The future of the travel industry was on display Monday in Orlando, where it plays a key role in the local economy's growth.
About 7,000 people from around the globe gathered for the Global Business Travelers Association Convention. They're people who manage business travel for their companies, and suppliers — from airlines to hotels to car rental companies — and their footprint in Orlando is big.
"It's about $20 million worth of impact here locally," said Michael McCormick, the GBTA's executive director. "We rent about 18,000 hotel rooms. We eat so much food and drinks, and entertain and do everything here in Orlando."
The theme of this year's convention is sharing. This week, they're sharing ideas, opportunities and information.
"Our guests here will explore the factors that will determine who leads and who follows in tomorrow's airline industry," McCormick said.
In the expo center is where people in the industry get real, person-to-person experience, checking out everything from the luxury seats travelers will soon be sitting in to what they'll be serving in Delta 1 cabins.
"It's kind of a one-stop shop," said Karin Thompson, director of global travel with ViaSat Inc. "I get to meet with my car vendors, my hotel vendors, my air vendors."
The bottom line, according to these industry leaders: Growing their industry goes hand in hand with national economic growth.
"Business travel is key to commerce in America, so if we have effective air travel and effective business travel, the commerce of America will continue to grow," said Rob Brown, director of corporate sales and distribution for Southwest Airlines.