The Washington, D.C.-based Travel Industry Association (TIA) has joined the Convention Industry Council (CIC), which now represents 34 member organizations within the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and hospitality industry.

"The addition of TIA really completes the loop for us within the overall travel and hospitality industry," Brenda Anderson, chair of the CIC board and CEO of Society of Incentive & Travel Executives, said in a statement. "There are so many issues on which we have common perspective and concern. We welcome TIA and look forward to their participation and dialogue as we move into the future."

Because both organizations tout the positive impact of meetings on the national economy—CIC promotes professional development and education within the meetings and convention industry while TIA promotes increased travel to and within the United States—the two groups are ideal partners, according to TIA President and CEO Roger Dow.

"The meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry is a significant portion of the overall hospitality and travel industry in the U.S.," he said in a statement. "It's a natural fit for us to collaborate as closely as we can on key issues." This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy