NBTA Honors Kevin Iwamoto with Highest Industry Award
Special Service Award will be Presented to Rob Deliberto
ALEXANDRIA, VA, August 4, 2009 - The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) announced today that it will present Kevin Iwamoto, GLP, with StarCite, Inc., with the Industry Icon Award at the 2009 NBTA International Convention & Exposition, to be held August 23-26 in San Diego. As NBTA's highest honor, this award is only presented occasionally to recognize contributions to managed travel that are so important as to elevate an individual to the status of an industry icon.
Iwamoto has been in the corporate travel industry for more than 20 years, having served as both a global travel buyer and supplier. First entering the industry as one of the first National - Corporate Sales Managers for Northwest Airlines and a Senior Travel Account Manager for The Walt Disney Company, Iwamoto went on to manage major global travel categories for Hewlett Packard and now guides strategy for engaging buyers and suppliers at StarCite. He also works with key influencers across industries to raise awareness of the benefits of strategic meetings management.
Kevin Maguire, CCTE, GLP, NBTA President & CEO, said, "I can't think of anymore more perfect for the Industry Icon Award than Kevin Iwamoto. His expertise across industry borders is unsurpassed, and his leadership over the years has been invaluable. To many in the corporate travel community, Kevin reached icon status long ago."
As a long-time NBTA member and former NBTA President & CEO (2002-2004), Iwamoto has significantly helped to shape the association's direction and growth. During his tenure as President he created the NBTA Groups and Meetings Committee, serving as an industry catalyst to highlight and act on the growing trend of corporate travel and meetings management collaboration. Iwamoto was awarded the prestigious NBTA President's Award in 2004 for his industry contributions and leadership.
NBTA will also present the Special Service Award to Rob Deliberto of Carlson Wagonlit Travel. This special award is presented to Rob to honor his exemplary service to NBTA. Rob served four years on the NBTA Board of Directors and as Vice President of NBTA's Allied Leadership Council. He has been committed to the association's mission for more than 10 years.
Maguire continued, "These two industry leaders have smoothed the road for corporate travel professionals across the world. Both Kevin and Rob are highly respected throughout the business of business travel, and I am very proud to present them with these much deserved honors."
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