The Global Business Travel Association has announced the creation of a new task force to focus on enhancing meetings strategy globally through education, thought leadership, industry collaboration, and sharing best practices. The group, led by Linda McNairy, vice president, strategic partner management, StarCite, will also elevate the concept of strategic meetings management, or SMM, which was originally defined by GBTA’s former Groups and Meetings Committee, to a global level.

“Our goal is to have a global impact on everyone involved in meetings management, from planning and executing to managing the overall meetings strategy within an organization,” says Michael W. McCormick, executive director and COO, GBTA. “The task force will focus on providing the best tools, resources, and education to make each gathering strategic and successful.”

The new task force will be comprised of industry thought leaders and practitioners. Its new strategic vision for Global SMM is expected to launch in early 2012.