National Business Travel Association Holds Biggest Convention and Trade Show in Its History
Over 4,800 attendees met to discuss solutions for industry rebound
Alexandria, VA - Over 4,800 business travel industry professionals gathered in Dallas, Texas, last week for the National Business Travel Association's (NBTA) 35th Annual Convention and Trade Show, held August 10-13. With a record breaking total number of attendees in the Association's 35-year history, the event became the highlight of the year for the business travel industry.
A record number of 375 exhibiting companies showcased their products, and more than 1,000 professional business travel buyers walked the 91,000 net square feet tradeshow floor. Over 160 speakers and panelists from the nation's top companies and education institutions presented 57 education sessions on various industry topics, including the impact of the economy on business travel, aviation security, data privacy, integration of technology resources, and strategies for global business. In addition, convention attendees get the opportunity to put their work in perspective with featured speakers like Dave Barry, Tom Peters, and Dr. Henry Kissinger.
NBTA's education and research foundation, The Institute of Business Travel Management (IBTM), also celebrated a success in the realm of industry education. The capital campaign to renew funding for IBTM's mission through 2008 raised $4.4 million for education offerings, scholarship support and research initiatives.
During the event, NBTA also commemorated the expansion of its strategic partnerships developed to meet the ever-changing needs of the business travel professionals. The Association has allied forces with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) to encourage cooperation in the meetings and corporate travel industry and to provide NBTA members with critical resources for success as meeting planning becomes part of their responsibilities.
In addition, NBTA welcomed a new partner, the Brazilian Business Travel Association (ABGEV), into the Paragon Partnership, the global alliance of business travel associations. ABGEV is the first Paragon Partner from South America and its acceptance into the Alliance makes the Partnership a truly global initiative.
"The success and record breaking attendance of NBTA's Annual Convention and Trade Show this year speak to the value of education and relationship building in our industry at the present time," said Carol Devine, NBTA President and CEO. "Business travel professionals from all over the world came to the event to discuss current trends and challenges, share best practices, and work out solutions for industry rebound."
The National Business Travel Association, established in 1968, represents over 2,400 corporate travel managers and travel service providers. NBTA members manage and direct more than 70% of expenditures within the business travel industry. NBTA is committed to the professional development of its members and offers educational and training opportunities. It is the source for critical information on the business travel industry.