Please check back periodically for updates as the agenda continues to develop.

TRAVEL ACADEMY CLASS SURVEYS ARE LOCATED NEXT TO EACH SESSION BELOW

Please note, all times are EST

Sunday, February 23

12:00 – 8:00 pm

Pan Am Foyer

Registration is open

12:00 – 8:00 pm

Exhibit Hall

Exhibitor set up

Monday, February 24

7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Pan Am Foyer

Registration is open

7:00 am – 6:30 pm

Exhibit Hall

Exhibit Hall open for networking

7:30 – 8:15 am

Plaza Ballroom

Government & Industry Meeting:  GovTravels 101 (open to all participants)

Led by:  COL Craig Hymes, USA (Ret.), Senior VP Operations, NDTA and Ms. Andrea Carlock, Senior Functional Advisor, DTMO  

Description:  NDTA and DTMO provide new attendees with an overview of the GovTravels Symposium so that they can take full advantage of the event. Participants will learn about symposium sessions, understand the different content tracks and various networking opportunities, and meet representatives of the host organizations. 

8:30 – 9:30 am

Travel Academy Session A

Magnolia

Travel Academy Session A-2 — Track:  Travel Policy & Compliance

Topic:  Compliance Tool Administrators

Moderators:  Eric Parmiter and Mike Zielinski, Compliance Branch, Defense Travel Management Office; Melissa Butler and  Chuck Johnson, Training Branch, Defense Travel Management Office

Description:  The purpose of this course is to provide a live discussion on how the DTMO Travel Policy Compliance Program (CT) supports DoD’s effort to reduce improper payments while increasing funds recovery. The forum addresses the role the CT Administrators (CTAs) perform in ensuring organizations adhere to travel compliance.

Terrace East/West

 Travel Academy Session A-3 — Track:  Technology & Innovation

Topic:  VISA Virtual Travel Card Service – GSA SmartPay 3 Solution

Moderator:  Joe Swisher, Senior Account Executive, VISA Government Solutions; Scott Duplechain, Senior Director, Client Services, VISA Government Solutions

Description:  This session will explore the benefits and applications of virtual travel cards within a Travel Card Program. Virtual travel cards are a leading trend in the Commercial Card industry, addressing the challenges associated with reconciling traditional Centrally Billed Accounts. These cards offer tax exemption and help streamline reconciliation through the generation of unique card numbers with specific controls. Virtual travel cards are an ideal solution for use cases where the traveler is required to pay out of pocket expenses and doesn’t have a Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC).

Plaza Ballroom

Travel Academy Session A-4 — Track:  Travel Policy & Compliance

Moderator:  Randy Butler, Travel Systems and Services Division, Travel Systems Branch, Defense Travel Management Office

Topic:  Travel Systems:  Best Practices for Travel Administrators

Description:  DTMO offers best practices and tips for Travel Administrators as you review upcoming travel plans and trips for your organization. Learn to use the Departure Report and others to manage approvals and booking ahead of the trip. 

8:30 – 10:00 am

Walnut

Government Meeting:  Defense Lodging Council Quarterly Meeting (by invitation only)

9:45 – 11:00 am

Plaza Ballroom

Joint Government and Industry Meeting:  DoD Meets with Hotel Industry

Description:  Representatives from DoD will discuss the Government-Wide TDY Lodging Contract (GWTLC) 2.0 contract award and provide insights into plans for 2025 and beyond. Program Managers from DoD Preferred, featuring off-installation hotels vetted for safety, quality, and traveler protections, will review the 2024 performance of each program. Attendees will explore hotel selection criteria, including sustainable travel options, discounted rates, and added amenities. Hotel representatives are invited to ask questions and share feedback to help refine and improve both programs.

9:45 – 11:00 am

Terrace East/West

Joint Government and Industry Meeting: DoD Meets with U.S. Government Rental Car Program Industry Partners

Description: The Defense Travel Management Office meets with rental car vendors who participate in the U.S. Government Rental Car Program. During the session, vendors will discuss various topics pertinent to program participation, with an emphasis on the draft U.S. Government Rental Car Agreement #5.

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Magnolia Foyer and Plaza Ballroom Foyer

Lunch (Grab & go)

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Beech

Young Leaders Professional Development Lunch, hosted by NDTA and led by Mr. Hunter McGuire, Chair, Young Leaders Committee

Moderator:  Ms. Andrea Carlock, Senior Functional Advisor, Defense Travel Management Office, DoD

Panelists:

  • Mr. Daniel Vargas  
  • Ms. Lauriann Brown
  • Ms. Tomorrow Singleton
  • A1C Katherine Lockwood
  • Ms. Alexis Durm 

Description:  Join us for the opportunity to hear from and speak to a panel of the 2025 DoD Excellence in Practice Award winners as they share their thoughts about their individual successes. Nothing like a good success story as we think about workplace challenges!

11:15 am – 12:15 pm

Birch

Government Meeting:  DoD Passenger Services Advisory Group (PSAG) Quarterly Meeting (Working Lunch)

Description:  Members of DoD’s Passenger Services Advisory Group meet for their quarterly meeting. 

12:15 – 1:30 pm

Plaza Ballroom

Government Meeting: Integrated Lodging Program Overview for DoD attendees (DoD only)

Description: Program managers from the Defense Travel Management Office, Military Community & Family Policy (MC&FP), and the Services will discuss the various types of lodging included in the Integrated Lodging Program (ILP):  DoD Preferred commercial lodging, Public-Private lodging including Privatized Army Lodging, and DoD Lodging. These lodging experts will discuss recent changes to their respective programs and how the ILP impacts travelers.

12:15 – 1:30 pm

Terrace East/West

Government Meeting: DoD Rideshare Program Meeting

Description:  Join the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) and a leading Transportation Network Company (TNC) to explore the newly launched DoD Rideshare Program. This session will cover how the program works, its key features, and step-by-step instructions for enrollment. Learn how this initiative is designed to streamline travel for DoD personnel.

1:45 – 2:45 pm

Government Passenger Travel Advisory Council (GPTAC) – Committee Meetings (Open to all attendees for observation)

Description: The GPTAC holds individual Committee meetings to review industry and government issues and actions. Meetings are open to all participants and a good way to learn more about how NDTA, industry and the government work together.

Terrace East/West

  • Airline Committee
    Justin Schiffner, Southwest Airlines, Chair


    Session Title:  
    Turbulence to Blue Skies:  Managing Day of Travel Like a Veteran

    Moderator:  Lee Matthews, NDTA

    Panelists:  Cari Wurzbacher, United, Justin Schiffner, Southwest Airlines

    Description: 
    Join the GPTAC Airline Subcommittee as they discuss how to maximize the government travel experience on the day of travel. Airlines will discuss operational reliability improvements, how frequent flyer programs assist travelers in managing their travel, the apps and tools travelers can use when traveling, and the latest enhancements in traveler experience.

Golden Ash

  • Bus Committee
    Lauren Gibson, StarForce National Inc., Chair

Magnolia

  • Lodging Committee
    Christopher McLaughlin, Aimbridge Hospitality, Chair

Birch

  • Rental Car Committee
    Michael DeRosa, The Hertz Corporation, Chair

Walnut

  • Travel Management Companies Committee
    Marlene Gray, OMEGA World Travel, Chair

1:45 – 3:00 pm

Plaza Ballroom

Government Meeting:  Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) Program Meeting (Open to all attendees for observation)

Description:  The Defense Travel Management Office invites the Component Program Managers (CPMs) to discuss guidance, policy, and action plan ideas, along with IntelliLink insights as well as other topics pertinent to the program.

3:30 – 4:30 pm

Terrace East/West

Joint Government and Industry Meeting: Federal Agencies and DoD Bus Program Overview Meeting

Description:  The Defense Travel Management Office and the General Service Administration invite members of the bus industry to learn how to arrange bus moves for both Federal Agencies and DoD. Also, the U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command and U.S. Transportation Command will discuss their annual moves for 2025 and review updates to the Group Operational Passenger System (GOPAX). Our experts will be on hand to answer your questions about moves, billing, and other topics..

5:15 – 6:30 pm

Exhibit Hall

GovTravels Welcome Reception – All attendees are welcome

6:30 – 7:30 pm

Finn & Porter

Young Leaders Social – Hosted by NDTA Washington, DC Chapter and Mr. Hunter McGuire, Chair, Young Leaders Committee

Description:  A Young Leader event open to all Young Leaders in the early phases of their careers interested in networking and meeting others across government and industry.
.

Tuesday, February 25

7:00 – 8:15 am

Magnolia Foyer and Plaza Ballroom Foyer

Breakfast/Networking

7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Pan Am Foyer

Registration is open

8:30 – 9:00 am

Plaza Ballroom

Opening remarks by VADM William A. Brown, USN (Ret.), President & CEO, NDTA, Mr. Bryan Scott, Chair, GPTAC, and Ms. Jennifer McPherson-Todd, Director, Defense Travel Management Office

 Color Guard:  The U.S. Armed Forces Color Guard presented by the Military District of Washington

  National Anthem:  U.S. Air Force Band Vocalist

9:00 – 9:45 am

Plaza Ballroom

Keynote Speaker #1:  Mr. Del Ross, Senior Advisor, McKinsey & Company

Topic:  AI Transformation in the Travel Industry:  Current Trends & Future Opportunities

Description:  Explore how the travel industry is leveraging AI to enhance services, improve efficiency, and reshape customer experiences. Learn about current innovations, future capabilities, and actionable steps you can take to stay ahead in the evolving landscape of travel technology.

9:45 – 11:00 am

Plaza Ballroom

Panel #1:  Using AI and Technology for Travel Change Management:  Responding to Incidents Involving Crime, Weather and Mission

Moderator:  Mr. Dale Buckner, Chief Executive Officer and President, Global Guardian

Members:

  • Mr. Colin O’Brien, Chief Security Officer, United States Institute of Peace (USIP)
  • Mr. Dane Molter, Vice President, Navan Group Core Travel Product & Strategy
  • Mr. Steve Croft, Strategic Account Management & Partnerships, Travelport

Description:  Explore how AI and advanced technology are transforming travel management, equipping organizations to respond effectively to incidents involving crime, weather disruptions, and mission-critical needs. Hear from practitioners across the corporate and government sectors as they draw on recent events and real-world experiences to highlight innovative tools and strategies that enhance safety, streamline communication, and support decision-making during unpredictable events. This session empowers government travel managers with insights to maintain continuity and resilience in challenging situations.

11:00 – 11:15 am

Exhibit Hall

Break and Networking

11:15 am – 12:00 pm

Terrace Room

DTMO TED Talks

  • Travel Support – Andrea Carlock
  • Dining Program – Ajah Cohn

Description:  Learn from the subject matter experts at DTMO as they share information in their own versions of the popular TED talk format.

11:15 am – 12:15 pm

Magnolia

Government Passenger Travel Advisory Council (GPTAC) – Committee Meetings (Open to all attendees for observation)

  • Long Term Lodging Committee
    Jason Moore,
    Patriot Global Lodging LLC (SDVOSB), Chair

Description: The GPTAC holds individual Committee meetings to review industry and government issues and actions. Meetings are open to all participants and a good way to learn more about how NDTA, industry and the government work together.

12:00 – 1:30 pm

Magnolia Foyer and Plaza Ballroom Foyer

Lunch and Networking

12:15 – 1:30 pm

Walnut

Defense Travel Advisory Panel (DTAP) (by invitation only)

Description:  Collaborative/information sharing with DTMO Governance Board

1:00 – 4:00 pm

Elm

DTMO Customer Engagement (open to DTMO customers)

Description:  Analyze and improve travel processes in the organization

1:30 – 2:30 pm

Travel Academy Session B

Magnolia

Travel Academy Session B-2 — Track:  Travel Policy & Compliance

Topic:  VISA IntelliLink Compliance Management

Moderators:  Scott Duplechain, Senior Director, VISA and Rick Lynn, GTCC Team, Defense Travel Management Office

Description:  VISA and the Defense Travel Manage Office (DTMO) will outline features and benefits of the Visa IntelliLink Compliance Management (VICM) System and the DoD IntelliLink program requirements.

Terrace East/West

Travel Academy Session B-3 — Track:  Travel Policy & Compliance

Topic:  DFAS Post Pay Audits

Moderators:  Tisha Braun, DFAS Post Pay Review & Analysis, Defense Finance, DFAS Post Pay Review and Analysis, Enterprise Accounting and Audit Support and Defense Travel Management Office/Policy, Compliance and Training Division/Training and Compliance Branch

Description:  The purpose of this course is to provide examples of previously found improper payments and to provide tools and tips on how to prevent future improper payments. The session will walk through travel scenarios and commonly found IPs and how to prevent them from ever occurring. The session also highlights any new improper payments trends and root causes the Post Pay Division is currently tracking.

Plaza Ballroom

Travel Academy Session B-4 — Track:  Challenges & Solutions

Topic:  Transforming Customer Experience

Moderator:  Mr. Justin Schiffner, Senior Manager, Military & Federal Government Sales, Southwest Airlines

Description:  This presentation covers the changing Customer Experience Southwest is currently undergoing and some of the “why” behind it.

2:30 – 3:00 pm

Magnolia Foyer and Plaza Ballroom Foyer

Break and Networking

3:00 – 4:15 pm

Plaza Ballroom

DoD Connect – State of the Defense Travel Enterprise (DoD Attendees only)

Description: The Director of the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) invites DoD stakeholders to a State of the Defense Travel Enterprise presentation incorporating some little-known facts about some DTMO programs. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions about issues affecting their organizations.

4:00 – 5:00 pm

Exhibit Hall

NDTA Chairman’s Reception (Open to all attendees)

Wednesday, February 26

7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Pan Am Foyer

Registration is open

7:00 – 8:15 am

Exhibit Hall

Breakfast and Networking

8:30 – 8:35 am

Plaza Ballroom

Administrative Remarks:  VADM William A. Brown, USN (Ret.), President and CEO, NDTA

8:35 – 9:20 am

Plaza Ballroom

Keynote Speaker #2:  Mr. Kurt Ekert, President and CEO, Sabre  (Young Leader Introduction)

Topic:  Change is OK – An Examination of the Process for Implementation of New Travel Ways

Description:  Change is essential for progress, but implementing new travel processes can be challenging. This session examines effective strategies for embracing change in government travel, focusing on practical steps to adopt and integrate new systems smoothly. Discover how to navigate resistance, enhance adaptability, and foster a positive approach to change in travel management.

9:20 – 9:35 am

Plaza Ballroom

DoD Excellence in Practice Awards – Presented by Defense Travel Management Office

Presenting:  Ms. Jennifer McPherson-Todd, Director, Defense Travel Management Office

9:35 – 9:50 am

Plaza Ballroom

NDTA Corporate and Board Awards

Presenting:  Mr. William Woodhour, Vice Chairman, NDTA Board of Directors and President and CEO, Maersk Line Limited; and VADM William A. Brown, USN (Ret.), President and CEO, NDTA

9:50 – 10:30 am

Exhibit Hall

Break and Networking

10:30 – 11:30 am

Plaza Ballroom

Panel #2:  Changes to Travel Management and Effect to TMCs and the Traveler  (Young Leader Introduction)

Moderator:  Mr. Christopher McLaughlin, Senior Director, National Sales, Aimbridge Hospitality

Members:

  • Ms. Andrea Carlock, Senior Functional Advisor, Defense Travel Management Office
  • Mr. Greg Harkins, President, CWTSatoTravel
  • Ms. Laurey Goebel, Client Services Account Manager, Omega World Travel

Description:  This session explores how these changes impact government travel management and the government traveler.  Learn about new policies, technology enhancements, and service improvements designed to optimize travel planning, booking, and support for government travelers.

    11:30 am – 1:00 pm

    Aspen

    Component Program Management (CPM) Meeting (by invitation only)

    • DTMO CPM Meeting/Lunch

    11:30 am – 1:00 pm

    Birch

    Government Meeting:  DoD Service Transportation Office Breakout Sessions (by invitation only)

    • Navy LDTA/Lunch

    Description:  Passenger Service Advisory Group representatives lead service-specific meetings for Transportation Office personnel.

    11:30 am – 1:00 pm

    Walnut

    Government Meeting:  DoD Service Transportation Office Breakout Sessions (by invitation only)

    • Marine Corps LDTA/Lunch

    Description:  Passenger Service Advisory Group representatives lead service-specific meetings for Transportation Office personnel.

    11:30 am – 1:15 pm

    Magnolia Foyer and Plaza Ballroom Foyer

    Lunch and Networking

    1:00 – 4:00 pm

    Elm

    DTMO Customer Engagement (open to DTMO customers)

    Description:  Analyze and improve travel processes in the organization

    1:15 – 2:15 pm

    Travel Academy Session C

    Magnolia

    Travel Academy Session C-2 — Track:  Travel Policy & Compliance

    Topic:  DFAS Post Pay Audits

    Moderator:  Tisha Braun, DFAS Post Pay Review & Analysis, Defense Finance, DFAS Post Pay Review and Analysis, Enterprise Accounting and Audit Support and Defense Travel Management Office/Policy, Compliance and Training Division/Training and Compliance Branch

    Description:  The purpose of this course is to provide examples of previously found improper payments and to provide tools and tips on how to prevent future improper payments. This session will walk through travel scenarios and commonly found IPs and how to prevent them from ever occurring. The session also highlights any new improper payments trends and root causes the Post Pay Division is currently tracking.

    Terrace East/West

    Travel Academy Session C-3 — Track:  Travel Program Management

    Topic:  DoD’s Global Household Goods Contract

    Moderators:  André Kok, PhD, Supervisory Strategic Communications Specialist, Defense Personal Property Office (DP3), U.S. Transportation Command

    Description:  The DoD is transitioning their household goods tender program to a new Global Household Goods Contract (GHC). During this session, you will gain insight into the GHC, find out what resources are available for relocating service members and the resources and training for the DP3 field staff who manage relocations.

    Travel Academy Session C-4 — Track:  Travel Policy & Compliance

    Topic:  Maximizing Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) Efficiency

    Moderator:  Shawn Ratner, Vice President, Federal Account Manager, NA Commercial Cards, Citibank

    Description:  Cardholders will learn to navigate the CitiManager Mobile app to better utilize the GTCC and its self-service capabilities. This session will cover key features, including checking balances, requesting a credit balance refund, and helpful ways to avoid declines for efficient account management. By mastering these functions, cardholders will be able to address their account needs more independently.

    2:15 – 2:45 pm

    Exhibit Hall

    Break and Networking

    2:45 – 3:45 pm

    Travel Academy Session D

    Magnolia

    Travel Academy Session D-2 — Track:  Technology & Innovation

    Topic:  Travel Air Distribution Landscape – NDC

    Panel Forum

    • Industry – TMC, Airline and Sabre
    • Government – Contract City Pair Program Rep

    Description:  Understanding NDC’s continued growth in air distribution, what is the current landscape with corporate, forecast the next 18+ months and NDC’s potential to US government.

    Terrace East/West

    Travel Academy Session D-3 — Track:  Travel Policy & Compliance

    Topic:  Best Practices for Travel Administrators

    Moderator:  Randy Butler, Travel Systems and Services Division, Travel Systems Branch, Defense Travel Management Office

    Description:  DTMO offers best practices and tips for Travel Administrators as you review upcoming travel plans and trips for your organization.  Learn to use the Departure Report and others to manage approvals and booking ahead of the trip.  

    Plaza Ballroom

    Travel Academy Session D-4 — Track:  Travel Policy & Compliance

    Topic:  Compliance Tool Administrators

    Moderators:  Eric Parmiter and Mike Zielinski, Compliance Branch, Defense Travel Management Office; Melissa Butler and  Chuck Johnson, Training Branch, Defense Travel Management Office

    Description:  The purpose of this course is to provide a live discussion on how the DTMO Travel Policy Compliance Program (CT) supports DoD’s effort to reduce improper payments while increasing funds recovery. The forum addresses the role the CT Administrators (CTAs) perform in ensuring organizations adhere to travel compliance.

    3:45 – 5:00 pm

    Exhibit Hall

    President’s Reception

    Thursday, February 27

    7:00 – 8:45 am

    Magnolia Foyer and Exhibit Hall

    Breakfast and Networking

    7:00 – 9:00 am

    Pan Am Foyer

    Registration is open

    9:00 – 9:45 am

    Plaza Ballroom

    Fireside Chat:  The Value of the NDTA Government Passenger Travel Advisory Council to Change Management

    Moderator:  VADM William A. Brown, USN (Ret.), President & CEO, NDTA

    Participants:

    • Mr. Bryan Scott, Chair, Government Passenger Travel Advisory Council (GPTAC)
    • Ms. Jennifer McPherson-Todd, Director, Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO)

    Description:  Join VADM William A. Brown, USN (Ret.), President & CEO, NDTA, Mr. Bryan Scott, Chair, GPTAC, and Ms. Jennifer McPherson-Todd, Director, DTMO, in an interactive discussion with the audience about how the Government Passenger Travel Advisory Council brings Government and Industry together to solve challenges impacting the passenger travel community.

    9:45 – 10:00 am

    Break and Transition

    10:00 – 11:00 am

    Travel Academy Session E

    Magnolia

    Travel Academy Session E-2 — Track:  Travel Policy & Compliance

    Topic:  The TMC’s Role in Ensuring a Smooth and Easy Trip for Military and Government

    Moderator:  Tammy Barry, CWTSatoTravel

    Description:  The military and government traveler faces a lot of obstacles and pain points throughout their journey from ticket purchase to trip completion. Through this session, we aim to show how a traveler’s trip can be made easier and stress free by delving into the big issues that we as a TMC see our travelers face on a day-to-day basis. 

    Terrace East/West

    Travel Academy Session E-3 — Track:  Travel Program Management

    Topic:  DoD Travel Management Company Services Overview – “TMC 101”

    Moderators:  Ricardo Andrillon and Michael Steele, Travel Services Branch, Defense Travel Management Office

    Description:  An overview of how DoD obtains Travel Management Company (TMC) Services, what those Services include, the various roles at the DTMO, Component, and local level involved, and actions that travelers and other travel stakeholders should take to improve the TMC services experience and reduce the TMC fees paid by their Component. 

    Plaza Ballroom

    Travel Academy Session E-4 — Track:  Travel Program Management

    Topic:  Executing a Successful DTS Training Program

    Moderators:  Melissa Butler and Chuck Johnson, Training Branch, Defense Travel Management Office

    Description:  The purpose of this course is to provide a live discussion on how the Defense Travel System (DTS) Trainers can build a comprehensive training program. The forum includes how to identify training needs and propsoes continuous learning leveraging the EWTS platform and various materials.

    10:00 am – 12:00 pm

    Cherry

    GPTAC Committee Chairs Meeting – NDTA, DTMO, GSA & GPTAC Chairs (By invitation only)

    11:15 am – 12:15 pm

    Poplar

    Government Meeting:  Recruit Assistance Program Meeting for Government Representatives (By invitation only)

    Description:  The Defense Travel Management Office meets with U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command and Accession community to collaboratively discuss various topics pertinent to program operations, requirements, processes, and future actions.

    11:15 am – 12:15 pm

     

    Government Meeting:  DoD Service Transportation Office Breakout Sessions (by invitation only)

    Description:  Passenger Service Advisory Group representatives lead service-specific meetings for Transportation Office personnel. 

    Terrace

    • U.S. Air Force

    Magnolia

    • U.S. Army

    Juniper

    • U.S. Marine Corps

    Birch

    • U.S. Navy

    12:00 – 4:00 pm

    Exhibit Hall

    Exhibitor tear down and move out

    12:15 – 1:15 pm

    Plaza Ballroom

    Understanding and Overcoming the Challenges of Traveling with Military/Government Working Dogs

    Description:  Subject matter experts from the U.S. military, civilian government and commercial travel industry will discuss how working dog teams differ from service and companion dogs when traveling, and the myriad of challenges experienced with reserving and executing travel.

    MAKE AN IMPACT WITH NDTA

    Join the National Defense Transportation Association’s global association of transportation, logistics and passenger travel professionals. Experience competitive benefits, rewarding professional development courses, exciting networking opportunities, and create a strong, efficient transportation system for the United States.

    Share This