Meetings and Events

BABTA Mission Statement

The Bay Area Business Travel Association’s (BABTA) mission is to be the principal source of business travel knowledge and networking in the San Francisco Bay Area. Industry experience is shared through educational events, social interaction, and travel industry advocacy.

• We believe relationships create value.
• We believe volunteerism drives success.
• We believe education makes members more successful.

BABTA Organization

Founded in 1975, the organization has over 150 members from different locations in the San Francisco Bay Area representing firms in all types of business: manufacturing, retail, banking, high tech, shipping, bio-technology, and construction. BABTA is a chapter of the Global Business Travel Association.

BABTA President's Message

Happy New Year BABTA members and supporters!  The annual ritual of flipping the calendar to a new number and making resolutions that we rarely keep has come and gone.  I hope you enjoyed the holidays and got some quality time with family and friends. 

With the new year comes a responsibility of the BABTA board to offer the best programs possible, valuable networking opportunities, and advocacy for our industry.  Join us and contribute to the conversations.  Let us know what’s relevant to you and your programs.  Give us the feedback necessary to understand what you need from your BABTA membership.  I know that every one of the board members is open to suggestions. 

By the way, the annual Gala at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel was a success and a lot of fun.  There was a party mood that we don’t often experience at these events.  Maybe it was because there is a new group of young members that are invigorating the chapter.  Thanks to the sponsors, especially:  Sir Francis Drake Hotel, BCD Travel, Yotel, Tripactions, Egencia, Flix in Motion, Cathay Pacific Airways, and Peju Wines.  Amanda Chorro-Predes did an outstanding job organizing the event.

In addition to the Gala festivities, we raised over $4,100 for the Bay Area Women’s and Children’s Center (BAWCC) thanks to the huge contribution of Cathay Pacific Airways.  We’re grateful to board member Mazie Rice for spearheading the effort and managing the Go Fund Me contributions. Also, thank you to the Shangri La Hotels and the Langham Hotels for their contributions that directly benefit BAWCC. 

With the new year comes change for the BABTA Board.  Members cycling off the board are Karen Morrison-Perry from United Airlines, Ryan Pierce from Salesforce, Suzie Chickeles from Emirates Airlines, Pam Schramm of BCD Travel, and Gary Murakami of MGM Resorts.  New members joining the board are Eric Schwarz of National/Enterprise, Katie Romanko of Dropbox, and Jason Beckham of Airbnb.  Not to be left out, there are continuing members of the board to recognize:  Judy Emma of Cloudfare, Carey Pascoe of Dolby, Greg Sweeney of Egencia, Lindsey Berg McLean of Coral Tree Hospitality, Frankie Rodriguez of Slack, Mazie Rice of Cathay Pacific, Heather Parodi of Ross Stores, Chris Wang of BEI Hotel, Amanda Chorro-Predes of Avis-Budget, and Mark Vega of Helms Briscoe. 

Finally, of particular note, Gary Murakami has served the BABTA Board for over 18 years.  In honor of Gary’s vast contributions to BABTA, a scholarship has been named for him and will be awarded to deserving members in perpetuity.  He has been a huge contributor to BABTA for many years and I want to personally thank him for his service.  Thank you, Gary!

Enjoy the new year!  Keep those resolutions!  And help BABTA assist you to make your travel programs best in class!

Best regards / Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Saludos / 顺颂商祺 /Sincères salutations / सादर,

Mark