LOS ANGELES The IREFAC Industry Leaders Award not only has a new name but also a new mantelpiece to rest upon as UCLA Hotel Investment Conference Founder/Chairman James Burba, vp/worldwide director of advisory services for Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo, was presented with the IREFAC Crystal Ball Award in recognition of his creative vision of and devotion to this annual industry event.
Burba, who seemed to be genuinely surprised by his selection, can contrast his receipt of this year s award with his session-opening comments on the state and cycles of the industry, particularly as it plays against his observation that, over the course of the past three years, the lodging industry has not necessarily gotten everything it wants [though it is healthy and profitable]. (1/17/01)