Rudy Malnati Receives Bob Hoover Wingman Award | December 8th, 2016 |
 LAS VEGAS - The International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) at its 49th annual convention presented its Wingman Award Thursday night to the long-time director of the Chicago Air and Water Show in front of nearly 1,000 air show industry professionals attending the event’s closing banquet at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel. Rudy Malnati received the award, newly renamed this year to honor and recognize the late Bob Hoover, which is presented each year to an individual from within or outside the air show business who has been a reliable supporter or advocate of the air show business. Malnati has spent 50 years working in the air show business and is regarded by his peers as the personification of what it means to be a good wingman. He first worked at the Chicago Air and Water Show in 1963 as a first grader and attended the inaugural meeting of ICAS in 1967 at age 13. By the time he was 15, he was helping to book acts. Always a vocal and passionate advocate for the air show industry he has also earned recognition as an honorary member of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Army Golden Knights. Through his long and successful career, he has made the Chicago show one of the best and well-recognized in the business. About the International Council of Air Shows Headquartered in Leesburg, Va., ICAS was founded in 1968 as a trade and professional association by industry professionals to protect and promote their interests in the growing North American air show marketplace. | |