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| NBTA President Kevin Maguire, CCTE, and VP Michael Lyons, CCTE, share their thoughts on the business travel industry and industry events around the world. |
9/5/2008
Don't let the title of this post fool you - it's not about making connections at Sydney's Kingsford Smith International Airport. Rather, it's about making connections recently at the 13th Annual NBTA Asia Pacific Business Travel Conference, which I was lucky enough to attend.
This year's conference gave the more than 240 delegates the opportunity to interact with peers from across the Asia Pacific region to talk about the issues that impact business travel in this part of the world. Chair of the NBTA Asia Pacific Board, Monica Gardner, and her board, worked tirelessly to create a robust program that included speakers from a wide variety of backgrounds. Of note was the Honourable Alexander Downer, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs for Australia. He gave a fascinating keynote address about the state of our post-9/11 world and what that means to the Asia Pacific region. It was a tremendous honor to have him be a part of the conference. It was fascinating to get his perspective as well. Another intrepid world traveler, Tony Wheeler, the co-founder of Lonely Planet, served as the other keynote speaker. He was equally fascinating and served as a tremendous reminder of how fortunate we are to work in an industry that affords us opportunities to see the world and to make connections with other cultures.
In addition to the keynote speakers, attendees had the opportunity to participate in several educational sessions and interact with suppliers. The venue, the ANZ Stadium at the Sydney Olympic Park, was an appropriate place to meet as the Beijing Games were drawing to a close. NBTA's Regional Director, Karen Davies, and her assistant, Liz Montgomery, were instrumental in selecting the site and putting together a great conference and I thank them as I do Monica and her board.
As always, it's extremely exciting to see how our association is growing. We'll soon offer an Asia Pacific version of the CTE program, and I firmly believe that will add tremendous value for our members there.
I am honored to have been a part of this conference once again. I am reminded that while geography may separate us, we share so much in common in the business travel industry. We are fortunate that we can share experiences globally and learn from one another. Thank you to each of you for all that you do to make this association great. 8/5/2008
The 2008 NBTA International Convention & Exposition in Los Angeles was a tremendous success! We broke NBTA records in several key areas: more than 6,450 attendees, including 1,400 buyers; more than 475 exhibitors; more than 130,000 square feet of booth space; more than 45 countries represented. Most of the participants' comments were very favorable and positive. People were pleased with the changes they found at this year's event. Michael and I had promised to listen to the membership, to your ideas, your concerns, your suggestions and solutions for improvement in all areas of the association's operations. We promised open and frequent communication. Hopefully, you noticed some of those changes at the convention. The educational programs were totally redesigned and updated, the media work was restructured...and the creativity and flow of the visual work made the video presentations more interesting and enjoyable. Of course, don't expect to see The Godfather, Part II in San Diego.
There were, of course, a few minor glitches, which one would expect from an event with record-breaking attendance. We will work very hard to address those in advance of next year's program in San Diego.
NBTA continues to expand its global offerings and to strengthen its international partnerships. As examples of your association's international advancements, consider: the new alliance with ABGEV in Brazil, the kudos from the travel industry for the educational programs and events sponsored by NBTA Canada, the success of the NBTA's Mexico events, and the true working relationship with European associations in the Paragon Partnership to create Crossroads 2008 in Milan. The work by the staff cannot be ignored. We pushed them to make changes, to provide the best programs, to be creative, and to handle member concerns as priorities. They have responded at a level more than we ever anticipated. Again, members were able to see some of those changes at the convention. They are re-energized, focused and looking forward to finding even better ways to build the association and provide the best in member services. Will Michael and I continue to listen, to seek your advice and participation? Absolutely!! The past several months have been very productive and you and your association have benefited from the changes that have been implemented. The success of NBTA has been a team effort, and I hope that same scenario continues as we move toward San Diego. My thanks to all of you for helping to make this a positive year for NBTA and to solidify our status as the undisputed leading professional association in the business travel industry.
- Kevin 7/14/2008
It has been an interesting twelve months since my election as President of NBTA. I have had the opportunity to visit several of the NBTA Chapters and to help build partnerships for your association on the international front. However, the success and opportunities have meant that my participation in my home chapter, the Austin BTA, has been almost non-existent. My apologies to the Austin BTA members and to the leadership.
As part of a three member tag-team from NBTA, I was able to return as a speaker to my home turf at the Austin BTA. Joining Scott Solombrino and Shane Downey, we discussed the current and future path of NBTA. Scott and Shane focused on the legislative successes, the looming legislative battles over travel industry-related issues, and the critical importance of the NBTA Political Action Committee.
Scott and Shane did a magnificent job explaining the association's role in dealing with industry issues, and the equally important role for local chapter and chapter members to play in local, state, national and international issues. As travel matters become more and more complicated, NBTA's presence in legislative affairs is becoming more noticeable to lawmakers at all levels of government.
Now, the convention in L.A. is almost here, and the process begins anew. The international programs, the expansion of the educational offerings, and the involvement of the chapters are all moving forward. And, the atmosphere in L.A. should be great for networking with our peers and for sharing thoughts on how to address this changing industry we have chosen for our professions.
Thanks for the support and encouragement each member has given me over the last year. I believe, together, we have accomplished many good things for NBTA. Hope you feel the same.
Austin, it was great to be home...even it was just for a short time. 6/27/2008
It's been an eventful week for NBTA in Chicago. This past Tuesday, NBTA was a participant at the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Aviation Consumer Forum and Wednesday was Education Day for the local chapter.
The DOT forum's intent is to give consumers the opportunity to discuss issues and concerns about air travel with industry experts. As one of the DOT speakers stated at the opening of the program, "We're the government and we're here to help." NBTA was asked to represent the interests of business travelers at the forum, and I had the opportunity to speak on behalf of NBTA. The panel was focused on what every traveler should know when traveling. It was pretty cool to be able to represent NBTA and the business travel community at this event. Joining me on the panel were a couple of airlines, the DOT, and ASTA. It was a good discussion and it got most interesting when the floor was turned over to the forum attendees for questions. It's clear that consumers are frustrated by some of the things they face when bags go missing or refunds seem to go into limbo. It was also clear though that the airlines and the government are committed to trying to make it better. I think the forum was a good manifestation of that commitment.
Wednesday then brought Education Day at the Chicago Business Travel Association. What Chicago BTA? That's the new name of the Midwest Business Travel Association. Midwest BTA members recently approved the name change and as a member of the Chicago BTA and as one who is proud to call Chicago home, I could not be more excited about the name change! Congratulations to Carole Liberti, Chicago BTA president and her Board! Education Day was held, appropriately enough, in the heart of downtown Chicago, right off the Magnificent Mile and attendees were treated to a full day of insights, from industry leaders like Tammy Troilo-Krings, to futurists, to industry analyst and raconteur Holly Hegeman, as well as the head of the TSA in Chicago. From their insight, attendees got the sense that it's not all complete gloom and doom for us in the business travel industry. There were also a couple of insightful panels on dashboarding and dealing with the onslaught of fees that we face. I believe that those in attendance walked away with new insights - another Education Day success.
I know that our local chapter Education Days would not happen without the efforts of our local volunteers. Thank you to all of you who have volunteered in your local chapters. If you haven't had the chance to volunteer yet in your local chapter or at the national level, do! Get involved and help make this an even better association.
- Michael 6/23/2008
I recently had an opportunity to address the Bay Area Business Travel Association and to visit the beautiful city of San Francisco. What a wonderful setting in the Sheraton Burlingame Hotel, and I much appreciated the hospitality of the sponsors and the chapter members.
As with other chapters, I talked with the BABTA members about the focus and goals of their association, as well as some of the many changes and improvements they are now and will be seeing in NBTA's structure, global influence, communications and educational opportunities. The main goal is simple: to provide NBTA members with the very best in member services, domestic and international networking opportunities and industry-directed educational programs. The value of holding a membership in NBTA must be real, the take-back to employers clear. The leadership at NBTA is working with the membership to advance those worthwhile objectives.
Developing strong partnerships is critical for any program, any concept, to succeed in today's travel industry environment. One of NBTA's main strengths is the positive, and still developing, relationship with its U.S. chapters. On the international front, NBTA has become a key travel industry voice because the association's global expansion is based on building relationships and partnerships...working with other international travel associations to address industry concerns and to provide viable solutions.
Similarly, NBTA works closely with its membership. One way we do that is by listening to the suggestions and the concerns of the members. For example, I am taking back to the staff some positive recommendations expressed by BABTA members.
In closing, I want to relate this personal observation. Inside the entrance to the athletic training facility here at the University of Texas at Austin, there is a sign that everyone, players and staff included, see as they walk through the building on the way to and from work......to me, it seems to apply to what NBTA is attempting to do now.
The message reads: "You must be consistently good to be considered great!"
Your association, with your help, is working to be consistently good...and NBTA members and the travel industry as a whole will benefit.
- Kevin 6/20/2008
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Rep. Clarke at
NBTA Legislative Summit | Let me begin the discussion be reiterating the great news that the FAST Redress Bill, sponsored by Congresswomen Yvette Clarke (D.-NY), was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives. Participants in NBTA's sixth annual Legislative Summit were honored to have the Congresswomen address our group and to hear how important NBTA's role is on Capitol Hill. Mark down another great legislative win for your association and "on to the Senate" for approval. Former Congressman Jim Chapman spoke to the group about how the congressional process "really" works. He discussed the best ways to approach issues, the importance of being constituents with concerns, and some fascinating stories from his time in Congress. All participants in Legislative Day had the opportunity to meet with their Congressional representatives or staff members to discuss issues related to the industry in general or to travel issues in their specific areas. As a member of the Texas delegation, I had the privilege of discussing the car rental tax issue and FAST Redress with Senator John Cornyn and members of his senior staff. He was truly interested in what our group wanted to say. He asked pertinent questions, expressed concern and promised to get back to us. Ashlee Vinyard, legislative assistant to Congressman Lamar Smith, also met with our group, and she graciously called each group member to let us know about the passage of the FAST Redress legislation a few days later. Congress is listening. It's important that NBTA continue to make its presence known on Capitol Hill, with members of Congress and the Senate, and with the Administration. I hope to see you at the next NBTA Legislative Summit so you will have the opportunity to experience our government relations efforts first-hand. For information on how you can get involved, please contact Shane Downey at NBTA.
- Kevin 6/17/2008
The National Travel Forum (NTF) took place in Atlanta, GA and brought together 1,100 government travel professionals from all over the world, 800 of which were buyers. This was the first year that NBTA wholly managed the event after it was handed off from the US General Services Administration (GSA) at the conclusion of NTF in 2006. From June 3-6, NTF 2008 provided attendees with 3 days worth of government focused general sessions, education sessions and a tradeshow with 90 exhibitors.
Attendees were able to choose from 37 education sessions that covered a wide range of topics focusing on the needs of the government travel professional. Topics in these sessions ranged from overviews of travel regulations effecting federal travelers, best practices for government travel managers, and sessions covering issues effecting State travel programs. Some of these education sessions invited industry experts that were able to broaden the information being presented and provided a great example of how closely related issues surrounding both government and corporate travel can be.
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Presenting NTF Award to
Becky Rhodes | The general sessions allowed attendees to hear from government representatives Becky Rhodes (GSA, Chair – Government Travel Group), Sheila Earle (DOD), Pam Mitchell (DOD), and Timothy Burke (GSA), who are all working to help push government travel to the next level. Other sessions included Amy Walter, editor in chief of The Hotline and former congressman Charlie Wilson. During the final General Session on Friday, I was able to present the very first Becky Rhodes National Travel Forum Award to the person for whom it is so aptly named due to her incredible support and involvement in government travel during her years of service with the federal government.
At the conclusion of NTF, NBTA welcomed government travel manager attendees to become members of the NBTA Government Travel Group (GTG). Included with this membership are all the benefits given to our NBTA Direct members along with additional benefits designed to meet the specific needs of the government travel professional. These include the GTG SmartBrief newsletter, a GTG Listserv, and the creation of the Certified Government Travel Executive (CGTE) program. We are certainly very excited about welcoming this new group into the NBTA family.
NTF will continue to be held on a bi-yearly basis, with the next one taking place in Orlando, Fl. June 29 - July 2, 2010.
- Guest blogger, Bill Connors, CTC, NBTA Executive Director & COO 5/27/2008
Crossroads Milan - Paragon Business Travel Conference & Expo was a joint project of 11 business travel associations, including NBTA, working under the umbrella of the Paragon Partnership, the global alliance of buyer-led business travel groups. Beginning 15 May, the first-ever two-day European event was an outstanding success. Over 350 people, including approximately 100 buyers, signed up to participate in the educational programs and the Expo. The entire program had a European focus, including speakers, general session topics and the educational program. The format was designed by the Paragon Partnership member associations, and the educational content was put together by a committee of buyers with European operations. Topics ranged from "green” issues to the growth of technology in European travel. General sessions features speakers such as Charles Petruccelli, President of Global Travel Services for American Express, and Dale Moss, Managing Director, OpenSkies, an airline backed by British Airways. A similar, expanded event is being planned for next year, and the Paragon Partners are looking at the best ways to make the program even better.
Do international partnerships work? Well, take a look at Crossroads Milan and see how successfully the partners operated together to deliver an excellent program. Kudos to all the Paragon Partners for a great European conference!
- Kevin
The member involvement of the NBTA U.S. Chapters continues to amaze and impress me. Although I have not been able to visit each chapter yet, I have had the opportunity to speak at several chapter meetings. My latest speaking tour took me to Atlanta (Georgia BTA), Northern Virginia (Northern Virginia BTA) and Minneapolis (North Central BTA).
Each group has a vested interest in chapter projects, from raising money for local charities, to increasing the level of NBTAPAC donations, to expanding educational forums for the chapter members. I shared the podium with Shane Downey of NBTA staff at the Georgia BTA meeting. Shane explained the benefits of NBTAPAC, the business travel industry’s only political action committee, and donations from Georgia BTA immediately doubled.
The membership at both the North Central BTA and the Northern Virginia BTA were interested in the future direction of the parent organization. As I have expressed in earlier posts on this blog, NBTA is changing, and changing for the better. The international expansion is moving forward; educational certification programs are being regionalized for distribution through NBTA's partnerships around the globe, and we are listening to the chapters and the membership about possible changes and adjustments to make the organization even better.
Some items are controversial, some are common sense. Yet, in every case, the benefits to the membership and the industry as a whole drive any changes. Speaking to the chapters allows me to take the NBTA message directly to the members, and, it offers a forum for members to address their issues and concerns with me on a one-on-one, real-time basis.
Open communication, member input, willingness to change, and the focus on establishing the very best programs for association members and partner organizations are helping strengthen NBTA. The chapters are a critical part of that future growth.
- Kevin 5/12/2008
This past weekend, I was honored to be a part of two NBTA events in Dayton, OH - the Ohio Valley/Michigan chapters' combined Education Day and the Q2 Chapter Presidents Council (CPC) meeting. Who knew that Dayton rightfully lays claim to the birthplace of aviation!
Attendees at the Education Day gained insight into the perspective of business aircraft owners from Ed Bolen, the head of the National Business Aviation Association. His comments were germane, given the fact that we were in a place so closely associated with many aviation milestones. The Education Day was a strong one and my compliments to the Education Committees and volunteers that organized the day.
The Education Day was followed by the Q2 CPC meeting. What a diverse, great group of people! In all my years in NBTA, this was the first opportunity that I've had to attend this meeting. It truly shows the dedication of our volunteers. Our Chapter Presidents all serve as volunteers and dedicate an enormous amount of personal time and resource to serve you and the Association. In addition to having to listen to me talk about NBTA's international growth, your chapter presidents spent much of the meeting talking about how local chapters can address the needs of members. What's clear to me is that your presidents are true advocates for you and want to do what's best for you.
One of the highlights, for me, was a special dinner Friday night at the United States Air Force Museum. The Museum was ours for the evening, and it was an incredible experience. We literally had dinner under the wing of several aircraft, not the least of which was an enormous B52 bomber. Very impressive. But more impressive was the spirit of the Museum - we were given the opportunity to consider all the sacrifice associated with these airplanes. Not just the sacrifice of those who had given their lives while flying the planes, but those who had given so much to get these planes designed and built. It was truly humbling and impressive. My thanks to the team that organized the dinner and the CPC meeting - it was great.
- Michael
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