In conjunction with the GBTA launch, the organization is enhancing its member value proposition through a broader global focus and new member features and benefits which have been refined and expanded so the organization is better aligned with its members' professional needs. A few of the planned changes include:

• An expanded global footprint of networking and educational events, many of which will be complimentary for members
• Free worldwide registration for members to all GBTA webinars
• Access to new and improved industry research and resources – including global benchmarking tools
• Enhanced online collaboration and information sharing
• An internationally driven and interconnected committee network offering global guidance
• Continued expansion of the GBTA network for representation in every major business travel market

In addition, GBTA will soon offer advanced networking – giving members the ability to find the expert they need on any topic, in any global region, and collaborate with them. This will be coupled with a new, more robust website which will allow members to find resources more easily and enable greater collaboration. GBTA will also continue to have a strong voice in industry advocacy, reflecting the increasingly global nature of the changes happening in the business travel industry.

Michael W. McCormick, Executive Director & COO of GBTA, said, "Following the initial announcement of our evolution to GBTA at the annual International Convention and Exposition last August, we conducted a global membership survey to gain a clear understanding of our members' needs and expectations. After analyzing the feedback, we have reshaped, refined, and expanded our organization's benefits to best fit our members. Together with GBTA, members will have seamless access to industry-leading resources, cutting-edge research, an expanded global network, and much more."

"We are thrilled to roll out a new name and logo that fully reflects the global scope and reach of this organization and is truly aligned with the global nature of today's economy and business travel industry," added GBTA President & CEO Craig Banikowski. "As an organization that represents the voice of the worldwide business travel industry, we believe it is our responsibility to actively discuss the needs of our members, advocate for them, and create a vibrant community where members can network, learn from one another, and further the development of the business travel profession. This is a very important milestone in our vision of the future for our association."