GBTA Convention 2025 - Know Before You Go Outline
Make the Most of Your Convention Experience
GBTA Convention 2025 is almost here! Take advantage of these helpful tips to make the most of your time in Denver. Follow us on LinkedIn at GBTA Convention for upcoming announcements and share your photos & favorite memories using #GBTAConvention2025.
Colorado Convention Center: 700 14th Street, Denver, Colorado 80202
Main Entrance: Look for the big Blue Bear! You may enter and exit through the doors on either side of the bear, just off 14th street.
Rideshare Pickup & Dropoff: The official location is on the corner of 14th Street and California Street.
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Shuttle Bus Pickup & Dropoff: The official location is on Stout Street, near the front of the Convention Center on 14th street.
Wi-Fi Access: There is complimentary Wi-Fi access at the Colorado Convention Center. Login details can be found on the back of your name badge.
Denver, CO is US Mountain Daylight Time zone.
Weather in July in Denver is typically moderate. The average high temperature is 88°F (31°C), and the average low temperature is around 56°F (13°C).
Dress code is business to business casual. Please bring an extra layer, as Convention Centers can be cold.
Mobile App
Download the GBTA Convention 2025 Mobile App and make appointments, view education sessions and start making your plan.
- Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download the GBTA App
- Search for “GBTA Convention” in the GBTA App
- Click the download icon to the right of the event name (a downward arrow icon)
- Input your first name, last name and email address that you registered with
- Input the six-digit verification code sent to your email and/or mobile phone
We’ll also be using the Mobile App for polling and satisfaction surveys during Convention sessions– make sure you download the app in advance, add sessions to your schedule, so you can participate and make your voice heard.
Enable push notifications for updates on the latest GBTA Convention 2025 announcements. If you have trouble logging in, please reach out to the GBTA Convention 2025 helpdesk at conventionhelp@gbta.org.
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Registration & Badge Info
Main Registration
Main Atrium (Blue Bear)
| Saturday, July 19 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM MT |
| Sunday, July 20 | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM MT |
| Monday, July 21 | 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM MT |
| Tuesday, July 22 | 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM MT |
| Wednesday, July 23 | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM MT |
If you have changes or need further assistance upon arrival, please visit the Help Desk at the Main Registration counters or email conventionhelp@gbta.org.
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Headshot Studio
Location: Expo Booth #2562
Professional headshots are available during expo hours. First come, first served.
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Get Pica
Get any photos taken by our on-site photographer of you delivered directly to your inbox with Get Pica! Sign up for a Get Pica account today>>
Resources
Transportation
Shuttles
GBTA provides shuttle bus transportation to and from select hotels and the Convention Center. View the hotel map and schedule in the link here.
Public Transportation/ Rideshare
The designated Rideshare Pick-Up and Drop-Off zone for Convention is located on the corner of 14th Street and California Street. (Consider selecting the “Green”/ Electric Vehicle option).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KEtUg8ForTWQtAr36
Rideshare is an alternate way to explore Denver. And as a safety tip, always double check the vehicle’s license plate with your rideshare app before starting your ride.
It's easy to get from Denver International Airport (DEN) to downtown Denver on the airport rail line. At a cost of $10 each way, travelers can use the A Line to get from the airport to downtown Denver and vice versa, courtesy of the Regional Transportation District (RTD), metro Denver's public transit provider. Learn more here!
Parking
The Colorado Convention Center offers convenient on-campus parking for visitors, attendees and staff of on-site events. View the parking map and information here.
Travel Discounts
Ready to plan your trip to Denver? Check out our travel tips and discounts offered exclusively to GBTA Convention attendees. Learn more here.
Expo Hours
Walk the expo floor and meet over 300 exhibitors. View the expo map!
Expo Floor Hours
Monday, July 21 | 12:00 - 3:00 PM MT |
Tuesday, July 22 | 2:00 - 6:00 PM MT |
Wednesday, July 23 | 2:30 - 5:30 PM MT |
Pavilions
- AI & Innovation Pavilion Made Possible by Capital One Travel
- Destination & Experience Pavilion
- Independent Hotel Pavilion
- New Entrant Pavilion
- Sustainability Pavilion
GBTA Areas
- GBTA Broadcast Studio
- GBTA Connect First Lounge Made Possible by IHG Hotels & Resorts
- GBTA Expo Selection 2026
- GBTA Global Connect Lounge
- GBTA Zone
- Headshot Station Made Possible by GBTA WINiT and United for Business
Business Lounges
Access to the Business Lounges will only be available through the Expo floor. Proper credentials are required.
Monday, July 21 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM MT |
Tuesday, July 22 | 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM MT |
Wednesday, July 23 | 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM MT |
Convention Education Sessions
The schedule for the Education sessions is below. The session names, descriptions, and speakers can be found in the mobile app.
Adding a session to your schedule does NOT guarantee a seat in the room. This only adds it to your personal schedule. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.
Two days of education sessions kick-start the day on Tuesday, July 22 and Wednesday, July 23:
Tuesday, July 22:
- 8:15 AM – 9:00 AM MT
- 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM MT
- 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM MT
Wednesday, July 23:
- 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM MT
- 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM MT
- 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM MT
New this year! Coffee with Committees
Wednesday, July 23, 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM MT
Start Day 2 with a burst of energy and inspiration at our Coffee with Committees sessions! Featuring unique, interactive formats, these 30-min morning sessions are the perfect way to kick off your morning with the GBTA Committees and gear up for another exciting day of programming and networking in Denver.
View the Coffee with Committee Sessions
Sustainability Efforts
GBTA’s sustainability strategy is composed of three pillars: Measure, Decarbonize, and Engage. To learn more about GBTA’s sustainability efforts at Convention, visit https://convention.gbta.org/sustainability/
What can YOU do? Commit to the following actions during your stay and get recognized with a Green Ribbon on your badge. These simple steps will significantly reduce your environmental impact:
- Take the train or book an EV from and to Denver Airport
- Walk or take public transport to and from all GBTA programming
- Bring your own water bottle to all GBTA programming
- Separate your waste thoughtfully and use the correct bins
- Try an all-vegan or all-vegetarian meal during your trip to Denver
Accessibility & Inclusivity
GBTA is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive event that enables all individuals to engage fully.
If you need reasonable accommodation beyond what is listed in the link below to attend this event, please fill out the questionnaire during the registration process. We will do our best to accommodate all requests.
View the GBTA Inclusion and Culture Committee’s Diverse Supplier List.
GBTA Zone in Expo
The GBTA Zone is your one stop shop to learn about GBTA membership, volunteer opportunities, research, advocacy, events, the foundation, and more! Booth #2267
Stop by the Membership desk and explore the latest tools on the Hub to get the most out of your GBTA membership and to source the business travel service providers you need.
You can also meet our Volunteer Groups (Committees, Chapters, GBTA Board of Directors, and more) in the GBTA Zone. Check out the schedule in the mobile app for more information.
If learning about GBTA isn’t enticing enough, come check out our fun activations! You can build a children’s hospital activity bag or play with some puppies from a local shelter.
Foundation at Convention
📍Click here to see how to engage with Foundation Volunteers and Leaders at GBTA Convention.
Key Convention Events
5k Run/Walk
Date & Time: Monday, July 21: 6:45 AM – 8:00 AM (STARTS AT 6:45 AM!)
Check-in from: 6:15 AM – 6:40 AM (You can meet our staff at the Blue Bear at the Convention Center to walk to the start together at 6:15 AM)
Location: Auraria Campus, Denver
Start and End Location: Google Maps Link (look for the building that says “Community College of Denver” near Kalamath St)
5k Course: the course will take you through the 150-acre historic campus that is shared by three separate and distinct institutions of higher learning: Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver.
Register: by using the Convention registration process (if you already registered, you can edit your registration to add this item).
Registration funds will be donated to Unicef.
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New! Buyer-Only Peer-to-Peer Sessions through Braindate
Connect, collaborate, and maximize your Convention experience with Braindate—our new small group discussions where attendees set the topics. Whether brainstorming solutions, tackling challenges, or exchanging expertise, these sessions facilitate meaningful connections with leading business travel buyers at GBTA Convention 2025.
You can now start submitting and choosing topics through the Braindate card in the Attendee Hub and Mobile App or through the Braindate web version.
- Login to Braindate: update your profile with a photo, interests, and more.
- Explore the Topic Market: explore the Braindate topics created by our Champions and your fellow buyer attendees.
- Create Topics: Post Braindate topics on key business travel challenges and opportunities. Share your insights this July!
- Book your Briandates: Send invites for your Braindates topics and accept invites from peers. Braindates will take place in the Braindate Lounge(Expo Floor).
Braindates will be taking place over the 3 days at Convention. The sessions are 45 minutes long. Seats are limited by topic and session block! Learn more here.
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Connect First Orientation and Networking Session
Date & Time: Monday, July 21 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM MT
Location: Room 2-3B
Are you a first-time attendee, have you recently transitioned into the business travel sector, or are you a returning professional? We invite you to Connect First with your fellow attendees, seasoned leaders, and GBTA community.
We want you to make the most of your Convention experience. It’s important to GBTA that you have the tools and knowledge to begin a strong relationship with the business travel community and make your Convention a success.
Learn more about the Connect First program across the three days of Convention.
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New! Buyer Buzz
Date & Time: Monday, July 21 from 11:05 AM – 11:50 AM MT
Location: Room 2-3A
Discover what’s buzzing in the Buyer’s world of managed business travel! The NEW Buyer Buzz networking session at Convention is your opportunity to create meaningful connections, vote with your feet, learn how your peers are thinking about key issues impacting our industry and work, and have your own voice heard. Connect with like-minded travel buyers who share your priorities and expand your peer network right before Convention officially opens!
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Main Stage
The Main Stage sessions will take place in the Bellco Theater inside the Convention Center. Seating will be theater style, so make sure you get there early to secure your seat.
Monday, July 21
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM MT
Doors Open at 3:00 PM
Review the session information here.
Tuesday, July 22
11:45 AM – 1:00 PM MT
Doors Open at 11:15 AM
Review the session information here.
Wednesday, July 23
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM MT
Doors Open at 11:45 AM
Review the session information here.
Convention 2025 Welcome Reception
Art at Altitude
Date & Time: Monday, July 21 from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM MT
Location: Colorado Convention Center – Bluebird Ballroom
GBTA invites you to step into the spirit of the Mile High City with an evening that brings Colorado’s wild beauty and creative energy to the Bluebird Ballroom at the Colorado Convention Center.* You’ll be immersed in a blend of earthy elegance and modern artistry inspired by the Red Rocks, Mountains, and Denver’s vibrant Art District. The vibe is one of sophisticated adventures, a place where creativity and natural wonder come together to celebrate the soul of Colorado in an unexpected, elevated setting.
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Ballroom - Red Rocks
Where nature’s grandeur meets the rhythm of life. Celebrate under the awe-inspiring, majestic red rocks, the perfect blend of rugged beauty and unforgettable memories with a live band, transporting you to the famous music venue.
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Terrace - Glamping
Experience luxury in the wild. Our glamping-inspired vibe combines the charm of nature with the comforts of a five-star retreat for a celebration that’s as unique as it is unforgettable.
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Foyer - Arts District
Immerse yourself in the heart of Denver’s creative soul. The Arts District brings together vibrant colors, modern flair, and artistic expression, setting the stage for a celebration full of creativity and inspiration.
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Kick Off
Get ready to kick off the evening with a bang. As you step out of the Main Stage and into the enchanting Bluebird Ballroom, you’ll be welcomed with delightful surprises and lively entertainment that will set the perfect tone for the night.
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*Badges are required for entry. Please see the registration desk before coming to the Reception.
Networking Lunches
New this year! Lunch will be immediately following the Main Stage sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Lunch will be served buffet style. Did you know, switching from a plated meal to a buffet saves approx. 1,500 kg CO2e and reduces food waste by approx. 15%!
Tuesday Networking Lunch
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM MT
The Mexican Fiesta Buffet
- Southwest Salad (GF, DF, Vegan)
- Southwestern Vegetable Medley (GF, DF, Vegan)
- Cilantro Lime Rice (GF, DF, Vegan)
- Cheese Enchiladas (GF, Veg)
- Tequila-lime Marinated Grilled Chicken Fajitas (GF, DF)
- Grilled Tofu (GF, Vegan)
- Dessert served in the Exhibit Hall- Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes, Regular Chocolate Chunk Cookies, and Modified Chocolate Chunk Cookies (GF, DF, NF, Vegan), Coffee and Teas
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Wednesday Networking Lunch
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM MT
The Italiano Buffet
- Garden Salad (GF, DF, Vegan)
- Roasted Fingerling Potatoes (GF, DF, Veg)
- Sautéed Green Beans (GF, DF, Vegan)
- Chicken Piccata (GF, DF)
- Grilled Tofu (GF, Vegan)
- Dessert served in the Exhibit Hall- Chocolate Dipped Cannoli’s and Rice Pudding Cups (GF, DF, NF, Vegan), Coffee and Teas
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Questions?
If you have any questions about your GBTA Convention 2025 experience, please email us at conventionhelp@gbta.org.
We’re looking forward to seeing you in Denver!