The Institute of Travel Management has announced the launch of a new, third tier of membership. Following ratification at the association's conference in May, the new category of Industry Practitioner grants separate status to TMC, HBA and VPA account managers, outsourced travel managers and consultants working for buyer organisations..

These were previously treated as supplier members, paying higher subscription and conference fees than buyer members. As Industry Practitioners, they will pay an annual subscription of £199 and will receive half price conference delegate rates, free places at all other ITM educational events, free research and reports, as well as other benefits previously available only to ITM buyer members. The latter includes access to the award-nominated Project ICARUS environmental toolkit.

Welcoming a potentially sizeable boost to ITM's 1,000-strong current membership, Executive director Paul Tilstone said: "these changes reflect how our industry is evolving. Account Management is a now a business discipline in its own right. Many play an integral role in shaping their client's corporate travel policies, so we believe it is right that they should be recognised accordingly."

"The Industry Practitioner category also provides a solution to the long-standing issue of whether consultants are buyers or suppliers" continued Tilstone. "Previously they were categorised as suppliers, but the distinction between a consultant and an outsourced travel manager is a fine one. Now, ITM will be able to treat those existing members who elect to transfer to the Industry Practitioner category, together with new applicants who qualify, in a more consistent and transparent way."

Tilstone predicts that as many as 100 Industry Practitioners will have joined ITM by the time of ITM's next conference in Liverpool next March. "They will all be able to share in the latest industry research and best practice, expand their networks of business contacts and add value to their client relationships" he concluded.

Formed in 1956, ITM is the leading professional body for managers buyers and suppliers of business travel, with ITM members accounting for over 33% of the accommodation and travel bought by British and Irish companies - over £7 billion a year.

ITM ANNOUNCES NEW VICE CHAIR

Hindhaugh will succeed Strachan in 2010

The Institute of Travel Management (ITM) has announced that Jamie Hindhaugh, Head of Sourcing at the BBC, has been appointed Vice Chair of the association, and will succeed current chairman Caroline Strachan when she steps down on completion of her term of office in 2010.

The appointment marked the culmination of an open process in which all ITM buyer members were able to apply for the Vice Chair position. From a shortlist, a panel drawn from the ITM board selected the 41 year old Hindhaugh, who brings a wealth of travel industry and procurement knowledge in undertaking his new role. In particular, Jamie's understanding of new media - which ITM has been developing to increase member benefits - and of a subscription-based organisation will serve the association well.

ITM chair Caroline Strachan said “we are delighted to have attracted an individual of Jamie's experience and vision. His focus on issues such as distribution, technology and demand management are the perfect compliment to ITM’s existing work in this area." Hindhaugh will take up his new position immediately, shadowing Strachan over the next 18 months before taking the chair in January 2010.

Jamie commented “this is a wonderful opportunity to play a leadership role with a key association at such an exciting time. I'm looking forward to contributing to such a valued organisation, to working with the board and to building on the success to date."

www.itm.org.uk