Initial visitor figures and exhibitor re-bookings are testimony to the show's success, with 85% of the companies signed up for next year by the time the doors closed on the last day.
The look and feel of the exhibition were greatly enhanced by the single level venue, with the grid-like floorplan making it easy to find your way around the stands. Numerous companies had hanging banners to help guide you to their location, serving the double purpose of identifying where you were on the floor.
As with any exhibition, companies competed to make their presence felt with bigger and better stands - offering food, drink, stationery and, in the case of some airlines, a bed, to tempt the wandering visitor.
Key announcements, product launches and new companies were rife at this year's show, with KDS and ACTE revealing the results of their global carbon emissions survey; OAG introducing a flight tracker service in partnership with Star Alliance; and newcomers Omneport, Business Taxis and CityHoppa all launching at the exhibition, to name but a few.
The conference and debate sessions were a great success. Each day the programme covered three themes in the industry, ranging from security issues to traveller compliance and GDS regulation. There were lively exchanges at the debate sessions, which included airline vs hotel security, dynamic pricing, and green taxation in aviation.
After a busy and eventful first day (Tuesday 13 February), those exhibiting had a chance to unwind and compare notes at the exhibitor party, which was held at the Cabinet War Rooms just off Parliament Square. It was here that the winner of the Business Travel Show Innovation Award was announced, with travel management company Advantage taking the prize for its GDS CAT35 initiative and deal with Amadeus. Pictured above (from left to right) is Travel Trade Gazette editor and chairman of the judging panel Adam Coulter, Advantage Business Travel director Norman Gage and Business Travel Show event director David Chapple.
CAT35 saves agents having to use a third party or search themselves for net discounted airline fares, as airlines can upload them directly onto the system along with all terms and conditions. Advantage has also pioneered the use of Amadeus' e-booking tool, which is offered to members and, in turn, their clients. Joint runners up for the award were EOS for its long haul business class only service and and ITM (Institute of Travel Management) for Project Icarus. Portman Travel (for its Portman Forest programme) and Virgin Atlantic (for its Premium Economy service) were the other two finalists.
abtn.co.uk began day two on our stand with one of the five filmed interviews we held at the show. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Stansted Express, Expedia Corporate Travel and Capita Business Travel (who underwent a name change from Lonsdale Travel at the show) were all quizzed on their latest initiatives and plans for 2007. Click on the links to watch abtn in action! It was great to meet so many of the readers on our stand and introduce leading members of the industry to abtn.co.uk.