NBTA Offers Convention Online Communication Tools
Social Networking Application Allows Attendees, Exhibitors to Connect, Schedule Meetings, Plan Agend
ALEXANDRIA, VA, June 16, 2009 - The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) - the world's leading association representing the business travel community - is offering two new online tools to attendees and exhibitors of the 41st Annual NBTA International Convention & Exposition, to be held August 23-26 in San Diego. The NBTA Online Expo and the social networking site My NBTA Convention will allow registered delegates and exhibitors to plan their time while at Convention. With these synchronized technologies, users can connect with colleagues, schedule meetings, and research exhibitors before arriving onsite.
NBTA President & CEO, Kevin Maguire, CCTE, GLP, said, "Corporate travel professionals know that attending the NBTA Convention this year is more important than ever, and they want to be sure to make the most of their time while there. These new technologies will help attendees plan their Convention experience in advance, allowing them to focus their time and attention on the education sessions and exhibitors that matter most to them and their companies."
The NBTA Online Expo is a virtual mapping technology that provides attendees with details about each exhibitor, including booth location, contact information, and product and service highlights. Users can connect with customers or suppliers before the Convention to schedule meetings or demonstrations on the show floor.
My NBTA Convention is a social networking platform for Convention attendees to interact with colleagues and clients before arriving in San Diego. Users can
-
maintain a personal profile
-
search registered attendees by company or name
-
connect with colleagues
-
provide status updates that can be viewed by their connections and synched with a Twitter account
-
schedule meetings with connections
-
create a personal calendar of meetings, education sessions and general sessions that can be exported to Outlook or other electronic calendars and synched with mobile devices
Maguire added, "When times are tough and budgets are tight, Convention attendees can maximize the value of their investment by planning now. With these new planning and social networking tools, attendees and exhibitors can begin to benefit from the industry's largest gathering right from their desktops months before leaving for the event."
For more information about the 2009 NBTA Convention, to be held August 23-26 in San Diego, please visit www.nbtaconvention.org.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
