Carol Fergus is global travel and meetings director at Fidelity International
Carol Fergus, global travel and meetings director at Fidelity International, is on the advisory board for Business Travel Show Europe, which takes place 29-30 June 2022 at ExCeL London. She is also a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion and is speaking at the event’s masterclasses on Thursday 30 June at 1130-1220, Making diversity, equity and inclusion a reality in business travel.
What are the biggest challenges facing you right now as a buyer and why?
Rebuilding a global travel programme where the travellers feel safe to come out and navigate the complexity of travel, whilst still managing sustainability targets against demand and cost.
What action will you take this year to make your programme more sustainable?
Provide clear guidance and set realistic criteria for our leaders and travellers to support when making decisions about travelling.
What action do you want to see from suppliers?
Suppliers should promote their carbon footprint initiatives and roadmaps to enable buyers to showcase within their own organisation and make informed decisions, which will ultimately support them with driving and championing the sustainability challenge.
And how do you want your TMC to support you?
The TMC should be the gatekeepers at point-of-sale suggesting sustainable options and also provide data that can assist with managing change, highlighting trends and compliance to policy.
Are you planning to source/renegotiate any of your suppliers this year?
Yes, we are currently tendering our global ground transportation services.
What's the main reason you attend Business Travel Show Europe?
Networking and to see what’s new.
Tell us why you would recommend other buyers visit the show?
The opportunity to meet face-to-face, see what’s new and share ideas, is a reason in itself to be there. We all need to feel the energy of travel and get back some of the industry fire and motivation. Business Travel Show Europe will give you that.
• Diaries open: Travel managers attending Business Travel Show Europe as Hosted Buyers can now request and book appointments with more than 150 suppliers. For more information about the event, and to register, click here.