Message From the Office of the President – GBTA Convention 2019 Update

*This post was also sent as an email to GBTA members.*

We are in the home stretch for GBTA Convention 2019 and while we are working diligently to make sure this is the best Convention ever; we are still working on many other projects. See below for a brief update on the latest GBTA happenings.

Convention
Once again we have a jam-packed Convention experience planned for all attendees. Back by popular demand, we will be hosting the GBTA Awareness 5K Run/Walk, made possible by American Airlines, to raise funds to help end child trafficking. Enjoy a jog – or stroll – around the beautiful Chicago Burnham Harbor, while supporting an important cause in the business travel industry. Regardless of your fitness level, take part and help us keep children free and safe from trafficking. You can sign up when registering for Convention and if you have already registered for Convention, you can go back in and modify your registration and add it on.

Sunday night we will host a Welcome Kick Off Session featuring John Taffer, host of Spike TV’s Bar Rescue, Author and Restauranteur. Taffer is a dynamic and entertaining personality who will charm our attendees. We have already announced sports media icon Bob Costas; host, producer and author Andy Cohen; and actress and humanitarian Ashley Judd as our Arena stage keynote luncheon speakers for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

This year we will once again be holding elections for the GBTA Board of Directors. The slate of candidates for the 2019 Board of Directors elections can be found here and you may read the 2019 election brochure for more information on each candidate. Voting will open starting on Monday, August 5 at 11:30am CT until Tuesday, August 6 at 6:00pm CT at the GBTA Convention at Chicago’s McCormick Place. In order to vote on sight, you must be registered for Convention by July 23, 2019.

If you are unable to attend GBTA Convention 2019 and vote in person or prefer to vote early, you may request an absentee ballot. Learn more about the absentee process and how to request a ballot here. The deadline to request the absentee ballot is July 5. The deadline to submit an absentee ballot is July 29.

Canada Updates
Registration is now open for the GBTA Western Canada Conference 2019 being held on October 16-17. It will be our first annual conference in Western Canada. Previously known as Energy, Resources & Marine Symposium, the new conference will feature a larger and broader program focused on the distinct needs and economy of that region.

Latin America
In an effort to provide the best information and content in the most efficient manner, GBTA will hold two events in Latin America in 2019 and the first half of 2020: first up with be a conference in Buenos Aires on November 12 followed by Mexico City in March of 2020. For more information on these events, please click here.

Europe
GBTA France Masterclass 2019 took place last week and is making a name for itself as THE event for buyers and suppliers in the travel and MICE value chain. This event highlighted the latest trends and best practices, while also offering a tremendous networking opportunity as well. Additionally, registration is now open for GBTA Conference 2019 Munich being held on November 19-21.

Global Committees
Our global Committees work together to create compelling content for GBTA Convention, utilizing the various subject matter experts involved within the committee, to ensure a thorough and well developed educational program. You can find more information on all the educational sessions offered by GBTA committees during GBTA Convention 2019 here. A big thank you to all those members working tirelessly on providing attendees on the most up-to-date content. GBTA’s educational offerings are second to none.

We will be making more announcements regarding GBTA Convention so stay tuned!

I hope to see all of you in Chicago.