Confirmed Speakers
Michael Whitesage, President, Prism Group Inc
Michael Whitesage is the founder and President of PRISM Group, Inc., a system development and information management firm. PRISM Group is best known for its pioneering work in airline and corporate information systems. PRISM developed the first corporate information system in 1987 that was later acquired by SABRE. PRISM consolidates data worldwide on behalf of airlines and corporations. PRISM has provided this service for 8,500 companies from over 1,000 global data sources in 130 different data formats PRISM has led the efforts to ensure all parties, airline and corporation, have secure, high quality data. In 1999, PRISM introduced the first integrated airline contracting system. This system is presently used by twenty-three of the world’s largest airlines and ten of the largest companies. Dr. Whitesage has been recognized by Business Travel News’ as among the 25 most influential executives in the travel industry seven times.
Johnny Thorsen, CEO, conTgo
Johnny Thorsen is the CEO and co-founder of conTgo. The developer of Mobile Travel Assistant, Thorsen is included in the 2010 BTN 25 Most Influential Executives Of The Business Travel Industry list. His new venture brings together the insights he has gleaned in executive positions with leading TMCs and GDS companies. Thorsen, known for his controversial views, is a regular presenter at BTTB events.
Dr David Cooper is regional medical director, assistance, for International SOS.
An emergency physician by clinical training, he was the foundation chair in disaster preparedness and response at the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre in Darwin and has been director of the NSW Health Counter Disaster Unit.
Michael Humphreys is managing director of Control Risks, Australia Pacific
Responsible for Control Risks’ activities including crisis, security and investigations practices and project management. He has personal experience in dealing with the impact of natural
disasters and evacuating personnel from failing states.
Ian Boyd is Visa’s director for commercial solutions.
Looking after Commercial payment products for all types of organisations in Australia and New Zealand. Prior to joining Visa, Ian worked for Barclays in the UK.
Simon Dodd Simon is head of sales and marketing for QBT.
With national responsibility for account management, business development, product and supplier relations and marketing.
Sari Vähäkoski is managing director of Amadeus IT Pacific Pty Ltd.
She is responsible for defining and implementing the Amadeus Group’s financial, commercial, sales, product and technical strategies in .
Fernando Lonergan is national manager of Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s (CWT) Meeting, Incentive, Conference and Event (MICE) department.
He has over 10 years’ domestic and international event and marketing experience across the MICE and leisure arenas in both public and private sectors.
Kurt Knackstedt is principal of intelligent.travel consulting.
He has more than 15 years’ experience in the travel industry, as well as in e-commerce and transaction processing. His experience spans corporate, leisure and online travel in various disciplines including product development, marketing and social media, meetings and event management, technology and mobile platforms and strategic planning.
Richard Savva is chief executive of Voyager Travel
Bringing significant experience from high-level travel management leadership including a role as GM Australia at Rosenbluth International. Richard is widely respected in the industry and is a popular presenter at BTTB and procurement events.
Virginia Fitzpatrick is the principal director and founder of TMS Travel Management Solutions
Is a leading provider of travel review and strategic sourcing advisory services to both the public and private sectors in Australia. TMS is constantly engaged with industry and is currently reviewing travel payment programmes, travel booking procedures, travel management and airline agreements on behalf of a number of publically listed organisations.
Peter Rand, ANZ
Is a cards professional, having worked in the industry since 1980. Prior to joining ANZ’s Commercial Cards team in 2006, Peter consulted to a number of organisations. During his banking and consulting career, he has directed, implemented or consulted on commercial card programmes across a broad range of industry types in manufacturing, resources, services and higher education in both Australia and New Zealand.
Further speaker biographies will be added as they become available
