---
title: Atlas Takes on ProcureCon Travel 2025
description: Paul Swartz, EVP of Business Development at Atlas Travel, shares key takeaways from ProcureCon Travel 2025 and what's to come for next year's conference.
image: https://blog.atlastravel.com/hubfs/AT%20Blog_The%20Compass/2025%20Images/6.2025%20Hero%20Images_800x418/ProcureCon%20Travel.png
---
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# Atlas Takes on ProcureCon Travel 2025
by [Paul Swartz](https://blog.atlastravel.com/author/paul-swartz)
June 5, 2025 10:00 AM
For more than 25 years, ProcureCon Travel has stood as the premier event in travel sourcing, bringing together procurement leaders to share best practices and insights on the current state of procurement and the evolving travel industry.
This year, I recently had the opportunity to attend ProcureCon Travel in Los Angeles alongside [Carla Cabrera](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cabreracarla/), Business Development Director at Atlas Travel. This was our team’s first time at the conference — and it’s one we won’t soon forget!
As Atlas Travel’s Executive Vice President of Business Development, I was impressed by this event’s gathering of more than 300 professionals from 189 companies, including 160 corporate travel managers and 100 travel suppliers from across the globe. Packed with presentations, panels and vendor exhibits, it’s safe to say that this two-day conference created an energizing environment for learning and networking.
With a strong 2:5 to 1 buyer-to-supplier ratio and 54% of attendees being first-timers, ProcureCon fostered meaningful conversations and new connections for attendees. It was not only a prime opportunity to build visibility for Atlas Travel but also to engage with both new and existing clients.
Top Themes and Emerging Trends at ProcureCon Travel
Across the many sessions and panels at ProCureCon, I found several key themes consistently discussed, including:
- **AI Integration in Business Travel:** Artificial intelligence (AI) is being increasingly used to streamline business travel from start to finish. The goal of implementing AI is not to replace agents but to enhance efficiency in areas such as wellness, duty of care and overall travel experience.
- **NDC Becoming Mainstream:** New Distribution Capabilities (NDC) is here to stay. As the technology within global distribution systems and travel management companies (TMC) advances, more airlines are adopting NDC, making it a practical and growing part of many travel programs.
- **Learning the Needs of Gen Z Travelers:** As younger, tech-savvy and sustainability-conscious employees join the workforce, travel programs must evolve to offer more personalized and environmentally friendly options. At the same time, these programs must remain cost-effective and inclusive of other traveler's needs.
Panel Spotlight: The Power of Partnership
However, among the many panels, one that stood out the most to me was *"It’s a Relationship Business: The Do's, The Don'ts and the Keys to Success in Building Mutually Beneficial Partnerships in Today’s Travel Market.*"
This session explored how supplier negotiations have shifted from hardball tactics to relationship-driven partnerships. Speakers emphasized the importance of honest, open dialogue between buyers and suppliers, underscoring that transparency and a clear understanding of mutual goals are essential for long-term value. But while trust and reliability are critical, it's worth noting that it doesn't happen overnight; they take time and consistency to build.
A standout moment came from Kelly Taylor, Director of Corporate Travel at MassMutual, who spoke about the importance of building strong relationships with key contacts at her TMC. She pointed out how essential her TMC’s responsiveness was, especially when issues arose outside of regular business hours. That level of trust and dependability is what elevates a vendor into a true strategic partner.
---
After my time at the conference, the consensus was clear: business travel remains steady and strong, even amid today’s complex geopolitical landscape. That said, many travel managers are staying flexible, ready to adjust their programs when necessary.
Events like ProcureCon reinforce the importance of having a space where passionate travel experts can share practical insights and forward-thinking ideas. These gatherings are vital for staying connected to industry trends and building the relationships that help move our clients, our team and the travel industry forward.
We’re already planning to return to ProcureCon Travel in June 2026, hosted in Denver, with an even stronger presence — including bringing a larger Atlas Travel team and hosting a booth. This will give us more opportunities to engage with industry leaders and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of corporate travel.
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[Industry News,](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/industry-news) [Inside Atlas](https://blog.atlastravel.com/tag/inside-atlas)
Post by [Paul Swartz](https://blog.atlastravel.com/author/paul-swartz)
June 5, 2025 10:00 AM
Paul Swartz is the Executive Vice President of Business Development at Atlas Travel, leading initiatives to expand the sales team, strengthen client retention and accelerate business opportunities. He brings over three decades of experience across the travel, finance, electronics and real estate industries. Prior to joining Atlas Travel, Paul spent 15 years at American Airlines in global sales, where he held leadership roles including Regional Director. In these roles, he oversaw both corporate and agency sales teams, helping to drive revenue growth, enhance customer relationships and expand the airline's footprint in key markets. Known for his strategic approach and people-first mindset, Paul is passionate about building strong client partnerships and driving business growth.
[Follow me on my website](https://atlastravel.com/) [Follow me on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulswartz1/)
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