GBTA Foundation Gala Raises $83,250 for NextGen Talent Fund

The GBTA Foundation raised $83,250 for its NextGen Program and Fund during its inaugural 2026 Gala at Chicago's Field Museum [1]. The event, attended by over 250 guests, recognized industry leaders in sustainability and inclusion while securing funding to provide career entry scholarships for students entering the business travel profession [1].

How will the NextGen Fund distribute the raised capital?

The capital will directly fund scholarships for students, connecting them with industry education, mentorship, and professional networks [1]. The GBTA Board of Directors seeded the fund with a $50,000 donation, which was supplemented by attendees at the Gala [1]. Ultimately, the GBTA Foundation plans to distribute $500,000 in career industry scholarships [1]. The foundation intends to reach 50,000 students across 250 high schools and universities globally [1]. According to eHotelier, Delphine Millot, Managing Director at the GBTA Foundation, stated the money ensures young professionals discover business travel as a destination career [1].

Who received the GBTA Foundation Impact Awards?

The foundation honored several professionals and companies for their work in sustainability and inclusion [1]. Sarah Martin, Senior Communications Director at Amex GBT, won the Catalyst Award for creating The Power of Purpose, a social impact platform [1]. Shirley Stroud, Life Sciences Senior Compliance Manager at BCD Travel, received the Innovator’s Award for pioneering accessibility training [1]. Anna Rose Feinberg, Founder and CEO at Alo Index, secured the Changemaker Award for advancing sustainable hotel sourcing through the Alō Index [1]. Meta and United Airlines shared the Partner for Progress Award for their sustainable aviation fuel partnership [1].

Which travel programs won the Sustainability Acceleration Awards?

Two organizations were chosen from 285 travel programs that participated in the 2025 GBTA Sustainability Acceleration Challenge [1]. AVEVA won the Global Acceleration Award, represented by Global Travel and Expense Director Gareth Clarke [1]. Arcadis secured the North America Acceleration Award, represented by Director of Travel Ian Spearing [1]. Insights by eHotelier noted these awards recognize transparency and measurable progress in sustainable business travel [1].

What was the highest honor awarded at the 2026 Gala?

The Luminary Award for Industry Impact was given to Dave Hilfman, the retired Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales at United Airlines [1]. Hilfman serves as a long-time GBTA advisor and a member of the GBTA Foundation WINiT Strategic Advisory Board [1]. Millot noted that his leadership strengthened partnerships and elevated standards across the business travel profession [1].

What upcoming events will the GBTA Foundation host in 2026?

The foundation outlined three major events for the remainder of 2026 focused on its Planet and People initiatives [1]. eHotelier News reported that the organization will participate in New York Climate Week on September 21 in New York City [1]. The WINiT Summit will follow on October 26 and 27 in Dallas [1]. Finally, the GBTA Sustainability Summit will take place on November 2 in Vienna, held in conjunction with the GBTA, VDR, and ABTA Conference 2026 [1].