Conferon, Inc, the US’s largest independent meeting planning company, recently presented nine valued suppliers with Awards of Excellence in recognition of superior performance in 2004. The recipients were announced at the Conferon annual convention held in Houston, TX, Aug. 29-Sept. 2.

Granted annually, the awards recognize suppliers who consistently meet or exceed high standards in customer service, integrity and character, and continually contribute to Conferon’s, and its mutual clients’, success.

Mike Gibson, Director of Sales –Worldwide Accounts, Hilton National Sales, was honored with the 2004 Hotel Sales Person Award of Excellence. Gibson was recognized for his outstanding customer service as well as his efforts towards moving Conferon’s partnership with Hilton to its highest level ever.

Rob Noble, Director National Accounts, GES Exposition Services, was awarded the 2004 Industry Supplier Award of Excellence. Noble was recognized for consistently providing superior service to Conferon and for being the first supplier to create a standardized contract with the company.

The Regional Office Supplier of the Year Awards were presented to the following Conferon supplier partners:

Cindy Berry, Key Account Director, Meetings with InterContinental Hotels Group (Denver Regional Office)

• Jayne Carmona, Director, National Accounts, Marriott Hotels and Resorts (Washington D.C. Regional Office)
• Kristin Harris, Midwest Director of Sales, Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center (St. Louis Regional Office)
• Julie Mullins, Director of Sales, Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau (Chicago Regional Office)
• Shannon Steinfurth, Sales Manager, Hello Florida (Cleveland Regional Office)
• Russ Wingard, National Sales Manager, Champion Exposition Services (Boston Regional Office)
• Chris Young, Convention Service Manager, Marriott Marquis Atlanta (Atlanta Regional Office)

"Our hotel and supplier partnerships are critical to the success of our company,” said Dave Lutz, President, Conferon, Inc. “These special people are nominated by our employees on the firing line and truly stand out to both Conferon and our clients.”