Registration for the National Business Travel Association's 2009 NBTA International Convention & Exposition is up this year over last, despite the recession, the association announced this week.
To date, 1,970 people have registered for the conference that's taking place Aug. 23-26 in San Diego. According to NBTA, that surpasses last year's numbers at the same time, "poising this year's convention to measure in size to previous years despite a down global economy."
"In today's down economy, travel and meetings budgets are being slashed and some companies have even restricted travel altogether," NBTA President and CEO Kevin Maguire said in a statement. "However, despite these economic challenges, corporate travel professionals remain dedicated to their roles in helping to recover from this recession and look to the NBTA convention for the necessary resources and networking opportunities that will allow them to do so."
In response to the recession, NBTA this year is offering attendees multiple registration and travel discounts, extended exposition hours and added educational sessions at this year's convention, including a brand-new Government Travel education track that has prompted more than 40 NBTA government travel members—a convention record—to register for the event.
"We know that on average corporate travel buyers who attend the NBTA convention take away the knowledge, resources and contacts that have helped them to save about 11 percent on their total T&E budgets, which can mean a savings of millions. Now, more than ever, is the time to fine tune corporate travel strategies to successfully navigate a volatile economy and shifting industry."
To learn more about NBTA's 2009 convention, or to register, visit
www.nbtaconvention.org.