Burt Cabañas was presented with the FIU Medallion Award in recognition of his active and long-term involvement with the Industry Advisory Board at FIU's School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, as well as for the host of contributions he has made to the hospitality industry over the past three decades.

"We honor and salute your commitment to excellence and your laudable contributions to the hospitality industry," said Modesto A. Maidique, president of Florida International University, upon presenting the award to Cabañas.  "Your ability to inspire, mentor and motivate ... your intellect, dedication and passion are an inspiration to us all."

Burt Cabañas was also presented with the Torch Award from the Florida International University Alumni Association.  The Torch Award honors successful individuals who have had a positive impact on their profession and the community.  Recipients are selected from the university's alumni and faculty and represent FIU's finest - the torchbearers and leaders who impart knowledge and serve as a source of inspiration.
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L to R:  Modesto A. Maidique, President of Florida International University, and
Burt Cabañas, Chairman & CEO, Benchmark Hospitality International.

Under the leadership of Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Burt Cabañas, Benchmark Hospitality International has become one of the premier management firms specializing in the development and operation of resorts, conference centers, conference hotels, condominium resorts and golf clubs.

Mr. Cabanas purchased the former Benchmark Management Company in 1986 from The Woodlands Corporation, a subsidiary of Mitchell Energy & Development Corp.  Shortly thereafter, he rebranded the company as Benchmark Hospitality, later adding International to the company name.  The purchase transpired from his involvement, since 1979, in all of the hospitality-related operations for The Woodlands. 

Before Benchmark, Burt Cabanas served as regional director of operations for Stouffer Hotels where he was responsible for the financial performance of six hotel and resort properties. During that time, he also led the opening team for several new hotel projects. Prior to that, he was operations manager of the Five-Star Doral Hotel and Country Club in Miami, Florida.

Born and raised in Cuba, Cabañas immigrated to the United States as a young boy.  He began his career in the hospitality industry at the Shelbourne Hotel in Miami, Florida. Cabañas went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Florida International University. He holds the title of Honorary Community Professor of the School of Hotel, Food and Travel Services at FIU and has also served on the Industry Advisory Committee for the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston.

Considered a leading authority in the conference center segment of the hospitality industry, Mr. Cabañas is a founding member, past president, and former board member of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC). In 1988, he was honored with the organization's Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to the field. Active in many aspects of IACC during his term as president, he co-authored the "Uniform System of Accounts for Conference Centers."

Benchmark Hospitality International, an independent hospitality management company based in The Woodlands (Houston), Texas, operates resorts, conference centers, hotels and condominium resorts both domestically and internationally.  For locations of Benchmark Hospitality properties and for additional information, visit Benchmark's Website at www.benchmarkhospitality.com. 

Benchmark Hospitality International
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas
www.benchmarkhospitality.com

Ken Ellens 
Ken Ellens Communications
201-758-2864 / 201-758-2865-Fax
[email protected]