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Etihad Airways

The role of airlines, added value and the decision making process in MICE travel

With the changing landscape of group and business travel, airlines are trying to accommodate the constantly evolving needs of MICE travellers. Many aspects guide planners’ decision making process which airline to book. Some will choose solely based on price and schedule, others will look further and choose based on perception, flexibility, in-flight product or other aspects.

The latest #EventPlannersTalk LIVE event, in partnership with Etihad Airways took place at The London Marriott Hotel, County Hall, at the Westminster Suite, on 13th October and explored the topic “The role of airlines, added value and the decision making process in MICE travel”. Agency and corporate bookers attended the event.

Event speakers included Kathy Bradley, Groups Director at All About Flights, Paramjit (Pam) Kaur Kakar, Group Consultant at Etihad Airways, Maris Kuklis, MICE Account Manager at Etihad Airways, Andrew Grierson, Project Manager at drp and Elliott Grant, Business Director at The Black Tomato Agency. The discussion was moderated by Caleb Parker, Director at Select Event Solutions and Tech Chair at HBAA.

Discussion topics included what options are available for event agencies who don’t book flights themselves or aren’t IATA members, how small and medium-sized (SMEs) event agencies can benefit from working with an airline like Etihad Airways, what guides bookers’ decision making process when choosing an airline and/or destination, what challenges bookers face when working with airlines, how airlines can personalise group travel and make it more tailored to individual needs, whether it’s possible to set industry standards and more! Here are few impressions.

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Photos by Sandeep Rai