The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the voice of the global business travel industry, today announced four-time Grammy® nominee, Jewel, will take the stage at the GBTA Convention 2013 being held August 4-7, 2013 in San Diego, CA. Jewel will speak and perform during the Monday, August 5^thGeneral Session luncheon. Her appearance is made possible by Sabre Travel Network, GetThere & Travelocity Business.

"Being on tour is one of the most iconic images and a staple of a musician's career. Jewel began her career hitch hiking with her guitar from her native Alaska throughout the U.S. and Mexico, rose to success in San Diego where she was discovered and now travels the world," said Michael W. McCormick, Executive Director and COO of GBTA. "Our members will connect with her inspirational life and lyrics. We are thrilled to have Jewel perform at Convention."

After struggling as a singer songwriter, Jewel was discovered and her debut album, Pieces of You, was released in February 1995, and became one of the best-selling debut albums of all time, selling 10 million copies in the U.S. alone. Jewel has always been a charismatic live performer, earning the respect of such musical icons as Merle Haggard, Bob Dylan and Neil Young, who not only invited her to open for them on tour but also mentored her. She has sold over 27 million albums, including two children's albums. Her 2008 country album debut, "Perfectly Clear" reached the top, number one spot on the Billboard country album charts.

Shortly after being discovered, Jewel founded Project Clean Water. Having personal experience with being able to afford clean drinking water, she became relentless in her efforts to bring safe water to those in need and create awareness of clean water shortages around the world. Project Clean Water targets villages around the world with a lack of clean water and works with them to find sustainable solutions. The non-profit foundation has so far helped 30 communities in 13 countries.

Project Clean Water has recently partnered with Virgin Unite and the Voss Foundation to create the "Give a Drop" campaign. Money raised through donations will benefit the partnership, which is currently working in Pel in the Dogon region of Mali, where 40 water retention structures were recently completed.

About GBTA Convention

The GBTA Convention, with nearly 7,000 attendees, is the largest, most comprehensive annual gathering of business travel and meetings managers, meeting planners, procurement professionals and suppliers anywhere in the world. The Business Travel Event of the Year ® features: more than 70 industry-leading education sessions organized into 20+ specialized tracks geared to specific levels of experience and a variety of disciplines; a 400+ company Exposition showcasing market choices not available at other industry gatherings; sessions featuring world-renowned speakers and industry leaders; a wide selection of professional development opportunities; and, much more. For more information on the GBTA Convention, visit gbta.org/convention.