DW Consulting

Companies are including business travel as they prepare their budgets for 2010, and thinking smarter in how do to spend these dollars.  The personal contact and handshake is very important now in building the trust with people.   (Which may be what was lost before) 

I agree that Twitter and Facebook creates a space to have that initial introduction with many people you may not otherwise have a chance to, it is the follow up meeting in person which expands your network.

Ways to Save

• Day trips are great which saves luggage fees and overnight fees. 
• Schedule a cluster of cities in one region for a trip.
• The use of On-Site Managers (or Interim) locally is increasing.  Meetings are planned in one region, and executed in another without airline tickets and overnight accommodations.  Audio Visual equipment may be shipped (less than an airfare), materials may be picked up at copy centers ~ Professional On-Site Manager may be hired locally to execute the meetings.
• Each trip should have a purpose stated clearly before travel. Executives of companies should not be afraid to say "no" if it doesn't make sense. 

Additional reading from the NY Times article, Some Rediscover the Benefits of Business Travel, by Tanya Mohn