As interesting as the next new thing can be, sometimes it’s the boring old stuff that needs attention. Core processes, data capture, spend management. Yawn. When Germany-based Conichi hit the market four years ago, its mobile app leveraged beacons and personalization, and facilitated digital hotel room door opening. The company’s focus is different now. Conichi still provides some of those… Read More »
Boston-based LogMeIn roughly tripled its revenue and employees via acquisitions since sourcing pro Jean Johnson joined the tech firm nearly two years ago. As director of global procurement, Johnson consolidated from seven travel management companies to one. Frosch’s mobile technology helped distinguish it from other bidders. LogMeIn also is rolling out Concur Travel as part of a travel program… Read More »
Chatbot maker 30SecondsToFly accepted an unspecified investment from eGlobalfares, a dozen-year-old fare search tech provider that serves a few hundred travel agencies globally. The deal also extends 30Seconds’ strategy to market to travel management companies. The partnership enables eGlobalfares customers to offer public and proprietary fares through the Claire chatbot to business travelers. Claire is available by SMS,… Read More »
In corporate travel, sometimes there is tension between what is best for the employee doing the traveling and what is best for the organization footing the bill. Travel programs strive to find a balance that suits both. Arlene Coyle is chief commercial officer for corporations in the Travel Channels division at Amadeus IT Group. She discusses how a… Read More »
ZS Associates is running a pilot that sanctions for certain employees booking on the United Airlines website. Supported by integration between Traxo and the carrier, the direct option delivers a better booking experience and improved customer service, according to ZS Associates travel leaders. One of them is Glenn Hollister, principal at the firm and head of its travel… Read More »
Industry dialogue about artificial intelligence and the new services featuring it are all well and good. Seriously, though, what does it mean for my job? AppZen CEO and co-founder Anant Kale doesn’t have all the answers, but offers a compelling case for why, as a general statement, the humans will be alright. Gartner predicts that artificial intelligence will… Read More »
During decent economic conditions, traveler satisfaction is big in travel management circles. Everyone wants happy, healthy and productive employees, and many see that translating to improved corporate performance. Tripbam founder and CEO Steve Reynolds takes a contrarian view. He argues that it’s impossible to measure the return from giving travelers what they want. And once they start getting… Read More »