Newsletter
Latest News from the GBTA Nebraska Iowa Chapter 
President's Report
Hello fellow travel professionals,
In this enormously challenging time, we've had to regroup, refocus and be creative to continue to bring value to the members of our chapter. Rest assured; we are still concentrating on our core values:
- Promoting members’ growth through education, community service, and involvement
- Providing a forum for the constructive exchange of information and ideas
- Enhancing the professional development of all members and strengthening their value to their company
- Representing a diverse group of travel executives committed to advancing the local, regional, and global interests of the corporate travel industry
It's great seeing everyone on the Zoom meetings, but we miss you! Your Chapter leadership is focused on bringing the education and benefits of your membership while keeping in mind the health and safety of everyone. We still have many factors to consider. With this in mind, we have decided to continue with virtual meetings through March. Depending on pandemic updates as well as venue opportunties, we are hopeful to see everyone in-person for April. We've also discussed live-streaming the meetings as well for those who cannot attend in person.
Keep safe and healthy!
Joni
Joni Doiron, GBTA Nebraska Iowa Chapter President
Membership
As we continue to forge ahead, your chapter leadership knows the challenges that many of our industry friends are facing. With this in mind, we want to announce that all GBTA Nebraska Iowa Chapter memberships will be extended until June 30, 2021. All members will continue to receive the benefits of chapter membership.
GBTA is also offering an honorary membership to those who have been displaced. Here is the link and the info about it in case anyone qualifies and needs this offering. https://gbta.org/news-advocacy/gbta-statement-on-coronavirus-resources
New Member Spotlight
Ryan Jandak, Sales Manager, United Airlines
"I’ve worked at United Airlines since July 2017, and previously spent 4+ years with Sales in various industries. There is no doubt that the travel industry has created a passion unlike any other. Upon starting at United, I specialized in our MICE department, managing our Travel Management companies specializing in meeting and incentive travel. In 2019, I moved into a role managing our corporate travel customers, in my respective territory.
I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area, residing in New Lenox, a south suburb of the city. My wife also works at United, in Human Resources, and we obviously love traveling the world and experiencing new cultures. We have a (teddy bear) dog named Cooper, who loves to join us on most of our adventures."
Welcome Ryan!
Monthly Member Spotlight
Meet Julie Campbell
"I have been in the hotel industry over 25 years. My career started as an HR Admin and I have worked in every department in a hotel. When I moved into sales I knew I had found my calling. I really enjoy helping people and putting all the pieces of the puzzle together to ensure a successful event. One of my favorite memories is when Warner Bros. called the Oklahoma City Marriott to book guest rooms for the movie Twister. I was a new sales manager and my boss said – “Don’t lose this business!” And… I didn’t.
I have been attending NIBTA for many years. You make great friendships and get to bounce ideas off of your fellow travel professionals. Many new ideas have been hatched in these meetings.
One of my favorite quotes by Bill Marriott, “Nothing is gained by winning an argument with a customer”. "
Upcoming Meetings
We hope that all of our members and industry friends have enjoyed the content that we have provided through our virtual meetings. Beginning with our February meeting, our members will not be charged, however guests will be charged a nomimal fee of $15. The chapter does have administrative costs which need to be covered and we hope non-members understand.
To register for our next meeting on February 25th, please select either the Member or Non-Member Ticket. Once you register, you will receive an email with the Zoom meeting registration information. Click to register: https://nibta.org/meetinginfo.php?id=120&ts=1613408169
So many changes and exciting developments are occurring as our business travel industry fights for a resurgence. Join this meeting to hear what GBTA is pushing for on the legislative front in the U.S. and around the world. Additionally, the conversation will cover the latest happenings at GBTA. Our special guest, Shane Downey, GBTA Vice President, Government and Community Relations will discuss how GBTA is working with the industry and governments to accelerate Ready. Safe. Travel, how you can help the industry, and an overall update on GBTA offerings and 2021 events.
Meeting Hosts and Sponsorships
Historically, our monthly chapter meetings and events have been graciously hosted and sponsored by our hotel partners, either in whole or at a minimal cost. For this we are certainly grateful!
We know that things have drastically changed and that the pandemic has impacted those sponsorship opportunties. Having said that, we are asking our industry friends to explore what the options might be to host and sponsor a future meeting. Please contact Eric Nielsen, your chapter logistics chair for more information. You can email at [email protected]
Thank you!
Chapter Sponsorships
Our chapter relies on corporate sponsors. As with meeting sponsors, we realize that these opportunties have changed. As you consider sponsorship, think about the exposure of being a corporate sponsor as well as complimentary chapter memberships! Jennifer Belt is your Sponsorship Chair and you can get information at [email protected]
