FCM Soundbytes: Recent Episodes
FCM Travel
Managing a business travel program in this age of coronavirus is no doubt challenging. FCM Soundbytes are designed to help unpack the facts, answer your burning questions and provide commentary on the changing regulations affecting travel.
FCM Travel is an awarded travel management company, spanning more than 100 countries, and a leading business travel partner for large national, multi-national and global corporations.
Over the past few weeks, travel professionals have been spoilt for choice with virtual events like ProcureCon Travel, Concur’s Travel Industry Summit and the inaugural Business Travel Show Americas streaming live to home offices across the country. In case you missed any of these, we asked a panel of tradeshow veterans for their insights into the event highlights and key takeaways they felt topped the bill. From hot topics such as evolving TMC pricing models and the changing role of technology in travel programs, to perspectives on the best run virtual events of the year so far, our panel breaks down the essential information you need to know.
Panelists
Clodagh Flanagan - Director of Enterprise Sales
Cameron McLeod - Director of Global Sales
Peter Psaltakis - Technical Solutions Director
Patrick Keenan - Director of National Sales
Michelle Jolley (Moderator) - Brand Marketing Manager
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically reshaped how the world approaches business interactions, with virtual meetings all but replacing in-person communication. But what is the potential legacy impact of video conferencing on business travel and what trends may emerge as a consequence? In this Soundbyte exclusive, FCM's President Billy McDonough goes head-to-head with Simon Harrison, Senior VP at teleconferencing giant Avaya, to debate the changing landscape and how businesses may start to factor these trends into travel policy decisions going forward.
Hosted by Peter Psaltakis, FCM's Technical Solutions Director
Over the past few months we've seen some dynamic shifts in the airline industry as carriers implement various measures to adapt to the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Joe Ondrus, Senior VP for FCM in the Americas, shares his perspectives on the state of the airline industry and some of the key themes that are emerging.
Hosted by Ben Johnson, FCM's Director of Strategic Program Management
The 2020 hotel RFP season is unlike any other and the source of some contention in the industry. Should you roll-over your existing contracts, move to dynamic rates or negotiate hard to take advantage of lower pricing? Ashley Gutermuth, Director of Consulting Services at 4th Dimension, weighs in on the options available to buyers and introduces the concept of the rolling RFP.
Hosted by Ben Johnson, FCM's Director of Strategic Program Management
If it's been a while since you've traveled through an airport you may be a little unsure what to expect from the new post-COVID airport security protocols. In this soundbyte we hear from Lisa Farbstein, Strategic Communications and Public Affairs spokesperson at TSA, who walks us through some of the initiatives underway at airports across the country designed to keep travelers safe and secure at this time. Lisa shares some important safety tips and handy hints to help you pack, prepare and easily navigate through to your next journey.
Hosted by: Joe Ondrus, Senior VP, FCM Americas
Chief Data Science Officer for Flight Centre Corporate, Stephen Pitcher, shares some fascinating insights into the shifting traveler demographics trends that are starting to emerge post-COVID. Stephen also provides some perspectives on how businesses can use this type of data mapping to better understand the impact of the pandemic and more accurately plot their road to recovery.
Hosted by Ben Johnson, FCM Director of Strategic Program Management
In this episode, FCM's Joe Ondrus brings us the inside story of what the new business travel experience is really like as he takes his first post-pandemic flight on Delta Air Lines from Philadelphia to Atlanta. Joe is joined by Delta's Director of Sales, Charlie Schewe, to discuss the experience and the strides the airline has taken to develop its Delta Clean program.
Hosted by Joe Ondrus, Senior VP FCM Travel Solutions
With signs of recovery emerging, car rental may start to play a greater role within your travel program. In this episode we speak to Rob Connors, VP for Business Development at Enterprise Holdings, about what travelers can anticipate when renting a vehicle and the measures being taken to promote a safe driving experience. Rob also provides insights into some of the trends that are emerging as businesses start getting back on the road, and advice around how travel managers can maximize this element of their programs.
Hosted by Jennifer Dzialo, VP Corporate Land Product – Americas.
On Wednesday, June 3rd, FCM's Managing Director Marcus Eklund spoke with Dominic O'Connell on BBC Radio 4's Today Program regarding the impact of the governments proposed 14 day quarantine on travelers entering the UK.
Marcus touches on the global survey that was conducted by FCM on 1,600 global corporate customers - 70% of which have stated that they would like to go back to traveling for business - citing a need to travel to achieve their business goals. Regarding the government proposals Marcus states "any little help will be fully appreciated by the industry." Please listen to the interview for comprehensive insights.
We talk to Jake Cefolia, Senior VP Worldwide Sales at United Airlines about how the airline is tackling the current crisis and some of the steps United is taking to promote traveler health and safety, both in the air and on the ground. Jake also shares their approach to corporate programs and reveals insights into some positive signs on the horizon. Hosted by: Joe Ondrus, Senior Vice President at FCM Travel Solutions.
In this episode we speak to Jim Carter, Vice President of Global Sales at American Airlines, about some of the strategies the airline has implemented to reshape their services and tackle the current environment. Get insights into health and safety protocols at the airport and on board, the flexibility you can expect when managing unused tickets and the humanitarian projects that American Airlines are pioneering to help the fight against COVID-19. Hosted by Joe Ondrus, Senior Vice President at FCM Travel Solutions.
In this soundbyte we speak to Meenaz Diamond, Senior VP of Global Sales for North and Central America at Accor. Meenaz shares some insights into how Accor have approached the COVID-19 crisis and how they are partnering with Bureau Veritas to set new standards for health and safety at their properties. We also chat about global recovery trends and advice around forward bookings. Hosted by Jennifer Dzialo, VP Corporate Land Product – Americas.
In this exclusive interview we are joined by Charlie Schewe, Delta Air Lines Director of Sales, to explore the steps the airline is taking to manage the coronavirus crisis and some of the initiatives that are in the works to help prepare for when the world starts traveling again. Hosted by Joe Ondrus, FCM Senior Vice President, this soundbyte digs into a number of topics including reward programs, corporate contracts and the new Delta Clean initiatives to help you better understand the current environment and gain insights into the future air travel experience.
In this soundbyte we speak with Kat Marion, Senior Account Executive at Lyft, on the topics of ground transportation and the steps Lyft is taking to ensure the health and safety of their passengers and drivers. We also cover the options now available to commuters and how Lyft are providing essential services to those that need it. Hosted by Jennifer Dzialo, FCM's VP Corporate Land Product, Americas.
The coronavirus crisis has certainly disrupted the business travel landscape. This podcast will help you understand the wide-ranging impact that is being felt from a supplier perspective along with the implications for sourcing activities. If you are involved in managing a business travel program, this podcast will provide key insights into the actions that you should be taking now when it comes to contracting and negotiations.
Hosted by Ben Johnson, FCM Director of Strategic Program Management interviewing Mike Cox, Senior Consultant at 4th Dimension Consulting.