Details

118 Soledad Street San Antonio, TX 78205

Join Us July 8 for an Important Advocacy & Legislative Update

Business travel continues to face new challenges, evolving regulations, and shifting policy priorities. Join us on July 8 at the Hampton Inn/Home2 Suites on Soledad Street for an engaging and informative session focused on how advocacy efforts are shaping the future of our industry.

This special presentation will feature Chriselda Barrientes, Regional Sales Partner at Air Canada and Government Relations Committee Chair for the GBTA Texas Chapter, alongside Matt Assolin, Vice President of RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation and Vice-Chair of the GBTA Government Relations Committee/Legislative Advisory Council.

Together, Chriselda and Matt bring decades of experience in business travel, transportation, industry advocacy, and government relations. Their unique perspectives will provide attendees with valuable insight into the legislative priorities, policy challenges, and advocacy efforts impacting the future of business travel.

What You'll Learn

Discover how GBTA works year-round to represent the interests of the global business travel community and learn why your voice—and your participation—matter. Gain valuable insights into the current legislative landscape, understand key issues affecting our industry, and explore ways to support advocacy initiatives that drive meaningful change.

Topics Include:

• 2026 Congressional Update
• 2026 GBTA Legislative Agenda
• Highlights from the 2026 GBTA Legislative Summit
• 2026 Chapter Challenge
• Understanding Political Action Committees (PACs)
• How PACs Impact the Business Travel Industry
• Ways to Support and Strengthen Industry Advocacy Efforts

Meet the Speakers

Chriselda Barrientes

As Regional Sales Partner for Air Canada, Chriselda Barrientes develops strategic partnerships and revenue opportunities with travel management companies, chambers of commerce, tourism organizations, and travel associations across the United States. Prior to joining Air Canada, she spent nearly 30 years with United and Continental Airlines in a variety of corporate and agency sales roles.

A longtime GBTA member and advocate, Chriselda currently serves as Government Relations Committee Chair for the GBTA Texas Chapter and has been actively involved with the Austin, San Antonio, and Texas Chapters since 2014. Her extensive industry experience and passion for advocacy make her a respected voice on issues affecting business travel.

Matt Assolin

Matt Assolin brings more than 20 years of leadership and advocacy experience to the transportation and business travel industries. As Vice President of RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, he helps guide one of the world's largest chauffeured transportation companies, with operations in major U.S. markets and affiliates in more than 600 cities globally.

Matt has dedicated much of his career to advancing industry advocacy efforts. He is a past Board Member of the National Limousine Association (NLA), currently chairs legislative advocacy initiatives for the chauffeured transportation industry, and serves as Vice-Chair of the GBTA Government Relations Committee/Legislative Advisory Council. His expertise in public policy, transportation, and business travel makes him a leading voice on legislative matters impacting our industry.

Why Attend?

Whether you're a travel buyer, supplier, travel manager, or industry professional, this session offers an excellent opportunity to:

• Stay informed on federal legislative developments.
• Understand GBTA's advocacy priorities and initiatives.
• Learn how policy decisions affect the business travel ecosystem.
• Discover ways to engage in and support industry advocacy efforts.
• Network with fellow travel professionals and industry leaders.

Register Today

Don't miss this opportunity to hear directly from two of the industry's leading advocacy voices and gain a deeper understanding of the policies and initiatives shaping the future of business travel.

Reserve your seat today and be part of the conversation driving our industry's future.

Learn more about GBTA Advocacy: https://www.gbta.org/news-advocacy/advocacy/

Sip, Stay & Support Business Travel Advocacy

Join us in supporting the U.S. Business Travel PAC—the only federally recognized Political Action Committee dedicated to representing the business travel industry. Your donation helps amplify our industry's voice in Washington and supports policymakers who champion travel and transportation priorities.

As a thank-you for your contribution, you'll be entered into our Sip & Stay Prize Opportunity Drawing for a chance to win exciting hotel stays, and other great giveaways.

Donate. Advocate. Win. Every contribution helps keep business travel moving forward while giving you the opportunity to take home an amazing prize.

Meet agenda as follows:

11:00 am - 11:30am     Arrival and Networking

11:30am -   Seated lunch service begins 

11: 45am - 12:00pm   Chapter Announcements and Speaker intro

12:00pm - 12:45pm    Speaker 

12:45pm - 1:00pm      Questions and Wrap-up

1:00pm - 1:30 pm  Property or Facility tours and Farewells