Get ready for three days of fresh ideas, bold conversations, and meaningful connections at the GBTA + VDR Europe Conference 2025, happening Nov. 10–12 at Congress Center Hamburg (CCH). BCD experts will lead sessions on purpose-driven leadership, sustainability, technology transformation, and travel risk management.
Monday, Nov. 10 | 3:30–5 p.m. CET
WINiT Industry Workshop – Lead with Purpose: Connect with Power
With Anja Turner, Vice President, Marketing & Communications
In collaboration with WINiT. Join energizing workshop that helps professionals at every level unlock their leadership strengths and lead with greater impact.
Monday, Nov. 10 | 3:30–5 p.m. CET
Industry Workshop – Can Europe Turn Sustainability Into Its Competitive Advantage? A Value Creation Approach
With Olivia Ruggles-Brise, Vice President, Sustainability
This interactive session explores how sustainability can move beyond ambition and become a business advantage through stronger data, investment, and collaboration.
Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 10–11 a.m. CET
The Big Idea: Debating the Most Divisive Topics in Travel
The gavel drops on one of the conference’s most anticipated sessions as industry leaders debate the future of booking tools, AI, biometrics, and next-gen travel policies.
Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. CET
From Siloes to Strategy: Disrupting the Tech RFP Process, by the GBTA Europe Technology Committee
With Sarah Whiting, Senior Director, Global Solutions Engineering
Siloed RFPs can miss the bigger picture. This session explores how use-case-driven evaluations can better align technology sourcing with your organization’s culture, goals, and strategy.
Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. CET
Duty to Care or Duty to Scare? Cutting Out Fear in Travel Risk
With Jorge Mesa, Senior Director, Travel Risk Management
Explore a practical, no-nonsense approach to duty of care that balances preparedness with real-world effectiveness–without fear-based policies.
Your guide to Hamburg: What to do with a free afternoon
If you’re heading to GBTA + VDR Europe 2025 in Hamburg, build in a little time to explore one of Germany’s most vibrant cities. From its scenic waterways to its buzzing food scene, Hamburg rewards curiosity–and offers plenty of ways to unwind between sessions.
Take in the waterfront views
Just steps from the convention venue, the Inner and Outer Alster Lakes are perfect for a walk or quick recharge. Head south toward the Elbphilharmonie Plaza for sweeping harbor views and a look at Hamburg’s striking modern architecture. In nearby HafenCity, cafés and art installations make it easy to linger a little longer.
Discover the city’s history–by canal
Wander through Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its red-brick canals and bridges tell the story of Hamburg’s maritime past. If you have an hour, step inside Miniatur Wunderland, an intricate miniature world that never fails to impress first-time visitors.
Savor the flavors of Hamburg
Take your networking offsite to one of the city’s lively neighborhoods. In the heart of the city, wander the Portuguese Quarter for seafood and conversation, or St. Georg for global flavors and cozy wine bars. Looking for something authentically local? Order labskaus, a North German comfort dish with beef, beets and a fried egg.
Pause and recharge
Between sessions, find a quiet spot at Planten un Blomen, a park filled with fountains, greenhouses and gardens. Or grab a lakeside coffee at Alsterperle–a local favorite for watching the boats drift by.
Getting around & practical tips for Hamburg visitors
Hamburg is compact and well-connected. The U-Bahn and S-Bahn can get you anywhere in the city within 20 minutes, and walking is often the best way to take in the architecture and street life.
The official currency is the Euro (€). Germany has a strong cash culture, so it’s wise to carry some cash for small purchases. ATMs and currency exchange offices are widely available.
Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores throughout Germany. Acceptance can varyfor American Express and Diners Club cards. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless payments are increasingly popular and accepted in urban areas.
