When former International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) CEO Tom Hulton received the Moises Schuster Award at ICCA Congress gala dinner, it was a popular choice. The Moises Schuster Award is made in the name of one of ICCA’s founding fathers for outstanding service to the industry.

Hulton, 67, was an energetic and charismatic figure in his seven-year tenure as CEO, after being appointed in 1995 to succeed Dick Ouwehand. He was responsible for many innovative changes to the organisation including the re-engineering of the annual assembly itself to create the congress we have today with a hugely increased educational content.

Hulton’s military background brought a disciplined logistical approach to the organisation with outstanding staff management and motivation skills. While his positive mental attitude made him a great personality to do business with, his experience in the private sector with Supranational Hotels and as an association executive with the International Hotels Association meant he brought a keen eye for business and sponsorship opportunities plus a real understanding of how the association sector works.

When he left ICCA’s employ, he remained in the sector, working with convention bureaux and centres in a consultancy role while assisting IMEX with young executive and politician forums.

President Arnaldo Nardone said: “He is a great advocate for our association, a speaker at industry events across all continents and an organiser of forums in different regions for young professionals. He has done a tremendous amount of work developing the IMEX politicians forum which has been one of the most effective advocacy programmes in our industry.”