NBTA Renames Itself The Global Business Travel Association

Effective in 2011, the name change reflects the global nature of the association’s business.

HOUSTON — The world’s largest network of business travel professionals — now known as the NATIONAL BUSINESS TRAVEL ASSOCIATION (NBTA) — said Monday that it will change its name next year to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). The announcement was made during the first general session of the 2010 NBTA International Convention & Exposition in Houston.

NBTA President and CEO Craig Banikowski laid out the vision for the organization’s future: “Our industry continues to evolve, and our jobs are evolving as well. Just as we have all changed our thinking about our jobs in recent years, our association must shift its thinking. As your elected President & CEO, my primary strategic focus is taking NBTA from being a national organization to being a truly global business group that gives you seamless access to best-in-class resources, information, and the global network you need — anytime, anyplace.”

The NBTA network previously included operations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Earlier this year NBTA Europe was formed in partnership with seven groups across the continent, providing NBTA members an expanded network of peers and colleagues in the second largest business travel market.

Michael W. McCormick, NBTA Executive Director & COO, said, “Today, NBTA encompasses six regional operations on four continents. We have customers in more than 30 countries who serve millions of business travelers worldwide. In 2011, our name will officially change as we become the Global Business Travel Association, or GBTA.”

McCormick went on to tell attendees that association members would have opportunities to provide input to help shape the new GBTA brand: “From graphics to member benefits, your ideas will help determine the new look and feel of a newly-energized organization.”

Source: HospitalityNet.org