PCMA and Macnair Travel Management develop online travel portal

The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) announced MacNair Travel Management, a privately owned American Express representative office, has been named as its official travel management company, and is launching an online travel booking portal for attendees for the 2011 annual meeting; Convening Leaders.


“MacNair Travel is a proven player in the travel management field for associations,” said Deborah Sexton, president and CEO, PCMA. “They are active in the association community, and have a track record for results, that’s why we selected them. They have helped us enhance our travel procurement system internally and have created a best-in-class travel portal. We hope it inspires our members to take advantage of the discounts, and revisit this type of opportunity for their large conventions.”

MacNair Travel has more than 50 major association customers around the country and recently announced a separate product for their association and member organization customer which is being marketed under AssociationTravelManagement.com.

President and CEO of MacNair Travel Michael MacNair said that he could not be more proud to be associated with such a fine and professional organization that leads its industry with commitment and creativity.

“As far as the convention air site is concerned, the desire of attendees to save money and reserve travel at discounted rates with technological ease is the reason why, our travel tool, and the marketing that goes along with it, comes together for a successful package for organizations with large numbers of attendees,” said MacNair. “The success of the convention air portal will translate into money and time savings for travelers.”

Also according to McNair, the travel savings focus is many times completely on fees, the smallest portion of any total cost, but the average association domestic ticket cost for airfare last year was $312 USD versus a $479.76 USD national average.

“We deliver these consistent savings through best-in-class search tools and policy enforcement,” said McNair. “Policies that we help create and update. That’s nearly $170 USD savings per ticket. The McNair Travel Management approach puts clients back in control of their travel budget, delights travelers and provides opportunities for associations to have a non-dues revenue opportunity.”

PCMA’s 2011 Convening Leaders will be held January 9-12, in Las Vegas, Nev. More than 3,000 meetings industry leaders will attend four days of outstanding networking opportunities, leading education and the latest innovations.

In addition to the 50-plus sessions addressing legal issues, revenue streams, attendance building, professional development, and more, Convening Leaders will help attendees build strong relationships with other meetings, convention, and exhibition leaders.

Registration for Convening Leaders is now open for members, and opens September 27 for non-members. When registering, PCMA members and attendees will be provided a link to the MacNair Travel Portal where they can book discounted air fare and rental cars.