The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) today announced that The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger will be featured as a keynote speaker at the annual 2011 GBTA Convention in Denver, Colorado, August 21 – 24, 2011. Most recently serving as the 38th governor of California, Schwarzenegger’s career has included being a world champion athlete, dedicated public servant, environmental crusader, successful businessman and celebrated actor. Mr. Schwarzenegger’s appearance is made possible by Sabre Travel Network, GetThere & Travelocity Business.

As governor, Schwarzenegger served as California’s most effective marketing tool, traveling across the country and around the world endorsing California-grown products and unique services, as well as promoting the state’s many diverse travel destinations. Working with the California Travel and Tourism Commission to market California as a premiere destination, Schwarzenegger helped launched commercials in both domestic and foreign markets, hosted promotional events and receptions in foreign countries, promoted California at major trade shows across the globe, and signed numerous Memos of Understanding – all to build interest in California tourism.

“No one leads by example better than Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has led a long life of hard work and commitment not only to his own success but contributing to the success of the nation, the state of California, and notable charities across the country,” said Craig Banikowski, CCTE, C.P.M, CMM, GBTA President & CEO. “Schwarzenegger is the perfect person to speak at the first convention since becoming the Global Business Travel Association. His international success as an athlete, entrepreneur, and public servant are a model of what an interconnected world has to offer. It is an honor to have such an important figure at the GBTA Convention this year and we’re very excited.”

Schwarzenegger’s many notable accomplishments while governor of California included spearheading a nation-leading, bipartisan agreement to combat global warming, making major investments in improving California’s aging infrastructure through his Strategic Growth Plan, and signing legislation to improve California’s nutritional standards and education system.

His many accomplishments have earned him the praise of numerous organizations, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s “National Leadership Award” for his support of the organization’s Holocaust studies. Schwarzenegger was the only actor to be in both categories of the American Film Institute’s Hundred Years of Heroes and Villains. In 2002, Schwarzenegger was given the esteemed honor of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, presented to him by Ali, a longtime friend and sports mentor.

The GBTA Convention, with more than 6,000 attendees, is the largest, most comprehensive annual gathering of business travel and meetings managers, meeting planners, procurement professionals and suppliers in the world.