June 5, 2012 - Chicago, IL –The San Francisco Travel Association, the official tourism marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco, announced today that Senior Manager-Convention Sales Rick Hud will be inducted into Meeting Professional International-Chicago Area Chapter’s (MPI-CAC) 2012 individual Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor will be bestowed to Hud for his outstanding contributions to awareness, professionalism and growth of the meetings industry. Hud’s induction to the Hall of Fame and other member accomplishments will take place during the 2012 MPI-CAC Annual Awards Recognition Gala at the Museum of Broadcasting Communications on June 5, 2012 beginning at 5:00 p.m. The evening is committed to formal recognition of the talents, skills, accomplishments and dedication of Hud and select Chapter members and industry colleagues.
Building a successful career within Chicago’s meetings and events community spanning more than 20 years, Hud has represented such “dream destinations” as Prince Resorts, Hawaii; Puerto Rico Convention Bureau and its illustrious El Conquistador Hotel and Conference Center. Known in the business marketplace for thoroughly immersing himself in his destination’s offerings and culture to serve as an authentic resource, Hud has enjoyed his most recent two years serving the San Francisco Travel Association as Senior Manager, Convention Sales. In addition to serving in a variety of leadership capacities throughout the meetings and events industry, Hud has served the MPI-CAC Chapter as Golf Committee Chair, Board of Directors, Holiday Party Board Liaison, TechCon Committee member, LEAP Committee Member, Annual Awards & Recognition Gala co-chair and currently the co-chair of the Sponsorship Committee. He has been a visible proponent of the industry throughout his career, taking special pleasure in supporting industry educational programs, helping lead and support industry initiatives, soliciting and mentoring new members and supporting the very core of this Chapters success – its volunteers.
Current president of MPI-CAC, Char Shada of Experient stated, “Rick is one of our industry’s true professionals. His name is synonymous with ‘genuine’ and ‘service with care.’” Shada continued, “Rick frequently goes above and beyond in caring for his clients, his colleagues, our chapter and industry as a whole. There are many reasons that it is such a great pleasure for our chapter to induct Rick into the 2012 Hall of Fame.”
Walden Agustin, San Francisco Travel’s senior director of convention sales - Midwest region, stated, “We are thrilled to see Rick gain this esteemed recognition for his leadership and commitment to the meetings industry. He’s the ultimate hospitality professional who exudes passion, integrity and the Aloha spirit in his professional and personal life as well. It is a sincere pleasure and honor to work with Rick on the Midwest team.”
Hud stated, “It’s such a true honor to be recognized with the Hall of Fame Award by my colleagues and peers, many of whom have become life-long friends. I’m fortunate to have selected a profession that I love, representing world-class destinations. It’s easy to be passionate about the industry that has brought such professional enjoyment and meaningful relationships to my life.”
For additional information on the MPI-CAC’s Annual Awards Recognition Gala and a complete event schedule, visit www.mpi-cac.org.
The San Francisco Travel Association is a private, not-for-profit organization that markets the city as a leisure, convention and business travel destination. With more than 1,500 partner businesses, San Francisco Travel is one of the largest membership-based tourism promotion agencies in the country. Tourism, San Francisco's largest industry, generates in excess of $8.4 billion annually for the local economy and supports over 71,000 jobs. The San Francisco Travel business offices are located at 201 Third St., Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94103. San Francisco Travel also operates the Visitor Information Center at Hallidie Plaza, 900 Market Street at the corner of Powell and Market streets. For more information, call 415-974-6900 or visit www.sanfrancisco.travel.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop links with more than 31 international points on 29 international carriers. The Bay Area's largest airport connects non-stop with more than 69 cities in the U.S. on 20 domestic airlines. For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit www.flysfo.com. SFO was voted “North America’s Best Airport” in 2008 by passengers for its outstanding customer service and amenities.
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Note to editors: Photo of Rick Hud is available for download here: http://media.sanfrancisco.travel/images/Rick_Hud.jpg
