The State of Business Travel, Fall 2021 Outlook

What's the state of business travel, you ask? This article from Associated Press writer David Koenig quotes Impact Communications' CEO Marie Swift. 

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When the Associated Press asked for road warriors to share their thoughts on business travel this fall/winter, I was happy to provide a few comments. As is normally the case whenever any of us submit comments, we should never expect everything to be included -- but we do need to provide enough context for the reporters to understand our position and, most importantly, to provide a few "quotable quotes" that are simply too good not to use. This is the PR logic we teach all of our clients here at Impact Communications. Even a small media mention is a good media mention -- especially if you are quoted in a prestigious mainstream outlet such as Barron's, WSJ, NY Times, AP Press (and syndicate partners), etc.

And so, in the spirit of "walking our talk" here is what I submitted (below) + you can see what was used in the article by looking at the graphic above. We also encourage our clients to use any good content "left on the cutting room floor."

Full comments as submitted to the outlet

I've been working as a marketing professional in the financial services world for 33 years. Prior to the pandemic, I was traveling for business to do onsite consulting, speaking engagements and conference appearances 20-24 times per year.

My last business trip was March 4, 2020, but when the lock downs started rolling into place, my clients canceled in-person appearances and we all moved to the 100% virtual reality.

My first business trip since then is scheduled for September 9, 2021, when I have been asked to attend an awards gala in Manhattan (my company is up for an award and this gala is kind of like the Academy Awards for the financial services profession).

In May 2021, I did take my first airplane ride, once my family and I were fully vaccinated, to see ailing parents -- only because it was too far to drive. I flew first-class on Delta in the hopes that I would be able to avoid any possible animosities in the main cabin as I have seen way too many unsavory iPhone videos on social media where people who did not want to comply with the mask requirement became belligerent. Thankfully, my seatmate and the entire front of the plane were courteous and compliant. There were, however, moments in the airport where I felt uncomfortable due to fellow travelers' cavalier behavior.

I'll be flying Southwest for my trip to Manhattan in September and hope that by then we will have achieved some sort of herd immunity. If not, I will be the double-masked lady with a ball cap and glasses on, air vents full force on and pushing air to the floor, wiping down my tray, armrests, and seat belt buckle.

I have scheduled at this point nine business trips between September 9 and November 9. We'll see how it goes.

Here's the link to the full article:
https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-business-health-travel-coronavirus-pandemic-f3772b9a1c373dd040a852e25dee40fa