GBTA San Antonio Presents: Behind the RFP — Buyer & Supplier Perspectives on Travel Sourcing

September 9 | InterContinental San Antonio | Luncheon for GBTA Members & Industry Guests

Join GBTA San Antonio for an engaging and candid panel discussion that takes you behind the RFP to explore the travel sourcing process from both the buyer and supplier perspectives.

Featuring two corporate travel buyers and two TMC representatives, our panelists will share firsthand insights into how RFPs are developed, evaluated, negotiated, and ultimately awarded. We’ll explore what really matters throughout the process—and what buyers and suppliers wish the other side understood.

What You’ll Learn

🎤Our panelists will discuss:

• How travel sourcing strategies and RFPs are evolving
• Key factors buyers consider when evaluating TMC partners
• Best practices for developing an effective RFP
• What suppliers look for when responding to an RFP
• Navigating negotiations and building strong supplier partnerships
• Lessons learned from recent RFP cycles
• Current trends and market conditions impacting corporate travel sourcing

Whether you’re currently preparing for an RFP, refining your travel program, working on the supplier side, or simply interested in learning more about how the process works, this luncheon will provide practical insights you can take back to your organization.

Come hear the candid, real-world perspectives of the buyers and suppliers who navigate the RFP process every day—and ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask.

✨Meet Our Panelists

We’re excited to welcome Valerie Peak, Melissa Gunther, Ken Allen, and Dana Walker for this timely and interactive conversation.

Dana Walker, Senior Sales Manager, Kayak for Business

Dana Walker is a seasoned sales professional with over 25 years of experience across the travel management and hospitality industries. As a Senior Sales Manager for KAYAK for Business, Dana leverages her deep industry expertise to help organizations optimize their corporate travel programs by balancing cost efficiency with a seamless, intuitive booking experience for the modern traveler.

Prior to joining KAYAK for Business, Dana spent over eight years at Adelman Travel (a BCD Travel Company), where she successfully managed high-value account acquisitions and drove business growth across a multi-state territory. Her extensive background also includes nearly a decade at American Express Global Business Travel, where she developed foundational expertise in complex strategic sales and client acquisition. Earlier in her career, Dana held pivotal roles in startup airline operations, as well as hotel and convention sales.

Ken Allen, VP, Client Solutions- North America at Take2Eton 

Ken brings more than 20 years of business travel experience & expertise, spanning global implementation, customer success, account management and operations. A trusted strategic partner to clients, Ken is recognized for translating complex travel program requirements into seamless, tailored solutions that optimize workflows, create better efficiencies, and enhance the traveler experience. Ken focuses heavily on strengthening relationships through his hands-on support of key business objectives and leveraging strategic supplier partnerships. His approach to managed travel is all about the people. The strongest teams, best partnerships and most lasting experiences all have that same theme front of mind- building trust on a foundation of hard work, agility & accountability.  

Melissa Guenther, Category Manager for Travel & Fleet, Whataburger

Melissa leads the company’s travel and fleet strategy with a focus on cost optimization, traveler experience, supplier partnerships, and program innovation. She brings a practical, results-driven approach to corporate travel and enjoys finding ways to simplify programs while delivering measurable value.

Valerie Peak, Supervisor, Global Travel, Valero

Valerie Peak serves as Supervisor, Global Travel, for Valero. With more than 25 years of experience in the travel industry, she has dedicated her career to delivering exceptional customer service and developing effective travel solutions for business travelers.

Since joining Valero in 2005, Valerie has played a key role in managing and evolving the company's travel program. She currently leads the Global Travel Department, overseeing travel operations and support across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, and the United Kingdom.

Based at Valero's headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, Valerie and her team support travel requirements for one of North America's leading energy companies, serving a network that includes 15 refineries, 12 ethanol plants, and multiple terminal facilities.

Valerie and her husband have been married for 27 years, and have 3 kids together. 

We look forward to seeing GBTA San Antonio members and our industry guests on September 9 at the InterContinental San Antonio!

InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk by IHG

111 E Pecan St, San Antonio, TX 78205

 Willow Room on 3^rd Floor

$20 Discount Valet SELF PARKING FREE

Meet agenda as follows:

11:00 am - 11:30am     Arrival and Networking

11:30am -   Seated lunch service begins 

11: 45am - 12:00pm   Chapter Announcements and Speaker intro

12:00pm - 12:45pm    Speaker 

12:45pm - 1:00pm      Questions and Wrap-up

1:00pm - 1:30 pm  Property or Facility tours and Farewells