Connections with BCD Travel

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It's the final episode of season 3, and that means Chad and Miriam talk with BCD’s CEO Stephan Baars and CCO Mike Janssen. Nothing is off the table as the group digs into how 2025 has gone, market volatility, mergers, technology, innovation, what clients and the industry can expect from BCD in 2026 (and beyond), and a heartfelt message to colleagues and clients at the end. 

Thanks for connecting with us this season. We'll be taking a short break over the holidays to recharge. Stay tuned to BCD social media for season 4 announcements. 

Learn more by visiting https://www.bcdtravel.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcd-travel/

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One of our most anticipated episode of the year is here! Chad and Miriam sit down with Jorge Cruz, EVP, Global Sales & Marketing, for a wide-ranging conversation about where the travel industry stands today and where it's heading next.

Jorge walks through how 2025 unfolded from his vantage point, breaking down the trends that shaped BCD and the broader market. He shares his take on stability, why openness is important, and the signals he's watching as 2026 comes into view. Be sure to listen until the end where Jorge reveals his new year’s resolution for the industry.

Learn more by visiting https://www.bcdtravel.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcd-travel/

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Virtual payments aren’t just a finance tool anymore - they’re redefining how we manage business travel. On this episode, Chad and Miriam sit down with BCD’s VP of Payment, Neil Fyfe, and Conferma’s Chief Product Officer, Stuart Davenport, to unpack why virtual payment is becoming one of the most important innovations in travel today. From enhanced security and spend transparency to attracting top talent and giving employees a seamless, modern payment experience, the discussion explores how this technology changes the way we pay for travel (for the better). 

The group also separates myth from reality - addressing common misconceptions about virtual payment - and teases what’s next on the roadmap for BCD and the broader industry. It’s a forward-looking conversation about how virtual payment is shaping smarter, safer, and more human travel programs.

Learn more by visiting https://www.bcdtravel.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcd-travel/

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Technology alone doesn’t define great service — people do. But when innovation meets expertise, that’s when real transformation (and a little bit of magic) happens.

On this episode of Connections with BCD Travel, hosts Chad Lemon and Miriam Moscovici sit down with Tanya Green, SVP, Operations, and Rodney Plattner, VP, Operations, to explore how advancements in operational technologies are shaping the service we provide. 

They unpack how tools like AI, automation, and data intelligence are making consultants smarter, faster, and better equipped to serve travelers, and how our “human-centric, tech-driven” approach continues to set BCD apart. From smarter recruiting and training to seamless traveler experiences, Tanya and Rodney share how innovation behind the scenes is redefining what operational excellence looks like today. Because the best technology isn’t the kind you notice — it’s the kind that makes every journey feel effortless.

Learn more by visiting https://www.bcdtravel.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcd-travel/

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Hotels aren’t just places to sleep anymore - they’re becoming ecosystems designed to support how we work, connect, and travel. On this episode, Chad and Miriam connect with IHG's Mel Bell to explore how the hotel landscape is evolving for business traveler today. From the role of technology and AI to the growing influence of younger travelers on amenities like communal workspaces, Mel shares how hotel brands are adapting to meet shifting expectations. She also offers practical tips for travel managers on strengthening conversations with hotel partners. It’s a fast-paced look at the future of hospitality and what it means for managed travel.

Learn more by visiting https://www.bcdtravel.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcd-travel/

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Ever wonder why your hotel program just isn’t working for you or your travelers? You spend time and money every year souring your program, so you should be seeing returns, right? 

Not so fast. 

Before heading in your annual hotel sourcing this year, take a step back and assess if you’re truly set up for success. On this episode, Chad and Miriam are joined Advito’s Global Hotel Practice Lead, Jennifer Nicholas, to discuss what you need to do before you start sourcing.

 From getting your policy in good shape, to diving into your data to determine where you need to make changes, it’s important to not just do what you’ve always done – but really focus on where you can drive value.

Learn more by visiting https://www.bcdtravel.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcd-travel/

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We’re surrounded by more data than ever, but how do we turn mountains of data into manageable insights? In this episode, Chad and Miriam talk with April Bridgeman, Managing Director of BCD’s consulting arm, Advito, to explore how AI is changing the data game for travel managers.

April shares the latest trends her team is seeing, plus practical ways AI can uncover fresh, actionable insights from the data most travel programs already have. From overcoming policy hurdles and security concerns to navigating the basics of prompting, she offers smart, sustainable tips for getting started without feeling overwhelmed.

If you’re ready to work with your data instead of feeling buried by it, this one’s for you.

Learn more by visiting https://www.bcdtravel.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcd-travel/

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We’re at the halfway point of 2025. And on this podcast that can only mean one thing: Rossana Martin is back to connect with Chad and Miriam about the state of our industry! 

 As usual, Rossana takes us "around the world" to discuss industry insights, giving special attention to air and hotel rates in each global region and how rates might change throughout the rest of 2025. Rossana all gives tips on what questions travel managers should be asking about AI and their travel program. 

 If you have a global travel program or simply want to know what's going on in the world of business travel, this episode is a must listen! 

Learn more by visiting https://www.bcdtravel.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcd-travel/

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On this episode, Chad and Miriam connect with Delta Air Lines' Christopher Crowder-Bromley, General Manager, B2B Marketing. While Delta is celebrating their 100th anniversary, they're also doubling down on their investment into business travel programs. Christopher details three major solutions specifically built for business travel, shares Delta's 'why' when it comes to business travel, and is challenged to list all the exciting enhancements that are setting Delta apart in the business travel world. 

Learn more by visiting https://www.bcdtravel.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcd-travel/

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It seems as though every year there are some new buzz words in the world of business travel. On this episode, Chad and Miriam explore one of 2025’s buzz words: ROI, or return on investment. The duo is joined by Matt Patterson, Senior Director with BCD’s consulting arm Advito, and Matt highlights that ROI is more than just obvious savings. For example, investing in a comprehensive travel risk management program might lead to favorable insurance premiums. Tune in and learn how your travel program can achieve more bang with its buck! 

Learn more by visiting https://www.bcdtravel.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcd-travel/