News from LAWA 

Allegiant Air to Offer Service at LAX
Low-cost airline, Allegiant Air, LLC, a subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT,) will soon inaugurate nonstop service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to 13 of America's "favorite" small cites beginning Friday, May 1.  To celebrate, the low-cost airline is offering special fares to/from LAX starting at $29*one-way.  
Read more...
  

Flight Path Museum Receives Gift 
Country crooner Susan Raye on Friday donated one of the two Gold Records she earned for her song "L.A. International Airport" to the Flight Path Museum. The tune peaked at No. 9 on the country music charts and No. 54 on the pop charts in 1971. The song, which chronicles a couple's heart-wrenching breakup, was written by Leanne Scott. It was recognized as the airport's official song in 2003, when LAX marked its 75th anniversary.

LAX Concessions

LAX will put retail and food & beverage concessions in four terminals out to bid next week following authorization from the L.A. Board of Airport Commissioners on Monday. Proposals will be due Sept. 16 for a total of 42 concessionaire locations in Terminals 4, 5, 7 & 8. RFPs for concessions in other domestic terminals will be released later this year.

Read more...

May 13:

LABTA Monthly Program 

Join LABTA at American Honda Motor Co. when Will Tate will moderate a panel of Travel Managers for this special "Ask A Travel Manager" Panel.

Travel managers and allied members will be able to ask burning questions they have on any travel-related subject. Both seasoned travel managers and new travel managers can gain from the wisdom and experience of our illustrious panel. Our panel will feature representatives from a variety of industries. Don't miss this opportunity to learn and share experiences and knowledge with other travel managers.

Click here for more details and to register.

Spotlight on

Board Committees

Outreach Programs Committee

The purpose of the Outreach programs is to leverage the resources of LABTA to enhance education, networking and resources for business travel buyers and suppliers in Orange County and the Inland Empire.  

With the assistance of Edward Michels and Kathleen Sedlmayr, LABTA is bringing content and programs to the heart of the business travel community and adding their voice to Southern California business travel initiatives.  Complimenting these efforts, Outreach Programs acts as the liaison between LABTA and the other California BTA chapters including SDBTA, SVBTA and BABTA with the goal of creating synergies and opportunities that will benefit California membership representing over 20 percent of NBTA's membership.
 
Meet LABTA's Outreach Programs Director
Erik Dahlerbruch is the general manager of the 130 room Pacific Edge - Hotel on Laguna Beach.  Having started this past January, Erik leads a group of hospitality professionals dedicated to creating unique experiences at this alternative, full-service, beachfront hotel; just two blocks walking distance into Downtown Laguna and minutes from the business centers of Irvine and Costa Mesa.  Prior to January, Erik spent more than 20 years in hospitality sales and marketing holding various positions including corporate director of sales for Westmont Hospitality, vice president hotel sales for LA INC, The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau, director of sales of the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, and director of sales of the Renaissance National Sales Office. Erik holds a bachelor's degree in hotel and restaurant management from the University of Denver.
 
This May, Erik celebrates his 15th wedding anniversary with his beautiful wife Merin.  Together, they are the proud parents of Jarred (12) and Holden (8).  Weekends are spent building sand castles in front of "dad's" hotel or at the local baseball or soccer field.  Vacations are spent together in foreign countries meeting new friends, discovering treasured history and embracing new cultures. 
 

DEADLINE EXTENDED for $9,000 in Scholarships Available from NBTA Chapter Presidents Council 

The new deadline date for Individual Scholarship is Friday, May 8.  Only Electronic submissions will be accepted
 
Visit the NBTA web site for complete information.
 
The scholarships available are: 

• NBTA membership (Allied & Direct) (2)
• Convention registration (Direct only) (2)
• Continuing Education Scholarship for CCTE or GLP (Allied and Direct) (9)
• Monies can be applied towards:
• Either 2 or 5 day GLP (tuition only)
• CCTE Core week (tuition only)
• CCTE Electives (tuition only)
• Chapter CCTE Electives ($100 towards the Certification)
• CPC Memorial Scholarship (Allied or Direct) - in honor of the outstanding accomplishments and commitment to those that served in the Chapter Presidents' Council. This award is intended to honor the memory and recognize those who have made significant contributions to the CPC, NBTA, and travel community. (1)

This Saturday: LABTA Team Participates in the Revlon Run/Walk for Women

It's not too late to join the team!  Online registration is open through Friday, May 8 at 8:00 am.  Bring a print out to the "Online Registrations May 5 to May 7" for a bib.  On-site registrations can still be added to our team - write team number 927 on the back of the scan card. Performance by Melissa Manchester and a post-run concert by Michael Bolton.
 
For more info, contact Kathy Pratt - (949) 798-7955 (work) or (714) 743-1124 (cell) or email at kpratt@edisonmission.com.
 
Online donations: https://www.revlonrunwalk.com/la/secure/TeamWebPage.cfm?pID=47205&eid=944116 
 

LABTA Welcomes New

Committee Chairperson

eNewsletter Chair:

Jeff Sewalson was recently named chairperson for the new LABTA News Bytes eNewsletter. 

 
Jeff began his 25-year sales career in the travel industry with Eastern Airlines in 1984, the same year he became a member of LABTA.  Rounding out his airlines experience, he spent time working with Aerolineas Argentinas, Continental Micronesia and Continental Airlines where he represents the Los Angeles area, as sales manager.  

In 2007 Jeff earned his CTE designation from NBTA, along with all Continental Airlines sales managers, becoming the first airline to have an entire sales force successfully complete the program.  He received his bachelor's degree in public administration from the University of Southern California.

Jeff welcomed the opportunity to work with Frank Dole on the Communications and Legislative Affairs Committee.  Please send any member news to:   Jeff.Sewalson@coair.com

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 tradeshow.  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.
 
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 a 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.

The 2009 NBTA International Convention & Exposition will be in San Diego from August 23-26.
 
Volunteer positions for the convention will be posted at www.sdbta.org for ALL attendees starting June 1, 2009.   

Good News! LABTA members will be able to volunteer before this date but after SDBTA members.  The date will be sometime after May 15, 2009.
 
Please check the SDBTA website regularly. New information is coming soon!