- August 2009
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Current Events
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Registered Traveler program providers suspend or cease operations
Following last month’s announcement that Verified Identity Pass, Inc—the parent company of Clear-had ceased operations, other Registered Traveler program providers FLO and Vigilant reacted to the news.
The Web site for Vigilant Solutions now presents a statement that the company “has started eradicating all member collected data,” but that the company is exploring possibilities at this time.
The Web site for the FLO card references the Clear announcement and includes a statement that FLO is currently “working with other participants in the industry as well as the Transportation Security Administration to analyze the implications of this announcement.”
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration Web site provides frequently asked questions about the Registered Traveler program here.
Sources: btnonline.com, tsa.gov, flyclear.com, jax-vip.com, flocard.com
Face-to-face meetings essential for ‘sealing the deal’ says survey
A preliminary report issued by Harvard Business Review Analytical Services and sponsored by British Airways provides results of a global survey of 2,211 Harvard Business Review subscribers on the importance of face-to-face meetings. (Data reflect preliminary results; full report will be issued later this month.)
Here are some of the key findings:
- 52% of respondents said restrictions on the number of flights taken for business would hurt their business
- 69% reported a reduction in their travel budgets over last six months
- 57% reported their companies have placed restrictions on business travel including frequency
- 57% reported limitations on cost of airline tickets
- 51% reported limitations on cost of accommodations
Compared with electronic videoconferencing and teleconferencing methods, face-to-face meetings were considered the most effective method for conducting business with primary stakeholders. Specifically, the in-person meetings are seen as most effective for:
- Negotiations on important contracts (82%)
- Interviewing senior staff for key positions (81%)
- Understanding and listening to important customers (69%)
Bridging cultural gaps was also reported as pivotal, with 86 percent agreeing that in-person meetings are helpful when negotiating with different language and cultural backgrounds.
Of the participants in the study:
- 70% represent companies operating in several countries
- 68% make their own decisions to travel
Sources: Harvard Business Review, economist.com
