Travel Alternatives

Business travel is a means to an end.  It enables communication, whether it be with clients, prospective clients, or others.  Professionals with responsibility for managing business travel programs bring the greatest value to their organizations by remembering why their jobs exist:  to facilitate business communication in the most effective and efficient ways possible.

Video, audio, and web conferencing technology tools offer alternative means of facilitating business communication.  Organizations can realize significant benefits from their utilization in place of some employee travel.

The information made available in this section of TMN is meant to serve as a resource to travel professionals who take a broad view of their positions.   That is, a view that encompasses not only traditional means of business travel, but travel alternatives and substitutes, as well.  However, we advise against getting too carried away with technology.  When it comes to building relationships, there is no richer form of communication than in person interaction.  Anyone suggesting that technology tools should replace employee travel misunderstands just how powerful in person communication can be in building trust and credibility and growing an organization.