- Inaugural Rama Rebbapragada Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Cruise Industry in Asia to take place during Pan-Asia's only cruise industry event.

NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific proudly introduces the inaugural Rama Rebbapragada Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Cruise Industry in Asia.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130911/NY78210)

This award will honor an individual who has made a particularly noteworthy contribution to the development of the cruise industry in Asia, distinguishing themselves through their dedication to, and passion for, the industry within the Pan-Asia region.

The award's namesake, Rama Rebbapragada, embodied this dedication. During his quarter-century-long career with Royal Caribbean International, Rebbapragada created awareness of the potential of the Asia-Pacific cruise market to the international cruise community, while being a true friend to all who knew him all over the world. 

The recipient will be chosen by a select group of industry leaders, and will be presented during Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific by Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Michael Bayley, who was a close friend and colleague of Rebbapragada's for many years. "I am touched and honored to present this award in tribute to Rama. He was a true innovator who had a clear passion for the cruise business, and most of all, was a great friend," said Bayley. "The recipient of this award represents the impressive vision and commitment Rama had for the Asia market."

Nominees will be judged on the following criteria:

• Nominee has made an outstanding contribution to the cruise industry in the Asia-Pacific region in 2013
• Served to significantly raise the profile, visibility and credibility of the cruise industry in Asia
• Represented the industry with dignity and professionalism

Nominations may be submitted to UBM, the show organizer by emailing christopher.dauer@ubm.com by September 18, 2013.

Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific will take place October 9-10, 2013 at the Marina Bay Sands Singapore. For information about exhibiting or attending Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific visit www.cruiseshippingasia.com Details regarding the Rama Rebbapragada Award may be found by clicking here.

WHERE: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. For more information, visit www.marinabaysands.com or contact Intercruises at Singapore.ops@intercruises.com.

MEDIA REGISTRATION: Media credentials are issued to bona fide journalists covering the convention. Review the media policy, request a media registration online or contact Jennifer Rosen.

Media Contact: Jennifer Rosen, +1-609-759-7604, Jennifer.rosen@ubm.com

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The Cruise Shipping Portfolio
The Cruise Shipping Portfolio organized by UBM Live includes Cruise Shipping Miami, Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific and Seatrade Med. Since 1985 Cruise Shipping Miami has been the world's premier annual event for the global cruise industry, featuring a three-day exhibition and four-day conference that draw more than 11,000 attendees and over 1,000 exhibiting companies from more than 130 countries.

About UBM Live
UBM Live connects people and creates opportunities for companies across five continents to develop new business, meet customers, launch new products, promote their brands and expand their markets. Through premier brands such as Routes, CPhI, IFSEC, TFM&A, Cruise Shipping Miami, the Concrete Show and many others, UBM Live exhibitions, conferences, awards programs, publications, websites and training and certification programs are an integral part of the marketing plans of companies across more than 20 industry sectors.

About UBM Asia (www.ubmasia.com)
Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is Asia's leading exhibition organizer and the biggest commercial organizer in mainland China, India and Malaysia. Established with its headquarters in Hong Kong and subsidiary companies across Asia and in the US, UBM Asia has a strong global network of 30 offices and over 1,200 staff in 25 major cities. We operate in 19 market sectors with 160 exhibitions, 75 conferences, 28 trade publications, 18 vertical portals and virtual event services for over 1,000,000 quality exhibitors, visitors, conference delegates, advertisers and subscribers from all over the world.

About Seatrade
Connecting the global cruise community – www.seatrade-global.com   
Established 40 years ago, Seatrade is a leader in cruise and maritime publications, conferences and exhibitions, training, awards and other special projects. Regular events include international trade exhibitions and conferences across all maritime sectors, management training courses for shipping professionals, training seminars for travel agents and award schemes, including the Seatrade Insider Cruise Awards. Seatrade publications include magazines, supplements and yearbooks, whilst SeatradeInsider provides daily cruise news online at www.seatrade-insider.com

SOURCE Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific