Alexandria, VA - The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the voice of the global business travel industry, today announced actress, activist and social justice humanitarian Ashley Judd as a keynote speaker at the 51^st edition of GBTA Convention, held August 3-7, 2019 in Chicago. Judd will take the stage at Convention Arena on Wednesday, August 7. This session is made possible by American Airlines.

"We are pleased to welcome Ashley Judd to the stage at GTBA Convention 2019," said Christle Johnson, GBTA President. "Ashley is much more than an actress, she is a social justice humanitarian who speaks on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. As she closes out this year's Convention, her message and life experiences will leave attendees inspired to do more and to find strength in adversity."

"American Airlines is proud to support Ms. Judd's inspiring message of social justice at the GBTA Convention 2019," said Alison Taylor, Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Distribution at American Airlines. "GBTA Convention is an incredible opportunity to come together as a global travel community and promote positive change worldwide - both inside and outside of our industry."

Ashley Judd is well known for dexterously starring in both box office hits and for turning in unforgettable performances in fine independent films. From her debut in Sundance Film Festival grand jury prize winner, Ruby In Paradise, to Where the Heart Is, Simon Burch, Helen, De-Lovely, and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, her films tell very personal stories, which is exactly what Judd does when she is not making movies.

Ashley Judd has been working internationally, with NGO'S, grass roots organizations, governments and supranational bodies since 2004. Presently, she serves as Global Goodwill Ambassador for UNFPA, and as the Global Ambassador for Population Services International and also for Polaris Project. She serves on the Advisory Boards of International Center for Research on Women, Apne Aap Worldwide and Demand Abolition. She is Chairperson of the Women's Media Center Speech Project: Curbing Abuse, Expanding Freedom. She has also served as a board member for Population Services International (PSI) and as Global Ambassador for YouthAIDS.

Held at the McCormick Place in Chicago, GBTA Convention 2019 will bring together over 7,000 business travel professionals from more than 50 countries across the globe. It will feature world-class keynote speakers, more than 175 industry-leading education sessions, the largest business travel expo floor, a wide selection of professional development opportunities and much more, providing attendees the opportunity for professional development and to get business done.

Attendee registration is open now. More info on programs and speakers will be unveiled throughout the coming weeks. For the latest developments and more information, please visit gbta.org/convention.

Media registration is complimentary and available online. GBTA's fifth annual Media Day on August 4, 2019 will feature back-to-back news announcements throughout the morning from top travel companies around the world, giving media an exclusive pass to the latest travel industry news.