Florida U Appoints Chairman of Advisory Board
School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
HOUSTON, TX, March 19, 2009 - Benchmark Hospitality International has announced that Burt Caba~nas, the company's founder, chairman and CEO, has been appointed chair of the Industry Advisory Board at Florida International University's (FIU) School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, located in Miami. Mr. Caba~nas has a long-term relationship with FIU and the School of Hospitality, having received his Bachelor of Science degree from the university in 1976. Mr. Caba~nas also holds the title of Honorary Community Professor for the School of Hospitality and has served on the School's Industry Advisory Board for several years, the last six as vice chairman.
"It is indeed an honor to be asked to serve as chairman," said Burt Caba~nas. "FIU's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management has played such an important role in my life and is producing many skilled hospitality professionals who are assuming leadership positions within our industry globally. I'm very pleased to be a part of this very successful international program."
"The leadership provided by Burt is instrumental to the long term success of the school," said Joseph J. West, Ph.D., Dean, FIU School of Hospitality. "His vision and experience greatly assists my leadership team in formulating an effective strategic plan to expand the educational opportunities of our students in a challenging environment. And, his willingness to give back to his alma mater is exemplary."
In 2006, Burt Caba~nas was honored by FIU with two distinguished awards. These included the FIU Medallion, which was presented by the University's president, Modesto A. Maidique, in recognition of Mr. Caba~nas' achievements in his field and contributions to FIU; and the Torch Award, presented by the FIU Alumni Association for Mr. Caba~nas' notable record of service and achievement. Mr. Caba~nas has also served on the Industry Advisory Committee for the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston.
A long-term industry leader, Burt Caba~nas is a founding member, past president, and former board member of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC), the leading authority governing the conference center industry globally. In 1988, he was honored with the organization's Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the industry. Active in many aspects of IACC during his term as president, Mr. Caba~nas co-authored the "Uniform System of Accounts for Conference Centers."
Burt Caba~nas founded Benchmark Hospitality International nearly 30 years ago. Over the past three decades, Benchmark has grown to be one of the leading hospitality management companies in the United States and globally. Mr. Caba~nas is considered a foremost expert in the conference center segment of the international hospitality industry.
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