Q&A: Louis Magliaro

We caught up with Louis Magliaro, Group Publisher of BTN, to find out what makes Business Travel Show Asia Pacific essential for suppliers looking to connect with the region’s key travel buyers.

Q: Louis, the BTN Group has a long-standing history in the business travel industry. Can you share more about the group’s legacy and how it extends to Business Travel Show APAC?

LM: Certainly. The BTN Group has been a trusted leader in the business travel industry for over 40 years. During that time, we’ve built a reputation for delivering insightful content and fostering high-value connections through our events. Our flagship Business Travel Show in Europe, now entering its 30th year, has set the standard for what a successful business travel event looks like. In APAC, we’re applying the same level of expertise and market understanding, while tailoring the experience to meet the specific needs of the region. Importantly, we’ve already built a foundation here with our Travel Trends and Forecasts event, which we’ve run for two years. Business Travel Show APAC is the next evolution of our commitment to this dynamic market.

 

Q: What makes the Business Travel Show APAC a must-attend event for suppliers looking to break into the APAC market?

LM: The value for suppliers lies in the unique opportunity to connect directly with corporate travel buyers who are actively looking for solutions that meet the challenges of this fast-growing region. What sets Business Travel Show APAC apart is the depth and quality of those connections. Suppliers can engage through various channels—whether it's one-on-one meetings, networking receptions, or by showcasing their services on the exhibit floor. The event offers a curated, high-impact environment where suppliers can have meaningful conversations with decision-makers who are ready to invest in the right solutions. It’s not just about quantity—it’s about quality and relevance.

 

Q: How does BTN Group’s reputation enhance the value for exhibitors at Business Travel Show APAC?

LM: Our longstanding reputation is a tremendous asset for exhibitors. After four decades in the industry, buyers know that the BTN Group delivers top-tier, well-curated events. This trust benefits our exhibitors because the buyers attending our events come with the expectation that they will meet credible, industry-leading suppliers. Being part of a BTN event lends exhibitors instant credibility and positions them as key players in the market. It's more than just attending another show; it’s about aligning with a brand that buyers already know and respect, which can accelerate relationships and sales opportunities.

 

Q: Business Travel Show APAC offers a hosted buyer programme. Can you explain how it works and what benefits it offers to exhibitors?

LM: The hosted buyer programme is one of the core pillars of Business Travel Show APAC. It ensures that exhibitors have access to a pre-qualified group of top-level corporate travel buyers who are actively managing travel programmes across the APAC region. These buyers are carefully selected based on their purchasing authority, and their participation is fully hosted, meaning we take care of their travel and accommodation costs. For exhibitors, this programme guarantees meaningful, pre-arranged meetings with buyers who are genuinely interested in discovering new suppliers and solutions. It’s an excellent opportunity for exhibitors to have direct, face-to-face interactions with high-value prospects in a focused setting.

 

Q: How do you see Business Travel Show APAC evolving based on the BTN Group’s previous success with its European events?

LM: Our European show has been a success for 30 years, and we’ve learned a lot about what works in terms of driving value for both buyers and suppliers. But we’re not simply replicating that model in APAC; we’re adapting it to the unique dynamics of the region. Our Travel Trends and Forecasts event over the past two years has given us insights into what the market needs and expects. We’re taking that knowledge and scaling it into a larger, more comprehensive event. The combination of our experience, regional insights, and a commitment to providing value means that Business Travel Show APAC will be a critical platform for the industry’s growth in the region.

 

Q: What would you say to a supplier who is still considering whether to participate in Business Travel Show APAC?

LM: I’d say the timing is perfect. The APAC region is experiencing significant growth in the business travel sector, and now is the time to establish a presence. Business Travel Show APAC offers suppliers not just visibility but real opportunities to connect with key buyers in the region. With our hosted buyer programme, tailored meeting formats, and BTN Group’s industry expertise, suppliers have multiple avenues to build relationships and close deals. If your goal is to expand into APAC, there’s no better platform than this event. You’ll be part of a trusted, proven format that has delivered results in Europe for decades, but with a focus on the unique opportunities in APAC.

As Louis emphasises, this is a crucial moment for suppliers to establish themselves in the region—and Business Travel Show APAC offers the ideal platform to do so. Find out how your business can be part of Business Travel Show APAC 2025.