Registration is open

Exhibitor set up

Registration is open

Exhibit Hall open for networking

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

Lunch (Grab & go)

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!

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. 

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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

• Lodging Committee
  Christopher McLaughlin, Aimbridge Hospitality, Chair

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

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

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.

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..

GovTravels Welcome Reception – All attendees are welcome

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.
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Breakfast/Networking

Registration is open

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

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.

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.

Break and Networking

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.

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.

Lunch and Networking

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

Description:  Collaborative/information sharing with DTMO Governance Board

DTMO Customer Engagement (open to DTMO customers)

Description:  Analyze and improve travel processes in the organization

Travel Academy Session B

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.

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.

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.

Break and Networking

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.

NDTA Chairman’s Reception (Open to all attendees)

Registration is open

Breakfast and Networking

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

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.

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

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

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

Break and Networking

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.

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

• DTMO CPM Meeting/Lunch

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.

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.

Lunch and Networking

DTMO Customer Engagement (open to DTMO customers)

Description:  Analyze and improve travel processes in the organization

Travel Academy Session C

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.

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.

Break and Networking

Travel Academy Session D

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.

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.  

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.

President’s Reception

Breakfast and Networking

Registration is open

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.

Break and Transition

Travel Academy Session E

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. 

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. 

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.

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

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.

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. 

• U.S. Air Force

• U.S. Army

• U.S. Marine Corps

• U.S. Navy

Exhibitor tear down and move out

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.