The leaders in the Canada business travel industry came together in Toronto, 8-10 November 2009 for the Association of Corporate Travel Executives’ (ACTE) 2009 Canada Education Conference . Titled, “Learn, Link, Lead,” the conference  featured more than 300 registrants, 97% of whom hold the title of “Manager” or above. Nearly 40% of participants held the title of “Director” or above. “ACTE’s primary mission is to provide a platform for Canada’s business travel leaders to advance the industry through an exchange of ideas,” said Annemarie Reininger, ACTE’s Canada Board Member, “And, that is exactly what we saw in Toronto – business travel executives coming together to find new ways to improve their travel programs through knowledge and relationships.”

Attendees were able to participate in interactive educational sessions, learn from dynamic keynote presentations, share best practices with their peers during roundtable discussions, and engage in a wide range of networking opportunities aimed at senior-level business travel industry practitioners. “With discretionary expenses such as travel being restricted in any organization during tough economic times, membership in ACTE and attending its events are especially important,” said Nick del Torto, System Manager, Travel & Business Services, Canadian National, “In speaking with other ACTE members and attendees, and consulting with the various papers and studies commissioned by ACTE, a corporate travel manager can truly define travel policy and strategy to emerge stronger in anticipation of an economic upturn. In turn, this increases awareness and value to the organization's executives and increases buy-in for future travel related projects.”