WINiT@GBTA FAQs

Exciting News…

GBTA ACQUIRES WINiT

Members continue to benefit from the strength of WINiT programming under GBTA,
including WINiT events, educational offerings and advocacy.

“I founded WINiT to drive long-term change for women across our industries. As WINiT entered its fifth year, it became clear that merging with GBTA would advance our mission. Their global footprint, industry reach and shared vision were obvious points of synergy – ones we believe will facilitate the next stage of growth.”

Michelle "Mick" LeeFounder, WINiT

“Bringing these two organizations together was a natural evolution, one that will deliver a variety of benefits to both GBTA and WINiT members. As a longtime WINiT supporter, I believe in its mission and the need within the industry for programs and services that support women’s career development and advancement.”

Christle JohnsonGBTA President

“Merging WINiT into GBTA allows us to take WINiT’s mission worldwide. We look forward to bringing WINiT content to GBTA events across the globe and finding unique ways to engage WINiT members focused on meetings and exhibitions.”

Michael W. McCormickGBTA Executive Director and COO

The announcement came August 13th at the GBTA Convention 2018 held in San Diego, California. GBTA and WINiT leadership made the joint announcement in front of the Convention’s nearly 7,000 attendees.

Through this acquisition, members of GBTA and WINiT will benefit through access to both organization’s programs, services and an expanded network of approximately 12,000 industry professionals. Sponsors, Partners and Members continue to benefit from the strength of WINiT programming under GBTA, including WINiT events, educational offerings and advocacy.

WINiT will continue operations supported by long-time WINiT team members Dawn Repoli, Laura Richey, Sue Wyslick and Miriam Paska.

The leadership teams from both organizations will thoughtfully assess the future of WINiT at GBTA along with plans for upcoming programming and the formation of a senior level advisory board, which will include WINiT Founder, Mick.

Stay tuned for more announcements coming this fall on the future of WINiT at GBTA!

Live TV Interview Video Announcement Announcement on BTN Ad in BTN

WINiT Summit 2018 Highlight Video Here to Stay TV Interview Podcast Interview

WINiT@GBTA Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of WINiT’s acquisition by GBTA?

Since WINiT was founded in 2014, the organization has grown to over 3,000 members in more than 40 countries. GBTA boasts over 9,000 members in more than 100 countries. WINiT was acquired by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) in 2018. This acquisition delivers benefits to both WINiT and GBTA supporters including access to both organizations’ programs, services, and 12,000 strong combined network of industry professionals. WINiT is now a stand-alone business unit within GBTA, offering community opportunities independent from GBTA membership.

I am a member of WINiT. What happens with my membership?

If you had not previously chosen a membership level, you will automatically become a Community member. If you are currently an Embark, Ascend or Pinnacle member of WINiT, contact dawn.repoli@winitforwomen.org to transition to a Contributor membership.

I want to become a member of WINiT. What are my membership options?

WINiT offers two options:

WINiT Community Membership – it’s free!

Join the WINiT Community and become part of a distinctive network of women and men committed to driving change for women in travel-related industries.

Community benefits include:

WINiT and other industry event information and communications
Invitations to education sessions and webinars
Access to WINiT Career Board – post resumes, see job postings
Invitations to apply for industry speaking opportunities

WINiT Contributor Level

As a WINiT Contributor, you make a measurable impact on the careers and lives of women in the travel-related industries. Your contribution of $300 or more offers a variety of unique benefits that showcase your passion and dedication to WINiT’s mission and women around the world.

Receive all Community Benefits, plus:

Receive $50 USD Discount to WINiT Summit 2019 – Chicago
Exclusive Recognition
- VIP Table at WINiT Summit 2019 – Chicago
- Meet & Greet with WINiT Summit 2019 – Chicago Keynote Speaker
- Feature in the WINiT Newsletter
Access to WINiT’s mentor matching system

I am a member of GBTA. Do I still need to sign up for a WINiT membership?

Yes. Membership in each organization is separate and delivers distinctive but complementary benefits to professionals in the travel-related industries. Become a Community or Contributor Member today.

I’m a member of the meetings, events and exhibition industry which WINiT supported. How will GBTA continue that component of the WINiT mission?

WINiT has always understood and built its programs and services to address the complementary nature of the travel-related industries, which includes these components.

How do I sign up for volunteer opportunities with WINiT and GBTA?

WINiT and GBTA continue to thrive through the generous support of volunteers.

To support WINiT in a volunteer capacity, please complete the volunteer application form.
To support GBTA in a volunteer capacity, please complete this form.

I am actively engaged in a mentor relationship through the WINiT mentor matching system. How do I still track and manage that relationship going forward?

Participation in both GBTA’s Ladders mentor program and WINiT’s mentor matching system is highly encouraged. Participants in mentor relationships through WINiT’s mentor matching system may continue using and managing their mentor relationships as usual.

As of May 1, 2019, we ask that you become a WINiT Contributor to continue with WINiT mentorship. Your participation in this valuable system is very important to us and the career development of women in travel-related industries. Please become a Contributor before May 1, 2019.

Will WINiT continue to maintain current operations?

WINiT is now fully integrated as a GBTA business unit.

Are you interested in becoming a WINiT sponsor?

Please contact Sehrab Grewal at sehrab.grewal@winitforwomen.org for more information on sponsorship opportunities.

What events will WINiT be hosting in 2019?

We are excited to share that WINiT will be hosting several WINiT events in 2019 including WINiT Summit 2019 – Chicago in conjunction with GBTA Convention 2019. Other events that will showcase WINiT content and speakers include:

GBTA Conference 2019 – Mexico City
GBTA Conference 2019 – Toronto
GBTA Conference 2019 – Munich

Visit the WINiT Calendar of Events for more information and a full list of events.

WINiT will also continue to work with members to coordinate WINiT Gatherings. Coordinated by WINiT Members in their home location, WINiT Gatherings are hyper-local events that provide opportunities for members and potential members to connect and network in a relaxed social environment. Learn more or find out how you can host a WINiT Gathering.

Are there any savings on event registration provided for WINiT members?

WINiT Contributors will receive $50 in savings off of registration for WINiT Summit 2019 — Chicago. Anyone who registers for both WINiT Summit 2019 – Chicago and GBTA Convention 2019 will receive an additional $100 in savings.

Will WINiT’s staff continue to support WINiT programming under GBTA?

Under GBTA, WINiT’s programming, including WINiT events and educational offerings, will continue normal operations staffed by long-time WINiT team members under the direction of Dawn Repoli.

Where can I go for more information about GBTA’s programming?

Visit gbta.org to learn more and view their events calendar.

Thank You, WINiT Board of Directors

WINiT Founder Michelle (Mick) Lee launched the non-profit organization in 2014 in response to a lack of female representation at senior executive levels and at speaking engagements in the travel and hospitality industry, a sector with an employee base that is more than 65 percent female.

The WINiT launch event in 2014 was held in conjunction with the GBTA Convention with more than 450 industry attendees representing both buyers and suppliers in the industry.

Since then, WINiT has realized year over year growth to more than 3,000 members in more than 40 countries and has formed a diverse list of sponsors and partners, expanding its reach to include the meeting, events and exhibition industries.

Recognizing the synergies with WINiT and GBTA and the opportunities to grow the organization in a sustainable manner, the WINiT BOD, led by Board Chair Ron DiLeo, unanimously voted in favor of the acquisition.

Special thanks to BOD members for their tireless efforts in the journey of WINiT
which has now exploded on a global scale under the GBTA umbrella.