Op-Ed: It's Time To Merge Biz Travel Associations

Nancy Holzman, who after seven years of very capably helping guide the Association of Corporate Travel Executives to a position of prominence within the travel industry, announced her retirement a few weeks ago. Under Nancy's leadership, ACTE has done a marvelous job of creating a forum for buyers and suppliers to discuss critical issues that impact our industry. However, with this change and given the current and severe financial constraints of the industry, is this an opportunity for NBTA and ACTE to sit down and discuss a consolidation for the good of the industry?

ACTE's strengths are well-known—particularly outside of the United States—and their annual international conferences are without parallel in providing travel managers and suppliers the opportunity to discuss common problems and potential solutions. Their online series of Webcasts are educational and informative, and their goal of facilitating industry dialogue is right on target. On the other hand, the National Business Travel Association also has a strong value proposition for its members. Their annual convention has evolved into a benchmark educational event and trade show in the United States. Their education programs provide an opportunity for buyers and sellers to satisfy their needs at whatever level or subject pertinent to their careers. Their legislative and lobbying resources are well-known within Washington, and their Certified Corporate Travel Executive certification process is both a significant educational experience and recognition opportunity.

While competition by both associations during the financially stable 1990s resulted in two stronger and more focused organizations, we now see much of the same education, materials and positioning coming out of both groups. Also, both are competing for funding from the same pool of sponsors, which, in the current economic climate, is a losing proposition for everyone involved. It is neither effective nor productive to have many members paying dues to two organizations to gain access to similar educational material. Perhaps even more troubling is the divisive notion propagated by some people that one association is superior to the other.

Businesses the world over are reorganizing to become more efficient and productive. This reengineering effort should be no different for ACTE and NBTA. By ignoring this window of opportunity, we may miss the chance to reduce travel managers' out of office time and the financial burden on the supplier base, and to present a common, stronger voice on industry issues.

The organizations that provide the lifeblood to these two fine associations, the supply base, need to weigh in. If suppliers believe one larger, stronger, organization can more effectively and efficiently support the common needs of all—both buyers and suppliers—then it's time to make those views known to the leadership of both organizations. If this happens, those leaders need to place the good of the industry on the table and constructively discuss how to bring about positive change for all.

Peter Turso, a former ACTE and NBTA member, recently retired as director of worldwide strategic sourcing for Johnson & Johnson.