Wednesday, June 4
10:45 – 12:00 Noon

WB1 Best Practices in Government Lodging

This workshop will equip travel managers on how to effectively manage your agency’s lodging and housing needs in a very tight hotel market where it's typically hard to find rooms at or below per diem.  Experts from both the Federal government and industry will offer best practices in the financial, compliance, and safety controls necessary to manage your lodging budgets.   We'll also compare the benefits of GSA's FedRooms® government wide lodging program to world class corporate hotel programs.    

• Realize the value and benefits of the various lodging programs within the Federal government
• Discuss how these programs have adopted corporate best practices
• Gain insight on how to successfully implement and utilize these programs at your agency to support world class travel management

View Presentation Slides

WB2 Emerging Opportunities in Online Travel Management

Technology spans across the entire process of travel management. Your agency has now implemented E-Gov Travel and your travelers are taking advantage of this latest travel technology, but are you realizing all the benefits that online travel management has to offer? Join this informative session to learn about the tools available to you to effectively manage your travel and travel budget.
Attend this session if you are interested in--

• Learning latest online capabilities to streamlining your business processes, track premium class travel, manage supplier relationships
• Helping your agency save money by getting travelers off the phone and online when arranging travel
• Sharing best practices with other agencies regarding online booking

View Presentation Slides

WB3 Trends in Risk Management

Think about this…..your office gets a call from a spouse who has not heard from his/her spouse and is very concerned.   Or….your office gets a call about a hotel in London that is on fire and you have travelers booked there.  The possible scenarios are practically endless and the risks are many so you must focus on risk management and the impact on the traveler.  Our expert on risk management will discuss the importance of response time, ways to mitigate loss and creating a communications plan using exercises and drills.

• Gain insight to the process of risk management
• Understand enterprise risk management and operational risk management
• Discuss best practices for preparedness

View Presentation Slides

WB4 New Initiatives (Policy Review) GSA/DoD
 
Tired of complex and confusing travel policies?  This session will provide an overview of some of the new initiatives now working as a result of the government-wide policy review. The General Services Administration (GSA) and Department of Defense (DoD) are collaborating with other Federal Agencies to simplify and clarify travel policy for the Federal traveler.
 
• Learn about travel policy recommendations being initiated or considered to simplify and clarify travel policy
• Provide feedback and share your ideas on how to simplify travel policy 

View Presentation Slides
 

WB5 Overview JTR/JFTR

What’s the difference between the Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR) and the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR)?  What are the allowances for the several different types of travel?  This session will provide you with an overview of the JFTR and the JTR.

• Ask about common travel concepts/misconceptions
• Learn what are and are not authorized travel expenses
• Understand the rules and who to call for help!

View Presentation Slides

WB6 Update on GSA's Government Relocation Services

Learn how the housing market and mortgage industry trends have impacted federal relocation programs and the steps GSA has taken to help ensure program continuity for government transferees.

• Discussion on current guaranteed home buy-out program suppliers and offerings
• Specific options and alternatives available to agencies and relocating employees will be outlined
• Find out about initiatives GSA and agencies are collaboratively pursing to ensure long-term sustainable models

View Presentation Slides

WB7 Status Update on DOD CTO Program
 
DTMO has embarked on a major initiative to consolidate and procure Commercial Travel Office (CTO) services for the Department of Defense (DoD). This action centralizes CTO services to apply best and consistent practices, leverage buying power, and improve working relationships between the government and the travel industry. The two phased CTO acquisition process is now in the last phase.

• Attend this session to gain insight into the small business and the worldwide procurement status
• Learn how these acquisitions will standardize travel service requirements and allow better management of DoD’s travel service contracts

View Presentation Slides

Thursday, June 5
1:15 – 2:30 PM

THA1 Persuasive Communication

The inability to communicate and poor communication skills are the most frequently listed skills that need improvement on performance evaluations.  This professional development session will offer techniques for exerting influence on the actions and attitudes of others.  Learn how to face communication challenges and become an effective and diplomatic communicator.

• Learn strategies of opening the lines of communication
• Say goodbye to misunderstandings and miscommunications
• Discover how to enhance your personal strengths and communication message

View Presentation Slides

THA2 Supporting the DoD Traveler

This session will cover DoD's initiatives to support the DoD traveler to include their world class travel assistance center, their new automated tools for travelers to self assist and how customer service is the focus for DoD and their travelers.

• Learn what DoD is doing to enhance the customer’s travel experience
• New customer support tools will be presented during this session

View Presentation Slides

THA3 Federal Rental Car Program

The Federal Rental Car program has moved!  Responsibility for the Federal Rental Car Program transferred from the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) to the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) in late 2007.  This session will inform you how the DTMO is working to improve the program and enhance the experience of federal travelers.

• Learn about new enhancements under consideration for the Federal Rental Car Program
• Learn where to find program information and where to file claims

View Presentation Slides

THA4  New Initiatives (Policy Review) GSA/DoD
 
Tired of complex and confusing travel policies?  This session will provide an overview of some of the new initiatives now working as a result of the government-wide policy review. The General Services Administration (GSA) and Department of Defense (DoD) are collaborating with other Federal Agencies to simplify and clarify travel policy for the Federal traveler.
 
• Learn about travel policy recommendations being initiated or considered to simplify and clarify travel policy
• Provide feedback and share your ideas on how to simplify travel policy  

View Presentation Slides

THA5  Defining your Role as Government Travel Manager -Best Practices

Travel is one of the most challenging and dynamic spend categories to manage. Come learn about the guiding principles for best in class travel management and how these principles integrate into a fully managed travel program. Understand your role to manage in addressing travel policy, budgeting, supplier management, performance metrics, communication and safety and security. This workshop will enhance your knowledge, skills and productivity.

• Help your senior management understand the value you bring to your agency
• Learn 5 key strategies common with the most successful travel managers
• Hear from a Government Travel Manager on successes and challenges in government travel management

View Presentation Slides

THA6 Managing Change

Have you ever heard anyone say “that the only thing constant is constant change”?  In order to thrive, not just survive today’s busy work environment, you must be able to adapt to change. It is more than just learning to be flexible and our change expert will show you how to evaluate and respond to even the most unexpected change.

• Learn the easy steps to managing change
• Discuss the keys to getting your staff to accept change
• Understand how to make unexpected bumps in the road smooth sailing

View Presentation Slides

THA7  Automation and the State Travel Process

Automation has certainly impacted all of our lives.  We are living more and more in an environment where we track deliveries via the internet, process paperless expense reports and make travel arrangements electronically, without person-to-person interaction.

Purchasing and acquisition have strived to move towards fully automated processes and in this session a state manager will identify the impact automation has on state travel management.

• Learn how automation has improved the efficiency of the state travel process
• Hear which automation processes have the greatest impact
• Discover the newest trends in STMP automation

View Presentation Slides

Thursday, June 5
2:45 – 4:00 PM

THB1  GSA SmartPay® Savvy

This session will provide an overview of the GSA SmartPay and the GSA SmartPay 2 travel card program. Learn where agencies and the GSA SmartPay® program stand in transitioning to GSA SmartPay® 2.
 
• Discuss best practices for managing your agency's travel card program.
• Gain insight into key GSA SmartPay® program initiatives, legislation and statistics.  

View Presentation Slides

THB2 Emergency Disaster Recovery Programs – Transportation and Emergency Lodging

GSA plays a critical role in providing disaster recovery products and services to Federal agencies and DoD. GSA provides programs to support customer agencies during natural and national disasters through the use of itsMultiple Award Schedules. And thanks to Section 833 of Public Law 109-364, State and local governments can use the Federal Supply Schedules to facilitate recovery from major national and natural disasters, terrorism, or nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack.

Come and see how the programs below can benefit your organization / agency in disaster recovery and streamline your procurement processes—

• Transportation Schedule 48 – SIN 411-1 Ground Transportation Services
• Transportation Schedule 48 – SIN 411-2 Rental Supplemental Vehicle Program
• Travel Services Solutions Schedule 599 – Lodging SIN 599-3 Emergency Lodging

View Presentation Slides

THB3 Contracting for Travel Services

The GSA Schedules (also referred to as Multiple Award Schedules) provides access to a multitude of services that can help you improve your travel management program. Come to this session to gain knowledge in procuring travel management services and travel consulting services from the MAS.
 
• Learn about industry best practice for purchasing travel services
• Learn about the variety of distinct commercial travel services available in support of the Government’s travel needs.
• Learn how your agency can use the GSA Travel Services Schedule (TSS)  to manage the changing dynamics in the travel industry 

View Presentation Slides 

THB4 Overview JTR/JFTR

What’s the difference between the Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR) and the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR)?  What are the allowances for the several different types of travel?  This session will provide you with an overview of the JFTR and the JTR.

• Ask about common travel concepts/misconceptions
• Learn what are and are not authorized travel expenses
• Understand the rules and who to call for help! 

View Presentation Slides

THB5 Government Travel and Related Ethics and Appropriations Issues:  Know the Rules!

This presentation will review the most frequent issues relating to travel, and travel-related ethics and appropriations issues.  Attendees will benefit from a review of the current regulations and policies related to premium class travel, use and retention of frequent traveler benefits, voluntary and involuntary denial of a seat on an airline, payment of travel by non-Federal sources, use of the Government travel charge card, a review of the rules relating to the Airline City Pairs Program, use of a rental car for official travel, meals and refreshments at conferences, and routing of travel.  We'll wrap up this informative session with an opportunity for questions involving travel-related issues.

• So, you’re an official traveler and not sure whether to accept those perks?
• Confused about frequent traveler benefits?
• As an approving official, do you have some burning questions to ask?
• Don’t hesitate, this is your opportunity to learn about travel-related ethics for Federal employees!

View Presentation Slides

THB6 Supporting the DoD Traveler

This session will cover DoD's initiatives to support the DoD traveler to include their world class travel assistance center, their new automated tools for travelers to self assist and how customer service is the focus for DoD and their travelers.

• Learn what DoD is doing to enhance the customer’s travel experience
• New customer support tools will be presented during this session

View Presentation Slides

THB7 The Greening of the States

While the EPA and other Federal agencies move towards more environmentally friendly processes, State governments are developing and implementing their own green initiatives.  This session will explore this movement within State agencies and how States are complementing the Federal drive towards going green.

• Listen to State travel managers explain their respective states green initiatives
• Learn the State level cost considerations of going green
• Explore new trends in going green

View Presentation Slides

Friday, June 6
9:00 – 10:15 AM

FA1 Applying Project Management Principles to Government Travel

The process of project management is not complicated yet many get bogged down or lost in getting to the final step….completing the project.  This session will focus on the six steps of project management and highlight the most common problems facing project managers.
 
• Understand the three components to the project triangle: Cost, Scope and Schedule
• Learn how to write a scope statement and create a work breakdown structure
• How to put a project team together with diverse skills sets and complete the project on time

FA2 Meeting and Event Planning

Planning the perfect meeting and/or event is complex and sometimes frustrating.  Learn the 10 best steps to organizing a successful event and pick up the best of the best practices in meeting and event planning.  The session will take you from understanding the purpose of the meeting to final evaluation of the project.

• Learn the 10 steps to organizing a successful meeting or event
• Understand how the smallest details can impact the overall experience
• Discuss best practices in meeting and event planning

View Presentation Slides

FA3 CONUS & Foreign Area Per Diem: GSA and State Department Rate Setting Processes

FA4 Travel Management Best Practices for your State/Local Government Agency

While there are similarities in federal and state management of travel, states have the flexibility to strengthen their policies based on their individual state requirements.  Listen to our panel of state travel experts on the newest initiatives in state travel policy and pick up best practices for your state/local government agency.

• Gather best practices for managing state/local government travel
• Share in a discussion on ways to improve traveler compliance
• Listen to the latest innovations in supporting travelers

View Presentation Slides

FA5 Federal Travel Regulation—an overview
 
Travel reimbursements have you confused?  Planning a temporary duty (TDY) trip?  If you arrange travel, travel frequently, or authorize/approve travel, come to this session to learn more about the Federal Travel Regulation.  Here's your opportunity to ask those burning travel questions that will improve your job performance and travel experiences!

• Learn/review the travel policies in Federal Travel Regulation (FTR)
• Gain insight about how the FTR is changing.
• Gain insight on future of Federal travel.
• Ask the experts!

View Presentation Slides

Friday, June 6
10:45 – 12:00  Noon

FB1 Managing Change

Have you ever heard anyone say “that the only thing constant is constant change”?  In order to thrive, not just survive today’s busy work environment, you must be able to adapt to change. It is more than just learning to be flexible and our change expert will show you how to evaluate and respond to even the most unexpected change.

• Learn the easy steps to managing change
• Discuss the keys to getting your staff to accept change
• Understand how to make unexpected bumps in the road smooth sailing

View Presentation Slides

 
FB2 Emergency Disaster Recovery Programs – Transportation & Emergency Lodging

GSA plays a critical role in providing disaster recovery products and services to Federal agencies and DoD. GSA provides programs to support customer agencies during natural and national disasters through the use of its Multiple Award Schedules. And thanks to Section 833 of Public Law 109-364, State and local governments can use the Federal Supply Schedules to facilitate recovery from major national and natural disasters, terrorism, or nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological attack.

Come and see how the programs below can benefit your organization / agency in disaster recovery and streamline your procurement processes—

• Transportation Schedule 48 – SIN 411-1 Ground Transportation Services
• Transportation Schedule 48 – SIN 411-2 Rental Supplemental Vehicle Program
• Travel Services Solutions Schedule 599 – Lodging SIN 599-3 Emergency Lodging

View Presentation Slides

FB3 FAA Infrastructure

The future of our aviation system is teetering on the brink of evolutionary change. In recent years, the performance of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has come under intense scrutiny and criticism by the aviation industry, the General Accounting Office (GAO), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Congress, the news media, and most importantly the U.S. traveling public.  In many instances, attention has been focused on the National Airspace System (NAS) infrastructure and the long time periods required for the FAA to field major systems needed to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system.

• Learn what is required to support the FAA’s mission of maintaining a safe, effective, and efficient civil aviation system and to support a competitive aviation industry
• Listen to an overview of the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO) mission, which is to develop the Next generation Air Transportation System for the United States.

FB4 Government Travel and Related Ethics and Appropriations Issues:  Know the Rules!

This presentation will review the most frequent issues relating to travel, and travel-related ethics and appropriations issues.  Attendees will benefit from a review of the current regulations and policies related to premium class travel, use and retention of frequent traveler benefits, voluntary and involuntary denial of a seat on an airline, payment of travel by non-Federal sources, use of the Government travel charge card, a review of the rules relating to the Airline City Pairs Program, use of a rental car for official travel, meals and refreshments at conferences, and routing of travel.  We'll wrap up this informative session with an opportunity for questions involving travel-related issues.

View Presentation Slides