Member Group
Charity Committee
GBTA Michigan Charity Committee
The mission of the GBTA Michigan Charity Committee is to foster a positive, engaging environment while raising funds and awareness for our annual charitable organization. We are committed to supporting meaningful outreach opportunities and encouraging active participation from our members throughout the year.
By collaborating and sharing creative ideas, we aim to raise monetary donations, collect in-kind items, and dedicate our time to giving back. Our primary focus is to highlight and support organizations that are nominated by our members—organizations they are truly passionate about. Through this shared commitment, we strive to make a lasting and meaningful impact on the charity selected each year.
We are proud to announce that our 2026 Charity of Focus is Fisher House Michigan.
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Fisher House Michigan provides a “home away from home” for military and veteran families, allowing them to stay close to their loved ones during medical treatment—at no cost. By easing the financial and emotional burden of travel, Fisher House ensures families can focus on what matters most: being together during times of healing and recovery. Throughout the year, GBTA Michigan will offer opportunities to support this incredible organization through donations, fundraising events, and volunteer engagement. |
👉 Learn more: https://www.fisherhousemichigan.org/
👉 Fisher House has TWO (2) dedicated Amazon Wish Lists, one for the Detroit house and one for the Ann Arbor House. Please be sure you use the links below to ensure you're donating to our charity:
Ann Arbor Fisher House Immediate Needs
Detroit Fisher House Immediate Needs
For more information on supporting Fisher House of Michigan, click here.
👉 GBTA Michigan will be coordinating opportunities to either cater a meal for each house OR show up IN PERSON to prepare a meal for the guests! STAY TUNED!
Donation form for the Dec 2026 auction! https://gbtamichigan.org/form.php?form_id=36&c=1
2026 Charity Committee Members
GBTA Michigan Charity Archives
Education
Keeping our members informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve.
Our Mission
The GBTA Michigan Education Committee is dedicated to providing professional development on travel-related topics through education forums and chapter seminars. We focus on timely, relevant industry topics that deliver real value, ROI, and practical knowledge our members can apply in their roles every day.
We stay closely connected to our membership — because your needs drive everything we do. We want every member to feel comfortable sharing what they want to learn, who they want to hear from, and what would make the biggest impact on their careers.
What We Do
• Host education forums and chapter seminars on relevant travel industry topics
• Bring in speakers and subject matter experts our members actually want to hear from
• Curate programming that delivers measurable value and ROI
• Actively listen to membership feedback to shape future content
• Create a welcoming space where every voice and every question is valued
We Want to Hear From You!
You’re the reason we do this — and your input directly shapes our programming. Here’s how you can get involved:
• Have a topic you’re dying to learn more about for your role?
• Heard a speaker who blew you away and want to recommend them?
• Have a specific educational need you haven’t seen addressed yet?
• Just want to chat about what’s on your mind in the industry?
If you answered yes to any of the above — we want to know! Reach out to us directly or find any of our committee members at an upcoming meeting. No idea is too big or too small.
📧 Email us: [email protected]
Did You Know? GBTA Offers Certifications!
GBTA offers world-class education and certification programs designed specifically for business travel professionals — from foundational courses to masters-level designations. Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, there’s always a next step on the GBTA learning path.
Programs include:
• GTP (Global Travel Professional) — The premier certification for business travel professionals
• GLP (Global Leadership Professional) — Masters-level education for senior travel managers
• CCTE (Certificate in Corporate Travel Execution) — Advance your knowledge in travel and business best practices
• Fundamentals of Business Travel Management — Perfect for those newer to the field
🔗 Explore GBTA Professional Development & Certifications
Education Committee
Aili Crumbaugh — Rocket LLC
Eugenia Fregoso — Posados Hotels
Blaise Gener — Marriott
Yana Walker — BWH
Questions? Find us at any meeting or drop us a line — we’re here to help you grow!
Government Committee
The Voice of the Business Travel Industry.
GBTA Advocacy
GBTA advocates across the globe for policies that better the business travel industry. Promoting passenger facilitation, healthy infrastructure, and a tax and fee system that benefits rather than burdens the traveler are key priorities for travel buyers and the travelers they manage.
From the Rules of the Road to the passage of infrastructure and passenger facilitation legislation — GBTA is recognized as the voice of the global business travel industry.
🔗 Explore GBTA Advocacy Priorities
Contact Your Elected Officials
Knowing who represents you — and how to reach them — is one of the most powerful tools you have.
Connect with your elected officials directly:
🔗 Contact your U.S. Senator
🔗 Contact your U.S. House Representative
Get Involved
Your GBTA Michigan Government Relations Committee works closely with GBTA to educate chapter members on current issues and make this important topic accessible to everyone — regardless of your political background or experience.
Whether you have questions, want to learn more, are interested in joining the committee, or want to find out how to support the causes that impact your business travel program — we’d love to hear from you. Reach out anytime.
Committee Members
Cecile Mutch — Kalamazoo Aeronautics (Airport) Board Trustee
Your voice matters — in Michigan and in Washington.
Meeting Planning Committee
Creating Meaningful Connections Through Exceptional Experiences.
GBTA Michigan Meetings
The Meeting Planning Committee is dedicated to designing, promoting, and delivering engaging, high-quality events that bring our business travel community together.
From educational sessions to networking experiences, our meetings are thoughtfully curated to support professional development, industry insight, and meaningful connection. As the role of the travel professional continues to evolve, in-person engagement remains a powerful driver of collaboration, learning, and innovation.
There’s simply no substitute for sharing ideas, building relationships, and learning from one another in real time.
Host a GBTA Michigan Event
We’re always looking for unique and inspiring venues to host our events.
Hosting a GBTA Michigan meeting offers the opportunity to:
- Showcase your property to 80–100 travel industry professionals
- Gain exposure to corporate travel buyers and decision-makers
- Highlight your space, services, and capabilities directly to those managing travel and meetings spend
Hosts are also provided time during the program to present their property and connect with attendees.
From hotels and conference spaces to stadiums, zoos, golf clubs, and airports — we love creative, memorable venues that elevate the attendee experience.
Get Involved
Interested in helping plan events or sourcing future venues? We’d love to have you involved.
Whether you’re looking to:
- Join the committee
- Recommend a venue
- Support event planning efforts
Reach out anytime.
Committee Members
- Jim Buttkus — JTB Business Travel
- Dave Jensen — AmexGBT
- Amy Marciano-Ratliff — Retired Member
- Mary Jo Theimer — Fox World Travel
Join Our Committee!
Contact the Meetings Committee: [email protected]
We look forward to working with you and creating memorable experiences together.
Membership Committee
Welcome to GBTA Michigan
You're part of a community of business travel professionals who learn together, support one another, and build lasting relationships. Whether this is your first industry association or your fifth — you're welcome, wanted, and encouraged to engage.
About GBTA Michigan
GBTA Michigan is an official chapter of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), one of the world's largest business travel organizations. We serve as a hub for travel industry professionals across Michigan — connecting travel managers, procurement leaders, suppliers, and everyone in between.
Membership is open to individuals engaged in travel procurement, transportation, lodging, and associated professions. No matter where you are in your career, there's a place for you here.
Why Join?
Programs & Education We invest the bulk of our resources in the education and professional development of our members. From industry best practices to emerging trends, GBTA Michigan keeps you informed and strategically positioned for success.
Networking Success in business begins with relationships. We create an environment where every member feels welcome — and where the connections you make extend well beyond the meeting room.
Volunteerism & Leadership GBTA Michigan is powered by volunteers. Our committees are led by respected professionals who are passionate about moving the industry forward. Getting involved is one of the fastest ways to grow — personally and professionally.
Member Benefits
- Industry Benchmarking — Learn best practices from your peers and apply them to your own travel programs
- Networking — Connect with travel buyers, suppliers, and industry leaders across Michigan
- Education — Access seminars, newsletters, and forums covering the latest industry trends
- Professional Development — Scholarship opportunities to help you grow as a travel professional
- Volunteer Opportunities — Get involved in meaningful ways that fit your interests and schedule
- Global Affiliation — As an official GBTA chapter, tap into resources, research, and a worldwide network
New to GBTA Michigan? Start Here.
We put together a New Member Cheat Sheet to help you hit the ground running. It covers how to get involved, stay connected, and make the most of your membership — right from day one.
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Download the New Member Cheat Sheet |
Ready to Join?
We'd love to have you. Complete your membership application today, or reach out to our Membership Committee with any questions — we're happy to help.
Membership Committee
Hiba Fasho — Superior Hospitality
LaParise Elerson — Marriott Detroit Metro Airport
Matthew Coates — World Travel Inc.
Questions? Want help getting connected? Just ask — we're glad you're here!
Scholarship
Investing in the Future of Business Travel Professionals.
The Scholarship Program is designed to support members in advancing their careers and deepening their expertise within the business travel industry.
Through financial assistance for education, training, and certification opportunities, these scholarships help strengthen both individual growth and the broader GBTA Michigan community. Whether pursuing industry credentials or expanding professional knowledge, recipients gain valuable tools to elevate their impact.
Because when one member grows, we all benefit.
How Scholarships Work
Scholarships are awarded to qualified, active GBTA Michigan members and may be applied toward a variety of professional development opportunities.
- Applicants may apply for up to two scholarship opportunities
- Award amounts vary based on need and availability
- Funding may be issued as direct payment or reimbursement with receipts
- Funds must be used within one year of acceptance
- Scholarships are non-transferable and awarded to the individual
- Scholarships cannot be applied to programs already completed
Important Notes
- GBTA volunteers receive complimentary registration and may apply scholarship funds toward related travel expenses or GBTA membership
- If you are not currently a GBTA member and are not exhibiting at GBTA Convention, membership must be purchased prior to registration
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, applicants must:
- Be an active GBTA Michigan member in good standing at the time of application, award, and fund distribution
- Have company support, including approval for time and/or supplemental funding
- Comply with all application timelines and requirements
Give Back to the Community
Scholarship recipients are asked to share their experience by:
- Presenting insights at an upcoming GBTA Michigan meeting and/or
- Contributing a short article for GBTA Michigan communications or social channels
This helps extend the value of each scholarship across the entire membership.
Additional Information
Questions? We’re here to help.
- Scholarships for new members require final Board approval
Get Involved
Interested in applying or supporting the program? We’d love to connect.
Whether you’re looking to:
- Apply for a scholarship
- Recommend a candidate
- Support the program
Reach out anytime—we’re always excited to help members grow.
Sponsorship
Partnering to Advance the Business Travel Community.
GBTA Michigan Sponsorship Opportunities
GBTA Michigan offers meaningful sponsorship opportunities designed to connect your brand with a highly engaged and targeted audience of business travel professionals.
With approximately 150 members — representing a mix of direct buyers (40%) and allied suppliers (60%) — our chapter brings together decision-makers, influencers, and industry partners from across the region.
Our in-person meetings regularly welcome 80–100 attendees, creating an ideal environment for authentic networking, relationship building, and business development.
2026 Sponsorship Update
Our 2026 Annual Sponsorships are currently sold out — a testament to the strength and engagement of our community. However, there are still several high-impact, ad hoc sponsorship opportunities available throughout the year, offering targeted visibility and meaningful connection at key moments. These opportunities are limited and designed to align with specific events, experiences, and member engagement touchpoints.
Why Sponsor GBTA Michigan?
Sponsorship provides the opportunity to:
- Build visibility with corporate travel buyers and decision-makers
- Strengthen relationships within the Michigan business travel community
- Showcase your brand in a professional, high-impact setting
- Engage directly with attendees through in-person experiences and recognition
Your support plays a critical role in enabling:
- Educational programming and industry-leading speakers
- Member scholarships and professional development
- Advocacy efforts supporting the business travel industry
- High-quality in-person events that foster meaningful connection
Explore Available Opportunities
Interested in securing one of the remaining sponsorship opportunities?
🔗 View Available Sponsorship Opportunities & Apply: Michigan Chapter - Catalog
Get Involved
Have questions or want to explore the right fit for your organization?
We’re always excited to collaborate with partners who are passionate about advancing the business travel industry.
Committee Members
Sandra Black, CTA — Golden Limousine International
Paula Mikola — Metro Cars
Kerri Nelson — Avis Budget Group
Shirley Randall, GTP — National Airlines
