NBTA Is Newest Convention Council Member

Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 4/4/2005

The Convention Industry Council has expanded to 31 members with the addition of the Natl. Business Travel Assn.

John Graham, a CIC board member and president and CEO of the American Society of Assn. Executives, said it makes sense for NBTA to join the council.

"NBTA rounds it out in a very complementary way," Graham said. The association "will add to the mix of a very strong organization."

Bill Connors, NBTA executive director and COO, said CIC membership would help NBTA strengthen synergies between its travel manager and meeting planner members. He also said it is a logical step for NBTA in continuing to offer its members resources and representation in strategic meetings and travel management.

Mary Power, the council's CEO, said NBTA would bring a fresh perspective to the CIC as travel managers increasingly become involved in corporate meetings.

CIC's members include most major tradeshow industry groups, representing more than 100,000 individuals and 15,000 firms.