Meeting/Event Information

OVBTA / MBTA Education Day

Thursday, October 24, 2012

MBTA will be hosting a cocktail reception at the Lexington Crowne Plaza Wednesday, October 23rd from 7:00p-8:30p.  Thank you to the Crowne Plaza for sponsorship this reception.

To reserve a room the night prior, please call the Lexington (Crowne Plaza) at (877) 322-5544/ direct at 517-323-7100 and ask for reservations.  In order to receive the group rate, the individual must identify themselves as a member of MBTA/OVBTA Education Day.

Those attendees interested in recertification credits, this Education Day is eligible for 50 minutes of education per recertification credit. For example – 2 hours of an education session would be 2 recertification credits

 Speaker & Panelists Bio’s

Session I - Presenter: Jim Coufal, Partner and Director of Payment Systems & Expense Management

Jim Coufal, Partner and Director of TCG’s Payment Systems and Expense Management Practice, leads the payment systems and expense management group to deliver assessment, sourcing and implementation for clients of all sizes.  He brings a comprehensive background to the market with extensive experience in the payment and expense management arena.  Jim develops corporate strategies for recognized companies to leverage cost reduction opportunities.  He has over 25 years of experience in corporate finance, operations and business processes and brings a unique talent to his clients as he leverages the financial perspective with a complete understanding of systems, technology and strategic sourcing strategies. Jim's expertise in the payment and expense industry comes from previous roles where he managed projects such as building data warehouses, implementing a corporate travel departments, delivering payment systems processes, and implementing expense management systems.  He has held previous roles in corporate finance and business processes in the securities industry.  Jim earned his Master of Business Administration Degree in Marketing and International Business from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from the University of Nebraska.  

 Session II - Presenter: Heather Trusty, GBTA Academy

Heather Trusty is the Director of Certification at the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and is responsible for developing and expanding GBTA’s global certification programs.  Prior to joining GBTA, Heather worked in several senior management positions, including Director of Certification for the following organizations:  ASIS International, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and the National Glass Association.  With these positions, Heather has extensive experience working collaboratively with subject matter experts to develop and delivery domestic and international certification examinations. 

Presenter: Jeremy Gardner, GBTA Task Force Co-Chair

Session III - Facilitator: Joel Wartgow – Senior Director, Solutions Group – Americas – Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT)

As Senior Director for the CWT Solutions Group, Joel Wartgow is responsible for leading CWT’s regional consulting business in the Americas.  This includes setting and sustaining the strategic direction and financial performance for existing and emerging practices and oversight of over 50 staff members who specialize in client projects.  Based in Minneapolis, Joel reports directly to Christophe Renard, Vice President, CWT Solutions Group. Since joining CWT in 2005, Joel has led both air and hotel practice areas and gained experience delivering client engagements in multiple travel and entertainment spend categories. Joel has 18 years of experience in the hospitality and travel industry.  Prior to joining CWT he worked with Marriott International, the Walt Disney Company, and the LEGO Group.  Joel has an MBA with a specialization in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida’s Rosen School of Hospitality and a Bachelor’s of Science in Tourism Management and Marketing from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder.  Joel is also a board member of the Hospitality Minnesota Education Foundation.

Panelists:

Jack Reynaert – Manager Global Travel

Jack Graduated from The University of Michigan, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree - Major Economics / Minor Psychology & Geography. Jack began his career in the travel industry in 1976, working for Republic Airlines & Thomas Cook Travel. Moving to Corporate Travel Manager for Ameritech for nearly 10 years, then 3 years directing the Meeting / Travel department for Kelly Services. In 1999 he began travel sales with National Car Rental, in late 2000 took his position with Galileo GDS as Sales Mgr., implementing travel technology with leading corporations and travel agencies.  In Feb 2011 he returned to travel mgmt. as Manager, Global Travel @ Meritor Corporation, in year one, implementing changes to Global Travel agencies, data reporting methodology, expanding responsibilities in year two to encompass credit card, meeting management as well as aircraft charter.  Tracking cost reductions exceeding $750k/yr.  Coincidentally, his father managed travel for 42 yrs. @ Ford Motor Co.

He served as President of the Michigan Business Travel Assn. in the early 90's and was elected President again for 2004/05 & re-elected for 2006/07. He was a recipient of the National Business Travel Association's Business Travel Professional Service Award in 1999, in recognition of his leadership and achievements in Business Travel Management. 

Jamie Slagh, Global Travel Manager, Steelcase Inc.

Jamie Slagh is manager, Global Travel for Steelcase Inc., the global leader in the office furniture industry.  Steelcase delivers a better work experience to its customers by providing products, services and insights into the ways people work.  Its portfolio includes architecture, furniture and technology products.  Appointed to this role in April 2010, Jamie has responsibility and accountability for Steelcase’s Global Travel and Expense programs.  During her time in this role, Jamie implemented a single travel management company across Steelcase’s global locations.  Jamie also manages Steelcase’s global expense management program, corporate card program and global T&E auditing. Jamie joined Steelcase in 2007 as a financial analyst focusing on project management.  During her time in this role, Jamie was named project manager for the company’s implementation of Concur in North America.  In 2008, Jamie accepted an expanded role as financial analyst/subject matter expert for the company’s Global Expense program. Jamie earned her bachelor degree in management with focus in finance and marketing and a minor in Spanish from Hope College in Holland, MI. 

Additional Panelists - To Be Announced Soon