What Is the National Business Travel Association?

For nearly 40 years, the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) has played a major role in the industry of business travel. The association consists of corporate travel managers and service providers, all of whom benefit from the vast information resources and services offered by the NBTA.

As an association of more than 2,500 travel professionals, the NBTA maintains a strong presence in Washington, D.C. One key role of the NBTA is to monitor pending legislations and to provide policy-makers with information that directly affects the business travel industry. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill often request NBTA members’ expertise. For example, in May 2005, NBTA representatives attended the Third Annual Legislative Summit, where they met with members of Congress to oppose the proposed security fee increase.

Through meetings, newsletters, and the Web, NBTA members are kept up-to-date on changes in policies, laws, travel regulations, business trends, and other important issues that shape the multibillion dollar business travel industry.

The media also relies on NBTA representatives to serve as spokespersons and to provide journalists with national and regional information. Some 45 NBTA branches throughout the country also allow members to address regional issues and to learn about special travel opportunities in their areas of the country.

Additionally, the NBTA offers a wide range of educational programs to its members. Forums, seminars, and specific learning programs offer graduate-level education. This includes new management techniques, the latest in technology and methodology, and innovative new ways of meeting the typical business traveler’s ever-changing needs.

The NBTA’s Certified Corporate Travel Executive (CCTE) program successfully helps travel managers stay in step with industry changes. With CCTE certification, travel professionals can better develop programs to meet the needs of domestic and global business travelers. Other educational programs include global and Web-based distance learning through NetSmart.

The NBTA holds the business travel industry’s preeminent annual conference. During the three-day event, travel buyers and sellers alike attend seminars, network with other industry professionals and suppliers, visit numerous display booths, and have the opportunity to see new products — all under one roof.

The NBTA Web site provides information on membership and their various educational programs, registration for the summer conference, daily news briefs, access to travel-related research, legislative updates, facts on the American and Canadian chapters, a career center, and much more. Employers can hook up with available talent in the travel industry, while members looking to change jobs can post their skills and work experience.

You can also e-mail the NBTA at info@nbta.org or call them at (703) 684-0836.