel Team, which has been recognized as a finalist for the Business Travel People Awards—a reflection of the team’s dedication, collaboration, and impact on the global travel program.

LOCATION:

The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802

Parking is $15 with validation

Thank you to our Diamond Sponsor!

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor!