Are you an NBTA member? Then read on. This is an email that has gone out to the organization. You are encouraged to participate if you are a member. And if you are not, then it still might be interesting ... NOTE THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION. It is purely of interest.
The National Business Travel Association's Technology Committee had some fun today spicing up the otherwise dry topic of request for proposals templates for corporate online booking with a live "
Family Feud" game show. Based on a survey of 100 travel managers, the panelists dinged and buzzed the crowd to online booking enlightenment.
Over the last few weeks much has been said and written about a merger of ACTE and NBTA and the potential benefits this would bring the global travel industry. It has been interesting to see how throughout the letters and articles, the strengths of the different associations have been outlined. Specifically it has been stated (even by NBTA officials themselves) that ACTE clearly has a stronger program and presence outside the US and a lead when it comes to educating the industry.
Continental Airlines has joined
BCD Travel in urging ACTE and NBTA to reconsider a merger. Here's the Continental letter to the boards of the associations, in its entirety:
Regarding today's
article in The Beat, there's been lots of talk over the years about a merger; in fact several years ago I wrote an Op-Ed to the effect that "The two associations should find ways to collaborate instead of compete." Some people took that the wrong way and thought I meant merge; which was not what I meant.
[UPDATE: Jay Leno will replace Richard Branson.]
Twelve-time Olympic medalist Dara Torres isn't the biggest superstar scheduled to speak at this summer's National Business Travel Association convention in San Diego. Brought to you by Sabre, Torres will join the separately sponsored founder of Virgin, Richard Branson, and President Bill Clinton on a speaker roster that also includes the CEOs of Continental and Southwest airlines. An NBTA official declined to address the financial power required to attract such firepower, indicating in an email that "We don't disclose sponsorship, advertisement or exhibitor agreements." To be sponsored this summer by Amadeus, Clinton regularly levies six-figure speaking fees. A spokesperson for billionaire Branson said his fee, which is covered by Orbitz For Business, would be donated to
Virgin Unite.
