2008: A New Frontier in Asia Pacific

By Karen Davies, Regional Manager
NBTA Asia Pacific

2007 was a landmark year for NBTA Asia Pacific. From a merger to new management, this turbulent yet satisfying year is one for the history books.

The Australasian Business Travel Association (ABTA) officially merged with NBTA in March to become NBTA Asia Pacific. The benefits of becoming an NBTA affiliate were clear from the start as more resources and support than ever before poured in.

Our merge with NBTA allows our members to be fully integrated with the resources and member services, as well as the education and professional development programmes delivered by the leading and most respected source of information relating to business travel issues.

In September the NBTA Asia Pacific Board and many dedicated members rallied together to coordinate the most successful Regional Conference in its 12-year history. More than 220 participants were provided with insights into the most important developments in the Asia Pacific business travel market. The two-and-a-half day program featured breakout workshops and plenary sessions covering key business travel subjects, as well as networking events. A Supplier Sourcing Exchange and a Technology Sourcing Exchange allowed attendees to meet with 27 exhibitors and learn about the latest products and services available for travel management programs.

Just before the end of 2007, NBTA Asia Pacific’s leadership was boosted with the addition of Monica Gardner as the new Board Chair. Gardner is a long-time member and leader of NBTA Asia Pacific.  She was an active member of ABTA and continued in a volunteer leadership role by serving on the NBTA Asia Pacific Board. Her industry experience and passion will prove invaluable to the association’s growth.

So what will 2008 bring?  

• A revitalised NBTA Asia Pacific Board, with some old and new faces ready to assist in developing our association throughout the region. Board details can be found at http://www.nbta.org.au/contactus.htm.
  
• A refocusing of our association:
  • Understanding memberships needs
  • A targeted marketing and communication program to all members on a regular basis through various mediums
  • Demonstrating and delivering membership benefits to our direct (buyer) members
  • Closer liaison with our allied (supplier) members and sponsors
    
• A revitalised education and professional development program.  There are new and exciting programmes being developed for delivery through the NBTA global network that will be advertised shortly.
  
• Our 13th Annual Business Travel Conference will be held in Sydney at the Sofitel Wentworth Hotel on 25-26 August, 2008.
  
• Closer liaison with our New Zealand business travel members and the introduction of a development program for New Zealand.
  
• Working with NBTA and our other international partners to promote NBTA Asia Pacific as the key business travel association in the region.

Overall, 2007 was a year of transition for NBTA Asia Pacific and 2008 will endeavour to bring with it new challenges. I urge all members of NBTA Asia Pacific to be involved in our association to ensure that we deliver what you need to be successful and informed.