In January 2026 Global Traveler hosted its first Entrepreneurial & Business Travel Symposium, an event bringing together leaders in hospitality, aviation, finance and travel technology through interactive workshops, keynote sessions and networking opportunities. The Union League of Philadelphia hosted the two-day event.
© Life Legacy Photography (Malik Merriweather)
The event kicked off with an evening welcome session before a full day of panels. GT’s publisher and CEO, Francis X. Gallagher, moderated the day’s sessions. TAP Air Portugal sponsored the first panel, and I joined the airline’s Fern Ottavio, manager, North America. Our engaging conversation covered a range of topics, including TAP FORBIZ.
Johnathan Fuchs, COO, Kidder Street Consulting Group; Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Natasha Terrell, CEO, Travel Goddess International © Life Legacy Photography (Malik Merriweather)
After a short break, Ryan Messier, director, USA Business Development, IHG Business Edge, and Kevin Ryan, partner, Citrin Cooperman, chatted with Gallagher and attendees about how to unlock growth through travel, in-person meetings, IHG’s small- to mid-sized business program and more.
Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO, FXExpress Publications, Inc.; Fernanda Ottavio, manager, North America, TAP Air Portugal; Kimberly Inlander, editor in chief, FXExpress Publications, Inc. © Life Legacy Photography (Malik Merriweather)
The exciting and informative day wrapped up with an engaging discussion on travel challenges and opportunities in this ever-changing world led by Sue Castorino, president, The Speaking Specialists, and Mary Melnick, social media and editorial manager, Global Traveler.
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