Join us January 13–14 at The American Club in Kohler for the GBTA-WI Annual Conference! Two days of inspiring speakers, industry insights, networking, and our signature Silent Auction. Don’t miss this kickoff to 2026!

Sponsored by:   Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

Support Our Chapter & Make an Impact!
Consider donating an item to the GBTA-WI Silent Auction. Your generous contribution helps fund scholarships, chapter programming, and member engagement throughout the year.

Donate here:

GBTA Wisconsin Chapter - Silent Auction Donation Information

Reserve Your Tradeshow Table: Showcase your company at our event!

• $250 for GBTA-WI members
• $500 for non-members

Not a member yet? Become a GBTA Community Member for just $175 and qualify for the member rate—saving you money and connecting you to year-round benefits.

Agenda

Tuesday, January 13th 

Registration begins at 12:00PM at the Appley Theater

1:00- Direct & Allied Sessions planned

Allied Breakout Session: The Person Behind the Title with Benjamin Berard

This session explores supplier engagement through a human-centered lens, shifting the conversation away from traditional buyer vs. supplier dynamics and toward shared understanding, collaboration, and mutual growth. This session highlights the people behind the titles, emphasizing the individuals who manage risk, deliver experiences, and keep business travel moving behind the scenes. Attendees will walk away with a reframed perspective on supplier relationships and practical insights on how collaboration across roles strengthens the entire travel ecosystem.

2:00-3:00 - Exploring GBTA Foundation Opportunities with Emily Latham & Amy Bartholf  

Emily is the Program Coordinator at the GBTA Foundation, where she helps lead the Foundation’s People First initiatives that support and advance professionals across every stage of their career. From elevating women in the industry to connecting rising professionals with seasoned experts, her work strengthens the development pathways that are shaping the future of business travel.

Amy Bartholf:  Area Director of Sales

Hampton by Hilton Milwaukee-Brookfield & Hampton by Hilton- Appleton

3:00-3:15 -Break-

3:15-3:45 Richard Rytman- State of current travel security and challenges with business travel 

Richard is the Director of Global Security for the Kohler Company and responsible for developing and directing Kohler Co.’s security program worldwide. He is an experienced corporate security executive with a proven track record in leadership, strategic planning, and operational excellence.  His broad professional background includes that as a lawyer (prosecutor and general counsel), FBI Special Agent, and corporate executive.  Richard received a BA in Computer Information Systems from St. Leo University, St. Leo, FL and a JD from Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee.  He is a veteran of both the United States Navy (enlisted) and Army (officer). 

4:30-7:00 27th Annual Silent Auction- The Great Bay Ballroom

View Auction Items Here

7:30 Special Guest Caleb Hyatt

Caleb Hyatt is a professional magician based in Milwaukee known for his fast-paced comedy, clean presentation, and impossible sleight-of-hand. For over 13 years, Caleb has entertained audiences across the country with a blend of magic and mentalism that feels modern, interactive, and unforgettable.

Wednesday, January 14th

7:00-8:00 Breakfast (Council Room in The Appley Theater)

8:00-8:10: President's Remarks/Welcome Opening Session: The Appley Theater

8:10-9:00 Billy Brimblecom- Keep Moving Forward (Motivational)

Billy's presentations are highly engaging, blending powerful storytelling with humor and practical applications. His unique background provides credible examples that will resonate with correctional professionals facing daily leadership challenges. 

Key Takeaways

9:00-9:15 Break

9:15am-10:30a Tahnee Perry -Humans Still Board First (AI in Travel)

AI can write your emails, summarize your reports, maybe even book a flight, but it still can’t calm an irate traveler at 11 p.m.

This session is for anyone curious about how AI can help without replacing what makes your work matter. We’ll dig into real travel examples, test a few tools, and build practical workflows you can put to use right away.

You’ll learn how to:

10:30-10:45 BREAK (time to checkout) 

10:45-11:30 Fred Bowen: Content Chaos in Corporate Travel

A look into the current status of Airline content distribution. This would include a closer look into the various options available to corporate travel managers when sourcing content. Additional information on the current status of NDC, and other potential disruptions which could involve AI. 

Key Takeaways: 

Fred Bowen is the Sr. Director of Corporate GDS & Global Business Accounts at Amadeus, where he focuses on enhancing corporate travel programs through advanced technology and content aggregation. 

Fred also supports the GBTA community as a current member of the Aviation Committee as well as previous roles with both the Payments and Technology Committees.  He is an active speaker on NDC and AI initiatives within travel and has spoken at over 20 different local GBTA chapters. 

 Prior to joining Amadeus, Fred worked at several innovative tech startups as well as notable travel and technology companies including America Online, Microsoft, Sabre and American Airlines.

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11:30-12:45 Lunch  Serve Lunch, Sponsor Presentation, Sponsor Presentation, GBTA-Wisconsin Business Meeting

12:45p-1:00p BREAK

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1:00p-3:00p Dr. Mark Taylor - What a Long Strange Trip It's Been- Managing Across the Generations

Successfully navigating and managing with our coworkers, travelers and travel partners requires being able to understand, motivate and communicate effectively with everyone in the workforce, from each generational group. This session will address the most current generational characteristics, issues and dynamics with immediately applicable and impactful recommendations for being an effective leader, and in developing the most productive and positive working environment.

Takeaways/outcomes:

3:00p-3:15p- Wrap up, prize drawings, 

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 Meeting Venue: 

The American Club (The Appley Theater & The Great Bay Ballroom)
419 Highland Dr.
Kohler, WI 53044
https://www.kohlerwisconsin.com/accommodations/the-american-club

For reservations: Call 866-934-5085 - Reference room block name: Global Business Travel Association- WI Chapter - GBTA 2026 Annual Conference & Silent Auction
American Club Room Rate: $154.00
Inn on Woodlake Rate: $119.00