The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) – the world's premier business travel organization – today welcomed more than 5,500 corporate travel professionals to its 42nd annual International Convention & Exposition in Houston, and registration continues to grow daily. For the next three days, business travel buyers and suppliers from 40 countries will gather at the George R. Brown Convention Center to discuss the latest in industry trends and innovations in a recovering economy and shifting corporate culture.

NBTA President & CEO Craig Banikowski, CCTE, C.P.M., CPM, said, “With an economic recovery underway in most global markets, executives are eager to get on the road to beat the competition. Now is the time for travel buyers and suppliers to come together to learn about the new rules in a new economy and forge lasting relationships to conduct better business and drive cost savings.”

The NBTA Convention also serves as an example of the importance of corporate events to local communities and businesses. The Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates that the NBTA Convention will have an direct impact of nearly $6 million to the local economy.

“In addition to sharing insights and best practices about current and emerging industry trends, we’re proud that NBTA Convention attendees are also helping to boost a community in which they do business,” added Banikowski. “Not only will the Convention have an immediate economic impact, but the thousands of corporate travel and meetings professionals in town are sure to book future events, which will continue to contribute millions to Houston for years to come.”

NBTA this year undertook a service project to give back to the local community. More than 130 event attendees and NBTA staff yesterday helped to refurbish facilities for the Star of Hope, a community dedicated to meeting the needs of Houston’s homeless men, women and children. With the thousands of toiletry and service items donated by corporate travel and hospitality groups and individual donations from Convention attendees, in addition to the hours of onsite assistance, NBTA has to date contributed more than $30,000 in labor and goods. NBTA and Convention exhibitors will continue to accept donations for the Star of Hope for the remainder of the event.

For a schedule of Convention education and panel sessions, Exposition hours, and a list of the many famed speakers slated to address attendees, please visit www.nbtaconvention.org.