Message from the LABTA President

Dear LABTA member,
 
I have just come back from vacation!  Yes, that wonderful three-syllable word that means so much to so many of us. This one was different, however. I spent my time on a charity cycling ride. I completed the ALC8, a ride to support AIDS Research. We cycled from San Francisco to Los Angeles over the period of one week.  I was able to raise almost $6,000 personally, and the ride itself raised more than $10.5 million!  There were 2,150 riders, and more than 500 "roadies" who were volunteers supporting all functions of the ride including everything from food service to cleaning up after 1,000 tents had cleared a park/camp.  It was an incredible experience sharing a common goal.
 
Of course, cycling up to 105 miles in a day allows for some periods of reflection.  I was able to admire the beautiful farmlands of California that provide so much food for so many.  I saw workers in fields harvesting the goods.  I saw small school children who were allowed out of class to cheer and clap and encourage the riders on their route.  I saw a lady in a wheelchair on the side of the road in a small village with a sign that said..."you ride for me."  This experience enriched my life in so many ways.

Perhaps the greatest lesson I took away from this is that each and every one of us matters, can contribute, and can effect change.  We're an association made up of a diverse range of individuals, each with our own "story," yet we're all in this rich and colorful industry working to make it through some very challenging times.  Our diversity, compassion and collective energy can achieve so very much - we just need to ensure that we are all working as a team.  
 
So - please help us help each other.  We're a volunteer lead organization - your participation is critical to our success.  Become part of a committee, or even lead the charge to help recruit other members.  We have our first ever Casino Royale night coming up next month - why not bring a prospective member with you?
 
Thank you for allowing me to represent you - I truly believe in LABTA!
 
Cheers!
Craig Banikowski 
 

News from LAWA

LAX TRAFFIC
Passenger traffic at LAX fell 6.2% in April compared with the same month last year - from 4,949,835 in April 2008 to 4,641,468 in April 2009. Domestic traffic was off 4.5 percent while international declined 10.8 percent. For the first four months of 2009, passenger traffic at LAX is down 11.2 percent year over year with the domestic segment down 9.1 percent and international down 15.3 percent.
 
ONT TRAFFIC
At LA/Ontario International, total traffic was down 23.5 percent from 554,427 passengers in April 2008 to 424,154 in April 2009. For the first four months of 2009, ONT traffic is off 29.9 percent from 2,211,489 to 1,551,164. The rate of decline at both airports was less than in previous months this year. This is attributed to Easter falling in April this year and airlines stimulating demand through aggressive pricing. 
 
LAX GOES LIVE WITH SYSTEM DESIGNED TO PREVENT RUNWAY INCURSIONS
Officials at Los Angeles International Airport recently unveiled a new $7 million lighting system designed to reduce the risk of runway incursions. To read a recent article about the new system, click here. 
 
LAX FLYAWAY BUS FARES FROM VAN NUYS AND UNION STATION TO INCREASE EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2009
Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners approved a fare increase for the LAX FlyAway bus service originating from Van Nuys and Union Station.  The new $7 one-way fare for these two routes for the non-stop service to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) will start August 1, 2009.  The fare for a third route, Westwood to LAX, will remain unchanged at $5, since it is still an emerging market.

July 16: Casino Royale

You Can Bet On It - EVERYONE WILL BE THERE!

Date:  Thursday,  July 16, 2009

Location:  The Lot
                 1041 Formosa Ave.
                 West Hollywood, CA 90045

Tradeshow/Casino Hours:  5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
   
LABTA has traded in its trade show for "Casino Royale."   This is a new take on our annual trade show.  We are combining it with a casino night to give attendees a chance to mingle and get to know one another on a more personal level.  Mark your calendar, Thursday, July 16 at The Lot in West Hollywood.   There will be gaming, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and FUN.
 
TIME TO SIGN UP - sponsorships are filling up fast. 

Attention Exhibitors: Register for your space today and put your company's best foot forward this July!  There are different participation levels to allow allied members to participate within their budget.  There is no limit on the various levels, so make sure you complete the application and fax it to the LABTA office as soon as possible.
 

Click here to download Exhibitor Application.

Support NBTA PAC with a $10 Donation

 
Congratulations to our membership for meeting two out of the three goals for this year's chapter challenge! We have only one more element left to meet. We are tasked with raising $500 for the NBTA PAC. If each of the 250+ members of LABTA donates $10 each in personal non-reimbursed funds to the PAC - we'll exceed the challenge by 500% and exceeding expectations is what the dynamic membership of LABTA is all about! We do it every day for our clients and our stakeholders.  The funds will go to a worthy cause helping put the voice of business travel front and center with our elected officials.

Please make your $10 check out to NBTA PAC and mail to NBTA PAC FUND c/o LABTA 210 N. Glen Oaks Blvd. Burbank CA 91502 -

For more info on the PAC, click here.  

If you have any questions please contact Frank Dolce at fdolce@osi-systems.com.

Save Money: LABTA Members Receive NBTA Rates for GLP Program

Analyzing Complex Decisions
August 22-23, 2009
San Diego
Competency: Management
 
Need help finding the right pricing model before you sign contracts? This program seeks to introduce participants to simple models and ideas that provide powerful (and oftentimes surprising) qualitative insights about a large spectrum of managerial problems.  Second, it aims to give participants a feeling for the kinds of problems that can be tackled quantitatively, the methods and software available for doing so, and the difficulties involved in gathering the relevant data.
 
To learn more and to register for this upcoming Global Leadership Professional Program event, click here.
 

June Meeting Recap:

Tips for Road Warriors

LABTA's June meeting was hosted by the terrific staff at the recently renovated Los Angeles Airport Marriott. More than 80 members and guests were treated to the highly entertaining speaker Laurie Rusin, a former American Airlines flight attendant, now the president and founder of LXR Travel.  She provided us with tips and secrets for the Road Warrior.  Who knew traveling could be so much fun? 
 
We all learned how to pack our clothes in one suitcase as a package, do not fold.  Also, remember you only need three pairs of underwear for a week's trip and don't forget the reversible clothing.  It saves space.  Laurie showcased several new gadgets designed to make travel more comfortable.  Tri-fold bag nametag for your carry on bag - a great place to stow your cell phone/keys while going through the TSA x-ray screening.  The Boyfriend Pillow - it'll keep your head in place while snoozing during the flight. And lastly, the Knee Saver - which prevents the seat in front of you from reclining into your space.  Who knew? Everyone was amazed!

And Finally...Did You Know? 

Did you know that Yield Management, an economic concept first described by Dr. Matt H. Keller, was first employed by American Airlines in 1985 by Robert Crandall who said it was "the single most important technical development in transportation management since we entered deregulation." Designed to sell the right resources to the right customer at the right time for the right price, Yield Management has seen its share of controversy, mostly as some believe it results in price discrimination. Nevertheless, it's a model that has been adopted by the entire industry and is even being used in other non-travel related industries such as housing, television ad sales, and overnight package delivery. The concert industry is considering using it as well, so we could see Ticketmaster using Yield Management to price tickets to see our favorite music artists some time in the future! 14-day advance purchase to Coldplay anyone? For more on this subject, click here.