Business arm targets events management
American Express Business Travel has announced plans to form a meetings, events and incentive travel alliance.
Amex and meetings management specialist Maritz Travel hope to launch a strategic alliance called MaXvantage once paperwork is approved.
The two companies claim the alliance will provide clients with "end-to-end strategic meetings management services", supporting meeting, event and incentive travel portfolios.
Amex said the alliance would benefit from the combined strength of its business travel arm and Maritz Travel.
"Against the backdrop of the current economic environment, managing corporate and incentive meetings has become more important than ever," said Hervé Sedky, vp and general manager of global business partnerships, American Express Business Travel.
Christine Duffy, Maritz Travel's president and ceo, said:"Executives know that meetings, events and incentive travel are critical components to executing their business strategy, but these activities have been under tremendous scrutiny since last fall.
"MaXvantage is designed to enable corporations to feel confident continuing their investment in these highly valued programs."
The alliance is aimed at corporates and procurement professionals charged with cost management. Purchasing behaviour can be tracked, measured and benchmarked through the Amex partnership.
MaXvantage will initially be available to clients in the US.
www.americanexpress.com www.maritz.com