Whether you are new to NBTA or have been with us for many years, the NBTA Convention always provides new and innovative programs and resources to address the issues, challenges, concerns and needs of the corporate travel industry. Along with education programs, general session speakers, and an Exposition of more than 450 vendors, NBTA continues to enhance its Convention offerings to include technological solutions to help attendees make the most of their time. These technologies are also offered to those who aren’t able to attend the Convention this year to get a head start on preparing for the big event next year. Here you will find a few of the online applications and resources NBTA has to offer before the Convention commences this year.
Corporate Travel Marketplace
The NBTA Corporate Travel Marketplace (www.nbtamarketplace.org) is an online resource through which corporate travel professionals can locate products and services within all segments of the industry. This information resource uses powerful search technology that continually indexes the content of participating supplier websites. Users have the option of performing keyword-driven searches or a category-specific search.
Users can also download a free application that makes the directory accessible from their desktop. In addition, the directory has implemented Request For Information (RFI) functionality, allowing users to contact suppliers with the click of a button.
The Corporate Travel Marketplace is always open! This application can help Convention attendees to plan their time in the Expo more effectively by learning ahead of time about exhibitors they want to meet at the 2007 NBTA Convention in Los Angeles. NBTA will also distribute the Marketplace as a CD application at the Convention.
NBTA Virtual Technology Pavilion
The Technology Pavilion, which has been a feature at the NBTA Annual Convention for the past nine years, will this year be moved online. While the Corporate Travel Marketplace will connect buyers with a wide range of industry suppliers, the online Technology Pavilion will use cutting-edge technology to bring the global community of corporate travel buyers together with travel technology solution providers all at the convenience of visitors’ desktop.
The NBTA Virtual Technology Pavilion includes at 24/7 exhibition hall with multiple interactive vendor booths and an online conference pavilion. Users can receive in-depth product and company information, including live demonstrations, from all participating vendors. They can also communicate in real-time with exhibitors through instant messaging, chats, business card exchange and email.
The NBTA Virtual Technology Pavilion will go live on July 9, 2008, and remain open for 90 days. Check www.nbtaconvention.org on or after July 9 to register.
NBTA Online Press Room
Through the NBTA Online Press Room, exhibitors can expand their public relations reach at the 2008 NBTA Convention. With one press release posting, announcements will be sent in daily emails and via RSS Feed to convention attendees, NBTA Members unable to attend the convention, journalists registered for convention, and an addition targeted list of reporters who cover business travel.
Media can then search the Online Press Room for news announcement by industry segment as defined by the exhibitor. All NBTA news will also be posted to the Online Press Room for convention attendees, NBTA Members, and media to access.
The NBTA Online Press Room will be active shortly. Visit www.nbtaconvention.org/pressroom for more information.
Return to Connecting News June 2008