NBTA

NBTA is Here to Help in an Economic Crisis

At its 1Q meeting, the NBTA Board of Directors approved the NBTA Industry Stimulus Package of 2009, directing significant funding for programs and initiatives designed to advance the business travel industry and to invest in the future of its members (Read press release). Through its current offerings and these new stimulus efforts, NBTA will better position the industry to provide value through this economic downturn and to emerge from it even stronger.

The NBTA Industry Stimulus Package includes the following elements:

NBTA Career Center Upgrades and Promotion – The NBTA Career Center is already the most robust job board for travel and meetings management positions, with more than 40 job listings as of today. The stimulus package will invest to further enhance and promote greater usage of this industry-leading resource.

NBTA Membership Lifeline – For members who have lost jobs in these turbulent times, NBTA is extending membership on a complimentary basis. Membership in NBTA includes access to the most important industry networking and education tools, helping those who are currently out of work stay up-to-date on industry developments and connected to the network that is likely to land them their next job.

Meetings/Travel Industry Advocacy – As the meetings and business travel industries have come under attack recently, NBTA has taken a leadership role in promoting the importance of meetings and travel to business success and economic growth. Under the NBTA Industry Stimulus Package, the association will continue to develop new tools and resources to demonstrate the economic impact of travel and meetings and the value of effective travel and meetings management. NBTA has already commissioned IHS Global Insight, a leading economic research firm, to assess the economic impact of business and group travel, as well as managed travel’s contribution to corporate profitability.  In addition, NBTA will engage the industry in grassroots efforts to ensure government intervention does not undermine the industry.

Additional Scholarships – NBTA will develop scholarship programs awarding up to US$200 in assistance for qualified buyers to attend select industry events. Participation in these events will help attendees optimize their careers and advance the industry. 

NetSmart Series: Career Advancement in a Down Economy - NBTA held several web-based sessions covering key job search skills. Topics included "Taking Charge of Your Career", "Creating Powerful Resumes", "Interviewing In a Tough Market", and "Developing a Successful Network".