Connecting through Conversation - Key insights from the Roadshow series

AirPlus Roadshows, It’s a wrap!

Over the last three months we took the road and met our customers during 8 different sessions across 8 different cities.

During each event, we had keynote speakers talking about the latest trends and insights in the corporate payment industry. 

And, we’re not gatekeepers! Let’s walk through the most important highlights together.

Powering business with innovative payment trends

Revolutionizing financial processes for the modern workplace

A deep dive into the transformative trends shaping corporate payments:

• Invisible payments and seamless experiences: Business-to-business payments are evolving to mirror the simplicity of consumer transactions. Virtual cards, tokenization, and open banking are enabling smooth, real-time payments that prioritize user experience.
  
  
• Automation and AI integration: New tools harness AI to streamline financial workflows, from fraud detection to reconciliation. By integrating AI agents, companies can automate approval processes, detect anomalies, and create tailored solutions for travel and procurement expenses.
  
  
• Global reach with local nuances: Cross-border payments are becoming faster and more cost-effective, with advanced tools providing real-time exchange rate conversions and enhanced compliance solutions.
  
  
  

Sustainability: Driving a greener tomorrow

Business transformation beyond carbon footprints

Sustainability took center stage, showcasing how AirPlus and its partners are integrating eco-conscious practices into corporate operations:

• Corporate sustainability reporting directive (CSRD): The upcoming directive will demand more detailed and transparent sustainability reports, encouraging businesses to align their operations with global ESG standards.
  
  
• AirPlus Green Reports: These reports offer a transparent calculation of CO2 emissions for business travel, providing actionable insights for companies aiming to meet sustainability goals. Features like automated flight emissions tracking and hotel CO2 reporting are making it easier for organizations to align with green practices.
  
  
• Collaborative solutions: AirPlus is partnering with organizations like atmosfair and SQUAKE to facilitate automatic carbon offsetting and detailed sustainability reporting, turning ideas into impactful actions.
  
  
  

MICE: Navigating the complexity of events

Simplifying stakeholder coordination and payments

The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector remains a critical yet challenging domain for corporate teams:

• Stakeholder challenges: With diverse requirements and approval hierarchies, even a "simple meeting" can spiral into logistical complexity. AirPlus solutions aim to simplify these processes with centralized tools and transparent reporting.
  
  
• Automation to the rescue: Manual work remains a significant pain point for MICE professionals. Digital tools not only streamline approvals but also integrate expenses into a unified platform, reducing time and errors.
  
  
• AI as a game-changer: Artificial Intelligence is paving the way for personalized event planning. From vendor selection to predictive analytics, AI co-pilots are making the event organization process smarter and more efficient.
  
  
  

Demystifying long-tail spend

Reining in complexity for better financial control

Long-tail spend—those low-value, high-volume transactions that make up the "tail" of your spending curve—is often overlooked yet riddled with inefficiencies. We highlighted the challenges and actionable solutions for managing these expenditures:

• The Scope of the challenge: For most organizations, 80% of invoices come from low-value purchases that account for just 20% of the total spend. This fragmented process results in lost time, missed savings, and a lack of transparency.
  
  
• The role of automation: Manual processing of non-strategic purchases is a resource drain. Tools like self-service payment portals and centralized invoicing consolidate these purchases into a single, unified system, saving time and reducing errors. 
  
  
• Unveiling hidden insights: With tailored solutions, businesses can gain real-time visibility into their unmanaged spend. This transparency enables better decision-making, supplier consolidation, and opportunities for negotiated savings.
  
  
• Transforming pain points into opportunities: By addressing issues like lack of compliance, delayed payments, and unauthorized purchases, AirPlus provides businesses with the ability to streamline processes and focus resources on strategic priorities.
  
  
  

Conclusion: Bridging complexity with innovation

The AirPlus Roadshow series underscored the need for businesses to embrace digital transformation while prioritizing sustainability and efficiency.

By leveraging cutting-edge payment technologies, green initiatives, and AI-driven tools, companies can stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.

At AirPlus, we are committed to supporting your journey toward smarter payments and sustainable growth.
Stay connected as we continue shaping the future of corporate travel and finance.