NBTA Pulls Out The Stops For San Diego Speakers

[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. [more]