International SOS to Lead Discussion on Role of Travel Executives in Crisis Response at NBTA 2010 International Convention

TREVOSE, Pa., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- When a crisis hits – be it a natural disaster, terrorist incident or ash cloud – travel executives can find themselves, often with no warning, on the front lines of their organization's response as they are tapped by senior leadership to gather information, identify critical tasks, manage internal and external assets and maintain lines of communications in all directions. Fulfilling duty of care for traveling employees during emergency scenarios can seem daunting, but doesn't have to be. Travel executives can take a leadership role within their organizations in developing and implementing the risk management plans and procedures that ensure rapid and resourceful responses to a full spectrum of potential incidents.

John Rendeiro, Vice President, Security and Intelligence for International SOS and a member of the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) Travel and Meetings Risk Management Committee, will lead a panel discussion at the NBTA 2010 International Convention featuring real-life examples and best practices from the Haiti earthquake and other recent cases. Travel managers from Kellogg Brown and Root, Inc. and the University of Texas will join Mr. Rendeiro to share the lessons they have learned from leading their own organizations through various crisis responses.

Executives attending the session will leave with a better understanding of a broad variety of issues including:

• the role they can play in responding to crisis situations that affect their organization's travelers;
• the duty of care an organization has to protect and support its traveling population during a crisis; and
• the steps they can take in better preparing their organization for emergency scenarios.

The NBTA International Convention and Exposition is widely recognized as the must-attend event for business travel buyers, suppliers, industry leaders and business travel journalists. More than 5,000 travel professionals are expected to take advantage of the 2010 Convention's programming, including more than 60 seminars on the most important topics in business travel.

About International SOS

International SOS (http://www.internationalsos.com) is the world's leading international healthcare, medical assistance, and security services company. Operating in over 70 countries, International SOS provides integrated medical, clinical, and security solutions to organizations with international operations. Services include planning and preventative programs, in-country expertise, and emergency response. A global team of 6,000 employees led by 900 full-time physicians and 200 security specialists provides health and security support to enable its members to operate wherever they work or travel. Members include 66 percent of the Fortune Global 500 companies.

About John Rendeiro

John Rendeiro brings 25 years of U.S government experience to his role of Vice President, Global Security and Intelligence at International SOS.

Immediately prior to joining International SOS, Mr. Rendeiro was Assistant Director of the Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of State.  In that role, he was responsible for managing and directing Bureau of Diplomatic Security programs protecting the Department's international embassies, consulates, and personnel from the threats of terrorism, espionage, and crime.

As a Special Agent of the Diplomatic Security Service from 1985-2006, Mr. Rendeiro served in various operational, protective and investigative assignments before retiring at the grade of Minister-Counselor, Senior Foreign Service, in September 2006. He is a recipient of the Secretary of State's Career Achievement Award and multiple Senior Foreign Service Performance awards. Prior to joining the State Department, he served as a military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army.

Mr. Rendeiro holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Ill.; a Master of Arts degree in Spanish Language and Literature from Temple University, Philadelphia, Pa.; a Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern Languages from Widener University, Chester, Pa.; and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa.

SOURCE International SOS