Bringing clients, partners and industry leaders together for two days of insight, collaboration and forward-thinking discussion.
We recently hosted our inaugural Client Innovation Forum in Brisbane, bringing together clients, partners and industry leaders for two days of collaboration, insight and forward-thinking discussion.
Designed with a clear purpose, to place our clients at the centre of our future direction, the Forum created a platform for open dialogue, shared learning and strategic alignment across the corporate travel ecosystem.
Held at Crystalbrook Vincent and supported by key partners including Virgin Australia, Hertz and American Express, the event brought together a curated group of clients alongside senior CT Connections leaders and respected voices from across the industry.
Across the two-day program, attendees engaged in a series of presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions focused on the evolving landscape of corporate travel. From emerging technologies through to global disruption and resilience planning.
A key theme throughout the Forum focused on the accelerating role of technology in shaping travel programs. Sessions led by Troy Winterbottom of Ello explored the practical application of AI in corporate travel, while CT Connections also provided an exclusive preview of its evolving business intelligence capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to smarter, data-led decision making.
Airline strategy and distribution also featured prominently, with Cheryl Embery of Virgin Australia offering valuable perspective on the domestic aviation landscape and the factors influencing capacity, pricing and customer experience.
Looking more broadly at the industry’s future, Dean Long, CEO of ATIA, delivered a standout session on building a more resilient travel sector, highlighting the importance of collaboration, advocacy and adaptability in an increasingly complex global environment.
Building on this, one of the Forum’s key discussions saw leaders from CT Connections join Dean Long (ATIA) and Rodger Cook of World Travel Protection to examine how organisations can successfully navigate corporate travel during ongoing global volatility. The session provided practical insights into risk management, duty of care and the importance of agile travel programs.
True to our client-led approach, the Forum was not just about sharing insights, it actively sought client input. Interactive elements, including live polling and open discussion forums, ensured clients had a direct voice in shaping CT Connections’ priorities for the year ahead.
”"At Connections Travel Group, we’ve always believed that strong outcomes are built on strong partnerships. Bringing our clients, people and partners together allows for a more open and meaningful exchange of ideas. Our clients gain direct access to industry leaders, insights and emerging trends, while we gain invaluable perspective from the people who use our services every day. It’s an approach grounded in our Ubuntu philosophy and it’s what ultimately drives better outcomes for everyone involved.”
Gary ReichenbergFounder, CEO & Managing Director
The Client Innovation Forum reflects CT Connections’ broader philosophy of partnership and continuous improvement, aligning closely with the Group’s guiding principle of Ubuntu — “I am because of you, we are because of each other.”
This approach continues to underpin how CT Connections partners with its clients. Continuing to reinforce its position as a forward-thinking, client-led travel management company focused on delivering meaningful outcomes, an approach that led to being recognised as the 2025 NTIA award for Most Outstanding Australian-Owned Travel Management Company.
”“What CT Connections created at the Forum was both brave and transparent, bringing clients into the conversations that matter most. The AI showcased was the best I’ve seen at any forum, and what truly sets the team apart is their genuine passion, they listen, care, and deliver.”
Emily KoinisHead of Travel Management Companies, Enterprise Partnerships, International Card Services, American Express
