Versace (left) and Barenholtz on stage at the GBTA Convention
The National Limousine Association (NLA) made a splash at the recent Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention last week when it exhibited for the first time—which President Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Maine Limousine called a longstanding goal of the NLA Board that is now becoming a reality. Additionally, the NLA was the exclusive sponsor of the Wednesday Networking Lunch.
L to R: NLA President Brett Barenholtz, Treasurer Rick Versace, and Executive Director Kyle Hammerschmidt highlighting their Wednesday Networking Lunch sponsorship
The business travel convention has long been a staple for our industry—including many NLA members who have attended and exhibited over the years. The 2025 GBTA Convention was held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver this July 21-23 and was attended by thousands of business travel industry peers, suppliers, and partners. In addition to a robust exhibit hall, where the NLA had a booth, the event featured dozens of educational sessions and endless networking.
L to R: Jenna Koeble of Evins (NLA’s communication firm), Deputy Executive Director Sarah Mercer, Hammerschmidt, and Director Joe Gulino of Gem Worldwide
“From the moment we hit the Mainstage on Wednesday, it was clear that the NLA is being recognized as a powerful voice in the business travel world. Our exhibit booth drew strong interest from travel managers, corporate buyers, and operators alike, all eager to learn more about our members and the advantages of working with trusted, professional chauffeured transportation providers,” wrote Barenholtz in his President’s Letter.
The convention was also an opportunity for the NLA to unveil its newly redesigned NLARide platform, which Barenholtz detailed to attendees during the media day. Overall, the announcement was received positively, according to Barenholtz.
Barenholtz also offered gratitude to Executive Director Kyle Hammerschmidt, Deputy Executive Director Sarah Mercer, and entire NLA team as well as the NLA Public Relations Committee, including co-chairs, Rick Versace of A1A Global Ground, Jason Kaplan of The Driver Provider, Joe Gulino of Gem Worldwide, and Tiffany Hinton of MOTEV, for helping to make their presence at the conference a success.
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Pictures courtesy of the NLA
[07.29.25]
