UMA, NTA to co-locate shows in 2013

The United Motorcoach Association (UMA) and the National Tour Association (NTA) announced their plan to co-locate their two annual business events - the NTA Convention and the UMA Motorcoach Expo - beginning in the first quarter of 2013.

Earlier this year, the organizations were exploring the possibility of co-locating their annual events. Following months of due diligence, Lisa Simon, CTP, NTA president, said, "We had many details to resolve, but when your bottom line goal is to bring your members convenient and more affordable access to more business, it was easy for both the NTA and UMA leadership to make it happen."

"This partnership brings together the resources and brand power of two highly successful events to provide an even better experience for our attendees - from UMA's operators to NTA's travel packagers, not to mention hotels, attractions, destinations, restaurants and all those who service the dynamic group travel market - everyone will benefit," commented UMA President/CEO Victor S. Parra.

NTA and UMA first entered into a strategic partnership in late 2007 resulting in collaborative work at each association's annual event. Since then, UMA has managed the motorcoach exhibits at NTA's Convention and NTA has developed the "Destinations and Attractions" aisle at UMA's Motorcoach Expo.

Each association and its respective membership bring mutually beneficial strengths and expertise to the partnership. NTA's 3,000 members represent 48 countries. The business mix of its 700 tour company members is very diverse, and motorcoach travel is an integral part of their business. The collaboration with UMA brings NTA's diversity in touch with the more than 1,100 UMA members located across North America, offering more than 850 charter and tour bus operators who provide transportation services in all 50 U.S. states, Canada and Mexico.

In the coming months, NTA and UMA will work to solidify certain details including the specific date and location.