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. Donors, 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 members will have access to GBTA’s expanded network of members, industry professionals, programming and more – all while enjoying continued WINiT programming, events and educational opportunities.

The acquisition optimizes the time, resources and financials of GBTA’s and WINiT’s collective members and sponsors.

WINiT specifically benefits from the acquisition with expanded reach and WINiT content at GBTA events and conferences globally. GBTA is able to leverage the WINiT brand and programs focused on gender equality, which complements GBTA educational initiatives.

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

We expect to be able to share more information about membership options this fall. In the meantime, WINiT Members will continue to have access to all existing WINiT programs and services. If you are not yet familiar with GBTA, we welcome you to review their programs and services. They look forward to working with you.

What will remain the same and what will change?

Leadership from both organizations are working diligently to finalize a detailed “go forward” plan that will address the programming and membership opportunities resulting from the acquisition. The same top-notch, high-level programming and networking you’ve come to expect from both organizations will remain in place during this transition period.

How will my Membership in WINiT and/or GBTA be impacted?

Are any of these questions on your mind?

As a Member of WINiT, will I receive credit towards a GBTA membership?
I am a member of WINiT and GBTA. Will there be a combined membership rate if I want to maintain both memberships?
Will my membership with WINiT be honored at GBTA until the expiration date?
Will I have access to GBTA programming and discounts to GBTA events with this?

We are currently working through a variety of program options regarding membership for both GBTA and WINIT members. Stay tuned for more information about membership options and updates to all of these questions.

I’m a member of the meeting, 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, meetings, events and exhibition industries. Leadership from both GBTA and WINIT are working to determine how to best support WINiT Members that represent the meeting, event and exhibition industries and GBTA recognizes the critical role these leaders play in the synergies between travel and meetings.

How do I sign up for volunteer opportunities with WINiT?

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.

How do I sign up for volunteer opportunities with GBTA?

GBTA continues to thrive thanks to a robust volunteer network. Please fill out this form to support GBTA in a volunteer capacity.

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

Both GBTA and WINiT have well-developed mentor programs. The benefits, processes , and resources associated with both programs will be assessed by leadership from both organizations after which a go forward plan will be developed and announced in this fall.

Will WINiT maintain current operations?

WINiT will be fully integrated as a GBTA business unit by the end of 2018. More information about the operational impact of the acquisition will be available in the coming months.

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 Dawn Repoli, Laura Richey, Sue Wyslick and Miriam Paska.

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 donors 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.