Kevin Iwamoto, VP, Industry Strategy, ACTIVE Network Business Solutions

Kevin Iwamoto, GLP, GTP, guides the strategy for the industry marketplace within ACTIVE Network Business Solutions. As one of the pioneer thought leaders around the creation of strategic meetings management, he also works with key influencers across industries to raise awareness of the benefits of SMM.

Iwamoto is a former President & CEO of the Board of Directors for the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the leading source for education, advocacy, networking, news and information for more than 2,700 corporate and government travel professionals and suppliers.

Iwamoto has been honored with numerous business travel industry accolades, including most recently, the GBTA’s Industry Icon Award, the association’s highest honor, which recognizes contributions to managed travel that are so important as to elevate an individual to the status of an industry icon.

Prior to joining ACTIVE Network, Iwamoto was a key manager in the Hewlett-Packard Global Travel & Meetings Team, serving as Global Corporate Card, Hotels & Meetings Category Manager. His responsibilities included working with HP’s management team and global offices negotiating and creating worldwide purchasing and supplier strategies.

In 2004, Iwamoto was awarded the prestigious GBTA President’s Award for his numerous industry contributions and leadership. In 2003, Business Travel Executive named Iwamoto as one of 13 Top Visionaries in business travel. Both Meeting News and Business Travel News have named Iwamoto one of the top 25 most influential executives in business travel and meetings. In 2002, BTN also named him Travel Manager of the Year for his leadership and industry contributions.

Prior to Hewlett-Packard, Mr. Iwamoto served as a Senior Travel Account Manager with The Walt Disney Company and as a Corporate Sales Manager with Northwest Airlines. Mr. Iwamoto holds a bachelor's of science degree in business administration from the University of Hawaii, Honolulu – where he has been inducted into the Travel Industry Hall of Honors. He has a Global Leadership Professional (GLP) Masters designation from the Wharton School of Business and a Global Travel Professional (GTP) certification from GBTA.

Comments for Kevin Iwamoto, VP, Industry Strategy, ACTIVE Network Business Solutions

Thursday, February 5, 2009 by DM:: Welcome, Kevin, and congratulations! Looking forwarding to reading your recommendations and views on strategic meetings management. I could use the help!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 by Gary Hernbroth:: Relative to your comments on maintaining strong relationships in these topsy-turvy (mostly turvy) times, as I travel around the USA delivering training workshops for suppliers and putting together planner panels and Boot Camps for CVB's, the strain on relationships is very evident. One young hotel salesperson told me she was "scared' to quote a low rate to save a proposal from going to the competitor because "then they will expect that same rate and the concessions again next year." (She sells for a luxury resort.) I say "balderdash" to that fear, especially when you consider everything else going on around the consumers today. If her fear is correct, shame on that planner next year, as the situation in our economy may be very different. As an example, I am enjoying the gas pump at near the $2.00 level right now, but if it goes back up next year to 2008's $5.00 a gallon, will it do any good if I demand it to go back to today's price? Should I expect them to "owe me" the lower price I was enjoying temporarily? No, I took advantage of it while it lasted. Or how about that of milk, groceries, etc.? People need to be realistic and yes, think of tomorrow, while they deal with today. Why do some people fear that they will forever be trapped in today's low discounts? I hear the same from golf course operators who refuse to discount their golf -- "We won't ever be able to get back to our normal rates." Again, "balderdash!" We are in a competitive, capitalistic society, and flexible prices, pendulum swings, and flexibility are trademarks of our economy and always will be. In conclusion, strengthen your future relationships certainly, but don't freak out thinking you can't do that by making critical decisions now that may save your company or job. Remember, part of something is better than all of nothing.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 by Nick Romano:: Yes I do read your blog! Great to spend some time with you Kevin. I wish you the best! Nick
Tuesday, September 6, 2011 by Debi Scholar:: Kevin, great article on crisis management. Unfortunately, many meeting leaders never worry about crisis management until it is too late. THANKS for always talking about the important stuff.