The Hotel Electronic Distribution Network Association’s (HEDNA), the foremost travel industry association advancing hotel electronic distribution, announced the recipients of its 2004 Outstanding Contributors Award and 2004 President’s Award of Excellence at the recent HENDA Conference in Los Angeles, CA on December 9.
The Outstanding Contributors Award honors an individual who has made significant contributions to HEDNA. This year’s Award was presented to Roland Tanner, Executive Vice President, Lanyon, Inc.  A distinguished member of the industry, Mr. Tanner is a frequent speaker at various industry events and participated on several advisory boards, on behalf o f his former employer, Pegasus, and HEDNA. Mr. Tanner has been a member of HEDNA since 1994 and served as President from 2001-2003. His leadership as President was instrumental in guiding the organization through committee transitions, integrating the contributions of alternate distribution systems into HEDNA, and charting a strategic course that would lead HEDNA into its second successful decade as the industry’s leading voice on hotel electronic distribution issues.

“I am humbled and honored to be presented with HEDNA’s Outstanding Contributors Award,” said Mr. Tanner. “Over the last 11 years during which I have been a member of HEDNA, I never cease to appreciate the hard work, passion and commitment all the members show to our industry.”

The President’s Award of Excellence recognizes and honors those individuals or organizations that have furthered the positive development of electronic distribution and HEDNA’s mission. Contributions to the field of electronic distribution can include advancements made in any of the following areas: Marketing, Technical and Educational. This year’s Award was presented to Jim Young, Senior Vice President, Global Distribution, InterContinental Hotels Group. Mr. Young has strategic and tactical responsibility for global distribution systems, travel agent commission processing, database management, BTA revenue programs and the company’s relationships with on-line intermediaries, such as Travelocity, Orbitz and Hotwire. Throughout his 20-year career, Mr. Young has held various senior management positions in the telecommunications, consulting and travel industries.

The recipient of this award receives a $1,000 contribution to the hospitality school or charity of their choice.  Mr. Young chose the Reginald H. Jones Center for Management Policy, Strategy, and Organization at The Wharton
School to receive this contribution.

“Naturally, I am delighted to join a group of individuals who have been true pioneers in the advancement of electronic distribution,” said Mr. Young. “To be recognized by your peers is the greatest honor of all.”
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