74. National Business Travel Association

For nearly 40 years, the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) has played a major role in the industry of business travel. The association consists of corporate travel managers and service providers, all of whom benefit from the vast information resources and services offered by the NBTA.

As an association of more than 2,500 travel professionals, the NBTA maintains a strong presence in Washington, D.C. One key role of the NBTA is to monitor pending legislations and to provide policy-makers with information that directly affects the business travel industry. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill often request NBTA members’ expertise. For example, in May 2005, NBTA representatives attended the Third Annual Legislative Summit, where they met with members of Congress to oppose the proposed security fee increase.

Through meetings, newsletters, and the Web, NBTA members are kept up-to-date on changes in policies, laws, travel regulations, business trends, and other important issues that shape the multibillion dollar business travel industry. The media also relies on NBTA representatives to serve as spokespersons and to provide journalists with national and regional information. Some 45 NBTA branches throughout the country also allow members to address regional issues and to learn about special travel opportunities in their areas of the country.

Additionally, the NBTA offers a wide range of educational programs to its members. Forums, seminars, and specific learning programs offer graduate-level education. This includes new management techniques, the latest in technology and methodology, and innovative new ways of meeting the typical business traveler’s ever-changing needs.