President's Report

Hello Members,

I hope you are all having a wonderful start to June and enjoying the beautiful transition into summer.

We recently wrapped up our hallmark event of the year, and I want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Education Summit. It was truly an incredible day filled with top-tier professional development, invaluable industry insights, and the fantastic networking that makes the GBTA North Central community so special.

An event of this scale takes an immense amount of coordination, and it would not have been possible without the stellar leadership of Mitchell Greene. Mitchell put an incredible amount of heart and effort into steering the ship, ensuring every detail came together seamlessly for our members. Please join me in thanking him for a job exceptionally well done. I also want to share my deep gratitude with our entire Board of Directors. The dedication, teamwork, and support from the full BOD behind the scenes are what allow us to bring these marquee events to life.

As is our chapter tradition, we will be taking a break from our regular local events over the summer months to let everyone recharge, enjoy the warm weather, and spend time with family. However, while our local calendar might look a little lighter, the work doesn't stop. Your board remains busy behind the scenes throughout the summer, actively brainstorming, collaborating, and planning an exceptional lineup of programming, speakers, and events for next year.

We are also eagerly looking forward to the GBTA National Convention coming up this August. It is always the biggest highlight of the year for our industry, and we can’t wait to see a strong contingent of North Central members representing our chapter there. To make the most of our time together, the board will be putting together some special chapter-specific events and gatherings right at the convention. Stay tuned for those details so we can connect, catch up, and network as a local community on the big stage.

Thank you for your continued support, passion, and engagement. Together, we are building a strong, resourceful, and connected community, and I am already looking forward to seeing you all, whether that is in August at Convention or when we kick off our local events again in the fall.

Have a safe, relaxing, and wonderful summer!

Warm regards,

Andrew Maki

President, GBTA North Central

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Meeting Recap

April Networking Breakfast:

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Education Summit

That’s a Wrap on the Education Summit!

A massive thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special shoutout to the incredible volunteers who brought this event to life. We truly couldn't have done it without your hard work!

Here is a quick look back at an amazing day:

• Bridging the Gap: Justin Morris kicked off the morning by showing us how allied and direct members can team up to improve relationships and help business travel thrive for all our stakeholders.

• The Power of Coopetition: Our afternoon panel gave us an eye-opening look at Ground Transportation, proving that different segments of the industry can actually complement and support one another.
• Hitting Send: Eric Perkins closed out the day with a passionate keynote about taking risks and stepping confidently toward living your best life.

To Our Sponsors: Thank You!

We are so grateful for your generous support. We couldn't have done it without you!

Looking Ahead to 2027

It’s never too early to start planning. Would your organization like to step into the spotlight as our next Host Sponsor? Interested in sponsoring meals, breaks, or speakers for the next summit?

Please reach out to Mitchell Greene with any questions. We would love to partner with you to make next year even better!

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Sponsor Highlight

Sponsorship Message – Thanking our sponsors

We are grateful to our incredible sponsors for their support and sponsorship of our events. Because of your partnership, we were able to advance our education, networking and build our North Central travel community.  

Thank you for being a vital part of our GBTA North Central community!

Sponsorship Committee update

Education Summit Sponsorship packages are now available on our website. Tap into this opportunity designed to increase your marketing exposure at our premier event of the year. It is a great way to connect with key travel leaders in our North Central Chapter.

 Annual Sponsorship opportunities are still available. If you have any questions, please connect with [email protected]

https://gbta-northcentral.starchapter.com/catalog.php

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Member Highlight

Jack Breen | Acendas Travel

Experience:

Travel Industry / GBTA North Central Chapter Specific:

What made you decide to work in travel? I began working with American Airlines just a few days out of college, just to have a job and not knowing it would lead to an entire career path.

Are you part of the Chapter? If so, why did you join the GBTA North Central Chapter? Yes, I am a member along with 2 other colleagues from Acendas Travel. We want to become more active and visible in the North Central chapter – considered one of the best.

Are you currently on a committee/board within our chapter? No, not yet.

How long have you been a member of our organization? We began a sponsorship relationship with North Central I think around the 1st of the year. That’s when I became active.

What are the biggest changes you’ve experienced in regard to working with travel? I have seen the change from many different TMCs across the US to a much smaller number due to closures and consolidation. I also witnessed technology working its way into every aspect of pre/during/post trip work the done by the TMCs. You can’t leave out the fact that we all travel with a powerful device in our hand that can do just about anything. Just a short while ago, the answers to everything were not at your fingertips.

What is the most rewarding aspect of working with travel? I personally love to travel for leisure and even for business. I would rather spend money on a trip to somewhere on my list than buy the next new shiny thing that caught my eye. I also love the people in this industry. They all have a similar mindset and most like the fact that each day is different.

Just for fun:

What is currently occupying your personal life? Practicing and preparing to be in the longest freshwater sailing race in the world, the Mac Race in July.

If you had to live somewhere other than Minnesota, where would you move to? I do love Minnesota but live in the Chicago area. Midwest boy at heart though so I think I would have to be in MN, WI or MI if not where I am now.

Most memorable experience in your life? Starting a family – becoming a father for the first time.

Favorite trip you’ve taken: Portugal

Favorite pastime hobby or leisure activity: 50/50 Sailing/Skiing

Favorite food: Italian

Where do you live / marital status: Chicago area / Married

Favorite sport: Ice Hockey

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite drink: Coke

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Advocacy

Championing Inclusion and Culture in Travel

North Central GBTA is dedicated to fostering a culture and inclusive travel industry where every professional feels valued and empowered. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, we support organizations in building inclusive workplace cultures and travel experiences.

Creating meaningful change starts with understanding the impact of culture and inclusion, raising awareness, setting clear goals, and fostering open conversations. By working together, we can make a lasting impact on the industry.

For more details or to get involved, visit GBTA North Central.

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