Call for Nominations: GBTA Board of Directors

GBTA’s Board elections are held each year in conjunction with the annual Convention. With the cancellation of the 2020 annual Convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GBTA is moving forward with a special election on December 7, 2020. Volunteering on the Board is a chance for industry leaders to make a long-term positive impact on our profession. This message is to advise you of the GBTA Board election process and to invite you to participate by nominating candidates for the vacant positions. We hope that you will choose to participate by nominating a peer – or even yourself.

Volunteering to serve on the Board has many benefits. Professional development and education, networking, gaining board experience and most importantly, helping shape the future direction of GBTA. Having the opportunity to serve with fellow travel industry leaders can be very rewarding and beneficial to one’s career development.

The Board consists of thirteen (13) Members comprised of the President, Vice President, Immediate Past President/Chairman of the Board, President of the Chapter Presidents’ Council, President and Vice President of the Allied Leadership Council, five (5) Direct Members at large, and two (2) Allied Members at large. Additionally, the Executive Director & COO also serves as an ex officio Member of the Board.

Vacancies for 2020 Board include one elected Allied Member at Large seat and one nominated Direct member at Large seat to fulfil the term of a vacant seat.

 

Open Positions:

• Allied Member at Large (1) – for a term of two years to begin at the close of GBTA Special Meeting December 7, 2020 through the close of GBTA Convention 2022.
• Direct Member at Large (1) – Seeking recommendations to fulfil the vacated seat for the remainder of the term through the close of GBTA Convention 2021.

Allied Members at Large will be elected by GBTA Allied Members.

 

 

Eligibility to Run Requirements: (As stated in Article VI of GBTA’s bylaws.)
To be eligible for nomination, the following requirements must be met:

• Be a Direct or Allied Member that has been a GBTA Member in good standing (in their respective category) for the last two (2) consecutive years; and
• Completed at least one (1) year of service to the Association or local chapter

Any Direct Member of the Association may nominate a qualified Direct Member or themselves to be Direct member at Large Director.

Any Allied Member of the Association may nominate a qualified Allied Member or themselves to be an Allied Member at Large Director.

 

Eligibility to Vote:

Section 2.2.1 Direct Members. The Association will have a class of voting members consisting of individuals whose primary responsibility is to either (A) procure business travel services for the employees of a corporation or organization, or (B) promulgate and administer travel policies for a corporation or organization (“Direct 2 50405777.15 Members”). Direct Members shall have all privileges of membership in the Association as set forth in these Bylaws. Direct Members shall elect seven (7) Directors to serve on the Board as more fully set forth in Section 3.2.2.

Section 2.2.2 Allied Members. The Association will have a class of voting members (“Allied Members”), who are not Direct Members, and who are regularly employed by any of the following businesses (“Eligible Business(es)”): (See Bylaws for list) Any Eligible Business that is a parent or holding company with franchisees or local units shall pay a single initiation fee as set forth by the Board, and the individuals employed by such Eligible Business, its franchisees, or local units may join as Allied Members. Such initiation fee shall be distinguishable from any annual dues payment requested by the Association of each Allied Member. Allied Members may vote in the election of the two (2) Allied Member Directors, as more fully set forth in Section 3.2.3, and on matters referred by the Council of Allied Leadership. Allied Members shall have no other voting rights.

 

Non-Voting Members include Indirect Members, Press Members,
Academic Members (Student/Educator). Honorary Members, Retired Members

The Role of the Board:
The Board of Directors serves a crucial role in determining the long-term strategy and future governance needs of the Association. A Director attends approximately four (4) in-person meetings of the Board throughout the year as well as periodic Board conference calls as needed. In addition, all Board Members attend the annual GBTA Convention where they participate in several leadership assignments. All Board Members spend time deliberating on matters and policies related to the Association’s programs and services. In addition, Board Members should expect to carry out special assignments and make appearances at local chapter meetings, committee meetings or other forums where GBTA’s leadership presence is needed throughout the year.

In addition to the GBTA Board of Directors, Allied Member positions will also serve on the GBTA Allied Leadership Council. This Council advises the Board on industry related matters from a supplier perspective.

 

What Should a Candidate be Prepared For?
All candidates for the Board should be knowledgeable of GBTA’s programs, services and Bylaws. All candidates are asked to submit a platform statement and respond to questions. The candidate’s platform statement and responses are published in an election brochure that is sent to all Members in advance of the annual meeting.

All candidates must adhere strictly to campaign guidelines.

 

The Election Process:
GBTA’s election process is guided by GBTA’s Bylaws, which require that activities and deadlines are met in a timely manner. The critical dates and process are noted below:

• October 21 – Deadline for Nominations
• October 30 – Candidate Platforms Due
• November 1 – Notice of Annual Meeting & List of Nominees Announced to Membership
• November 6 – Election Brochures Sent
• November 11 – GBTA membership must be valid to vote
• November 13 – Online Voting Opens
• December 4 – Online Voting Closes at 5:00 pm Eastern
• December 7 – Annual Meeting and Election Results Announced

 

How to Submit a Nomination:
GBTA is once again using an online nomination process this year. You can nominate yourself or another Member that has personally agreed to run for election. You may nominate as many or as few candidates as you like.

GBTA Members will receive a personalized link via email from Election Services Corp to submit nominations.

Nominations must be submitted by October 21, 2020.

You must be a member of GBTA to access your personalized link to vote. If you have any questions about the online nomination process or your link, please contact Election Services Corp. by email at gbtahelp@electionservicescorp.com or call toll-free +1 866 720 HELP (4357).

Please note: Any other method of submission of the nomination form will not be accepted.