The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) Mexico held its 3rd Annual Corporate Travel Conference this week at the Fiesta Americana Reforma in Mexico City. More than 230 corporate travel professionals from across Mexico, the United States and Latin American attended education sessions and a trade and technology exchange to enhance their industry knowledge and gain insights about successfully managing corporate travel in today’s global economic crisis.

NBTA Vice President Michael Lyons, CCTE, who was in attendance, commented, “In today’s challenging economic times, corporate travel professionals now more than ever are aware of how vital their role is. By attending education and networking events such as this, travel and meetings buyers receive the resources necessary to help them face current challenges head on and prove the value of managed travel.”

New to the NBTA Mexico conference this year were simultaneous education sessions for both travel and meetings buyers and suppliers. Buyers learned about the crucial role travel management companies play in managing spend, and suppliers discussed client needs and satisfaction strategies.

Attendees heard from major airline CEOs each day. Andres Conesa, CEO of AeroMexico, and Manuel Borja, CEO of Mexicana, shared industry insights and current trends in Mexican aviation. Stewart Verdery with NBTA Government Relations discussed changes to U.S.-Mexico relations that may occur under the Obama Administration. Delegates also took the time between education sessions to network with travel suppliers at the Travel & Technology Exchange Showcase.

”Once again the NBTA Mexico Conference has proven to be an essential resource for corporate travel professionals in the region, and those who do business in Mexico,” said Lyons. “Delegates can now return to their firms armed with the necessary tools to efficiently and effectively manage travel and meetings spend.”