The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) announced today that world champion cyclist, cancer survivor and international activist Lance Armstrong will be featured as a keynote speaker at the 2010 NBTA International Convention & Exposition August 8-11 in Houston, TX. After surviving testicular cancer, the U.S. Olympian went on to win seven Tour de France titles, claiming his status as one of the most honored athletes in the world. Armstrong’s appearance during the Convention’s Wednesday General Session is made possible by Amadeus.

“Lance Armstrong’s story is one of perseverance, hope and inspiration,” said NBTA President & CEO Craig Banikowski, CCTE, C.P.M, CMM. “His challenges are undeniable, his recovery a miracle, and his success is an example of a true international hero. Lance’s story about his journey as a professional cyclist, a cancer survivor and global activist will surely remind us all of what we can accomplish when we set out to reach our goals.”

Armstrong became a professional cyclist at the age of 16, quickly proving himself with stage victories in the Tour de France, a No. 1 world ranking, and a spot on the U.S. Cycling Team in 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Soon thereafter tests revealed testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and brain. Armstrong immediately formed the Lance Armstrong Foundation to help others fighting the disease. Although given a less than 50 percent chance to live, he fully recovered, after which he went on to win the Tour de France seven times. Armstrong plans to compete in the Tour de France this year, as well.

Armstrong joins Sir Richard Branson, Founder and President of Virgin Group, in an impressive lineup of keynote presenters. Branson, whose appearance is made possible by Orbitz for Business, will speak during the General Session and Luncheon on Tuesday, August 10.

Banikowski commented, “We’ve been waiting in much anticipation to hear Richard Branson speak after an important engagement prevented his presence last year. As one of the world’s most famous entrepreneurs and industry show stoppers, he is the perfect fit for the NBTA audience, and I look forward to hearing his thoughts on the future of the travel industry.”

For more information about the 2010 NBTA Convention, visit .

About the Global Business Travel Association

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world's premier business travel and meetings trade organization headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations on six continents. GBTA's members manage more than $345 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually. GBTA delivers world-class education, events, research, advocacy, and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts.

About the GBTA Foundation

The mission of the GBTA Foundation, the US 501c3 charitable arm of GBTA, is to help the global business travel industry create a positive impact and a better future for people and the planet. The GBTA Foundation focuses on the strategy and execution of GBTA's global sustainability programs, supporting initiatives related to climate action; diversity, equity and inclusion; and other talent-related topics via education, research and advocacy.

Nicole Hayes
Assistant Manager, Communications
(703) 236-1133
GBTA

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