George W. Bush, Former President of the United States Spoke at 2012 GBTA Convention

Day’s Events Included Pioneering Travel Industry Leaders Gathering to Discuss Future of Business Travel at ‘Luminaries of Travel’ CEO Panel

GBTA Unveiled Business Traveler Innovation Awards 2012 and
Announced Launch of New GBTA Media Group

Boston, MA, 2012-07-26 — /travelprnews.com/ — George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, spoke as the keynote speaker at the annual 2012 GBTA Convention at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. A standing room-only crowd welcomed the President, who spoke candidly about leadership, his time in office and the decision making process behind some of the most challenging moments during his presidency. The President then sat for a one-on-one interview with Michael W. McCormick, GBTA executive director and COO discussing global events, the economy and his memoir, “Decision Points.” President Bush’s appearance was sponsored by Orbitz for Business.

On leadership, George W. Bush said, “When you get into the Oval Office, you better be ready to make decisions. To run a company or an organization, you need to have a vision and principals. State them clearly and honor them.” In the sit down interview with Michael W. McCormick, he talked about his first foreign trip as President and Air Force One. Bush said humorously, “Our country does Presidential travel right.”

At the ‘Luminaries of Travel’ panel, Trip Davis, co-founder and chairman , TRX, president, Darden School Foundation, University of Virginia moderated the panel of leaders comprised of major travel suppliers including Barney Harford, CEO of Orbitz Worldwide, Luis Maroto, president and CEO of Amadeus, David Cush president and CEO of Virgin America and Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International, Inc. Technology’s ability to change the dynamic between customer, supplier and company were big themes as well as the increasingly globalized nature of business. “Technology is complementary to travel,” said David Cush of Virgin America, “But you still have to get on the airline, stay at the hotel and get out there to grow business.” The panel was sponsored by BMO Financial Group.

GBTA and Fast Company also announced the winners of the annual Business Traveler Innovation Awards 2012 congratulating the category winners, ExpertFlyer, Kayak.com, Carlson Wagonlit, Sabre Travel Network, Hertz and unveiled the 2012 People’s Choice Award and the GBTA Business Travel Judges’ Award Winners. ExertFlyer took home the 2012 People Choice Award and TripLingo won the GBTA Business Travel Judges’ Award Winners taking home the top prize.

Continuing a day of breaking news at Convention, GBTA announced the launch of its new GBTA Media Group. Through advocacy in radio, television, online and in print, the Association will build a dynamic media presence. The first phase of the media group is the launch of its new magazine, Global Business Travel, which was unveiled during the general session by GBTA Executive Director and COO, Michael W. McCormick. The first full issue of the print magazine will be published in January 2013.

CONTACT:       Meghan Henning, +1 703-236-1133, mhenning@gbta.org
Rebecca Carriero, +1 212-446-1898, rcarriero@sloanepr.com

About the Global Business Travel Association Convention
The GBTA Convention, with more than 6,000 attendees, is the largest, most comprehensive annual gathering of business travel and meetings managers, meeting planners, procurement professionals and suppliers anywhere in the world. The Business Travel Event of the Year® features: more than 65 industry-leading education sessions organized into 15+ specialized tracks geared to specific levels of experience and a variety of disciplines; a 400+ company Exposition showcasing market choices not available at other industry gatherings; sessions featuring world-renowned speakers and industry leaders; a wide selection of professional development opportunities; and, much more. For more information on the GBTA Convention, visit gbta.org/convention.