Can we already consider this European Convention a success?
Hans-Ingo Biehl - Yes, we think so. It's a great platform for people to meet. Our partnership with the GBTA has enabled us to set up this meeting point for the various players in the market. We're very happy about that.
The event attracted a record turnout: how do you explain this?
Hans-Ingo Biehl - It's a combination of different factors: interesting content, with sessions addressing topical issues for Travel Managers; very good speakers on stage, like Michael O'Leary and Tim Clark this morning. There's also a great location, in Berlin, so guests can extend their stay if they wish. So there's a snowball effect: guests look at the list of participants, and realise over the last few weeks that the audience is growing exponentially. We were expecting 650 people, and we've had over 200 more. I also think that to make a European GBTA convention a success, you need a strong local market to support the event. The VDR brought over 350 participants to the event. And that's crucial.
What are VDR's priorities?
Hans-Ingo Biehl - Our main challenge is to identify current trends. The industry is changing radically, moving away from the 'simple' purchase of business travel to an approach based on door to door. We are moving from Travel Management to Mobility Management, at least in large companies. So we need to open up, change our attitude, explore new opportunities to streamline processes. We're no longer thinking solely in terms of buying travel and getting the best rates. We now also need to focus on what the traveller wants, in particular to retain and motivate our best people.
What are VDR's other priorities?
Hans-Ingo Biehl - Of course, we want to increase our membership. We currently have 550 members, two-thirds of whom are buyers and the remaining third suppliers. We also want to be innovative and aware of market trends. We want to be at the forefront of key issues.
Events such as these should help to achieve this...
Hans-Ingo Biehl - Yes, indeed. This allows us to address the issues of tomorrow, as well as those of today, of course. Travel Managers have to adapt, not stay constantly in a 'comfort zone', but move forward.
