The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) announced today the first keynote presenter for the first-ever ACTE Australasia Education Conference, an education and networking event focused on advancing the industry by identifying new and innovative approaches to the procurement and management of business travel, taking place 5 – 6  December, 2012 at the Shangri-La Hotel Sydney.

One of the featured keynote presenters will be Peter Harbison, Executive Chairman and Founder, Centre for Aviation (CAPA).  Harbison is regarded as one of the leading aviation strategists globally. His career in aviation law and regulatory affairs included a posting to the Australian mission to the International Civil Aviation Organisation in Montreal and 10 years at a senior level at the International Air Transport Association in Geneva.  Additionally, he is President of the Australian Aviation Council and immediate past President of the Aviation Law Association of Australia and New Zealand.

“As we prepare for our first ACTE Education Conference in our Australasia region, we are excited to announce Peter as part of our speaker line-up.  His career of more than 40 years in government and the industry has given him expertise that is going to enhance our educational programme,” said ACTE Executive Director Ron DiLeo.

Harbison’s keynote presentation, entitled “A Year of Critical Uncertainty:  An Assessment & Outlook on the Regional and Global Airline Industry,” will take an in-depth look at the industry overall.  Airlines are crucial to any organisation’s Travel Programme, especially in a region where other forms of transport are almost irrelevant.  In fact, SYD-MEL is the world’s 5th busiest route.  Harbison will provide insight into the big picture influences on a dramatically changing aviation landscape, where former LCC’s are now strong business travel providers, traditional relationships are ending and new game plans are creating strong allies from once fierce competitors.

This day-and-a-half long educational conference will bring together the region’s business travel community to review the past year, preview the year ahead and provide assistance to those striving to achieve a reliable, streamlined and cost effective travel programme that is well matched to their organisation’s culture, requirements and legislative responsibilities.