Network Next Generation, the organisation aiming to nurture young
talent in the business travel industry, unveiled its advisory board and
steering group at an official launch event in London last night.
The latter is comprised of young industry professionals
Charlie Knowles of Blacklane, Jessica Stacy of SITU, and Kelly Warner of Reed
& Mackay, who took part in a panel discussion on the issues faced by those
joining the sector.
The group, which will meet on a monthly basis, has been
tasked with ensuring the organisation “creates genuine content and initiatives
that young travel professionals feel is lacking for them”.
Meanwhile, the organisation – which was launched in July – also announced its newly
convened advisory board comprised of “industry captains from across the sector”.
They are: former PwC travel manager Mark Avery, UBS global head of travel and expense management Mark
Cuschieri, CAP Worldwide CEO Jo Layton, British Airways global account manager Louise Lloyd, Fidelity's director of global travel, neetings and ground transportation Carol Fergus, and Blue Cube Travel director Mel Phaure.
The organisation’s first initiative is the launch of CPD-accredited
training.
“Plans are already underway
for our next phase of development with the mentor programme and much more in
the pipeline,” says founder David Clare. “I am committed to developing this new
exciting new platform where we can support, engage and excite our next
generation of travel professionals.”