TSA officers and other frontline workers were recognized with a standing ovation at this year’s Global Business Travel Association’s (GBTA) Convention in Orlando, Florida.
The event, which is an annual networking and educational opportunity for the worldwide business travel industry, gathered for their first in-person conference since the start of the pandemic.
At the kickoff session, Orlando International Airport (MCO) TSA Officers Edgar Pimentel, Keith Jenkins and Amanda Asencio, representing all TSA team members, joined Customs and Border Protection officers, airport and airline representatives, and other Florida frontline workers and first responders on stage in a tribute to their dedication and professionalism in service to others during the pandemic.
GBTA and the business travel industry was proud to give a well-deserved recognition to the many first responders and frontline workers who got us through the past 20 months, continuing to put themselves at risk to serve others during the pandemic,” said Suzanne Neufang, GBTA CEO.
“It was truly heartfelt and a privilege to stand with the TSA Orlando team and our community partners who worked tirelessly during the peak of the pandemic,” said MCO Stakeholder Liaison Carole Wright. “I want to thank the Global Business Travel Association who recognized TSA for our contribution.”
GBTA is the world’s largest professional association representing over 9,000 business travel professionals from every continent.
Members of TSA’s Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Marketing and Branding Division attended the conference to develop and strengthen TSA partnerships with business travel leaders from corporations, travel management companies, airlines, hotels, credit card companies and travel technology providers.
“While leisure travel is dominating our checkpoints today, we recognize it is only time before business travel fully returns,” said Marketing Manager R Marc Lerro. “Through engagement with industry associations, including GBTA, TSA is committed to strengthening our partnerships with the business travel community.”
By Karen Robicheaux, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs