A potential merger between the Association of Corporate Travel Executives and National Business Travel Association emerged anew

as the ACTE board unanimously approved and sent to NBTA "an outline of the broad terms of a proposed merger." The terms, according to ACTE president Richard Crum provides "guarantees of the rights and privileges" of ACTE's international membership and integrity of ACTE's global education. The marketplace wants and needs a combination of the best of both organizations, best practices, and deliverables," Crum said in prepared remarks. "This will not be accomplished by the takeover of one association by another, but rather a true merging of ideas, philosophies, and memberships--all committed to creating a new organization." Crum said the plan that resulted from prior merger talks "would not have found support" of ACTE's international constituency, of which 61 percent is outside the United States. Any merger needs 51 percent approval of ACTE's membership. Included in the outline sent to NBTA is the need for co-branding for the next two years, followed by creation of a new name; a new interim board formed by five members from the ACTE and NBTA boards and election for a new board with non-U.S. seats guaranteed; leadership from the new NBTA president and yet-to-be appointed NBTA executive director; and education based on the ACTE philosophy.