May 5, 2009, Washington, DC:: BABC members from more than 20 major business centers on both sides of the Atlantic gathered in Washington, DC, for the BABC's Annual Transatlantic Business Conference, Strengthening Transatlantic Links, from April 29-May 1, 2009.

Timed to coincide with the '100th Day' of the Obama Administration, the Conference program addressed key issues facing the transatlantic business community, including the financial/economic crisis, energy/sustainability, competitiveness, homeland security, defense cooperation, Open Skies and the growing threat of protectionism. Conference Speakers included the Chairmen and CEOs of major multinational companies, Congressional leaders, top government officials and international thought-leaders.

On the evenings of April 29 and 30, Sir Nigel Sheinwald, British Ambassador to the United States, hosted a Reception for some 300 guests at his Residence; and Sir Michael Rake, Chairman of BT, addressed a packed house of delegates at the Conference Gala Dinner at the Ritz-Carlton.

'The fact that we were able to hold such a hugely successful Conference, during such hugely challenging economic times, demonstrates the tremendous and growing strength and vitality of the BABC', commented Robin Hayes, incoming President of the BABC and Chief Commercial Officer for JetBlue Airways. 'It provided a fantastic, high-level networking opportunity for everyone who came, as well as a tremendous learning experience'.

Michael Ferguson, President of BABA, the BABC's Washington chapter which hosted the Conference, added: 'We were delighted to welcome such a large and high-level gathering of executives to our Conference and we look forward to participating in the BABC's 2010 Conference in London’.

For a full Conference agenda, please go to: http://www.babc2009.com/

The BABC is very grateful to the generous sponsors of its 2009 Conference, including in particular Deloitte, Title Sponsor of the Conference, and also: AIRBUS, Airschott, BAE Systems, BDO Seidman, BT Americas, British Airways, EnergySolutions, Four Gates, HSBC Bank, Indigo, DNA Inc, Jet Blue, Kestrel International, KPMG, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, PA Consulting Group, QinetiQ, Raytheon, Rolls-Royce North America, Serco and UKTI.

**The BABC’s Annual Transatlantic Business Conference for 2010 will be held in London, and is provisionally scheduled for May 12-14, 2010.**

Past Conferences