Five meeting and events heavyweights have been inducted into
the Hall of Leaders, including a posthumous honour for industry association
leader Robert Gilbert who died last year.
Gilbert - former president and CEO of Hospitality Sales
& Marketing Association International - was honoured by the Events Industry
Council for his ‘exemplary achievements and leadership’.
He was joined by Al Hutchinson, founder, AVH Enterprise, Matthias
Schultze, managing director, German Convention Bureau, Gary Shapiro, CEO and vice
chair, Consumer Technology Association, and Claire Smith, VP sales and marketing,
Vancouver Convention Centre.
Considered a lifetime achievement award, the Hall of leaders
recognises outstanding leaders who have unequivocally shaped the global
business events industry. More than 150 inductees have been named to the Hall
of Leaders since it was launched in 1985.
“At a moment when the global business events industry
continues to prove its resilience and relevance, we look forward to honouring
this years’ Hall of Leaders inductees for their broad impact, industry-wide
influence and exceptional achievements,” said EIC President and CEO Amy
Calvert. “Each has offered inspiration and expertise beyond their role — modelling
the way for their peers and the next generation of industry leaders.”
EIC board chair, and CEO of ICCA, Senthil Gopinath, added: “The
strength of the business events industry is built upon the passion, ideas,
dedication and innovation of so many professionals. The EIC Global Awards provide us with an
opportunity to shine a light on the exceptional people and organisations that
are making a lasting impact through their leadership while inspiring us as we
look toward the future.”
This year’s awards
will be held at MGM Resorts International at the Bellagio Resort &
Casino, in Las Vegas on Monday, October 6.
Other award categories and winners
EIC Pacesetter Award
Recognises an emerging leader with a proven track record of
successful leadership and who are making an impact on advancing the industry.
Michel Wohlmuth, President, Mexican Council for the Meetings
Industry — COMIR, Founding Partner and Director of Innovation, PCPeople
EIC Social Impact
Award
Recognises extraordinary effort on the part of an individual
and or organisation in the areas of people, planet, and prosperity aligned with
UN SDGs.
• Meeting
Tomorrow
Adaptation and
Innovation Award
Recognises extraordinary effort on the part of an individual
or organisation in the areas of adaptation and innovation to ensure our
industry’s relevance now and into the future.
• GEVME
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
