David G. Gabri received the Academy of Leaders Award today at the opening general session. The award is ASAE & The Center’s highest individual honor given to an industry partner who has demonstrated exemplary support of ASAE & The Center and the entire association community. Gabri is the sole recipient of the award this year and is just the 23rd recipient to ever receive the honor.

Gabri is president and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International and past chairman of the MPI Foundation Board of Trustees. Below, he talks about what it means to win the award.