Events Industry Council announces 2024 Global Awards recipients

WASHINGTON, DC, USA – The Events Industry Council, the global voice of the business events industry, announced the recipients of its annual Global Awards. This recognition, which includes the prestigious Hall of Leaders, celebrates and honours exemplary achievements and leadership at all levels and areas of focus within the global business events industry.

This year’s awards will include a celebration of EIC’s 75th Anniversary, hosted by the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Monday, 7 October from 5-8 pm PDT.

This year’s honorees are:

EIC Hall of Leaders

The EIC Hall of Leaders is the premier recognition programme in the meetings, conventions, exhibitions, hospitality and travel industry. Considered a lifetime achievement award, it recognizes 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.

The 2024 inductees are:

• Cathy Breden, CMP Fellow, CAE, CEM, Former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of IAEE
• Greg O’Dell, President of Venue Management of Oak View Group
• Julius Solaris, Founder of Boldpush
• Willam Reed, FASAE, CMP, Chief Event Strategy Officer of American Society of Hematology
• Robin Lokerman, CMM, FASAE, Group President of MCI Group

“As we celebrate EIC’s 75th Anniversary, we look forward to honouring this year’s Hall of Leaders inductees for their broad impact and achievements,” said EIC President and CEO Amy Calvert. “Each has offered inspiration and expertise beyond their role, modeling the way for others.”

“By honouring and celebrating those who have helped shape our industry, we demonstrate the global business events industry’s unique capacity to foster human connection and collaboration, leaving a lasting economic and social impact on the communities we serve. We are grateful for the Hall of Leaders inductees’ many contributions and leadership — all have genuinely and humbly inspired industry professionals globally.”

Additional Award Categories and Winners 

EIC Pacesetter Award

• Paola Bowman, CMP, CMM, Director of Client Services and Events of Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Shameka Jennings, CMP, CAE, MTA, DES, Principal and Chief Events Officer of EventsNoire
• Sina Bünte, CMP, DES, TMEP, HVED, Founder of DigitalMind.events

EIC Social Impact Award

• Diane Hawkins, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Executive Vice President-Volunteer Engagement of Meeting Professionals International
• Gary Murakami, CMP Fellow, GTP, GLP, CMM, DES, Vice President, Global Sales & Industry Relations of Teneo Hospitality Group

“The strength of the business events industry is built upon the passion, ideas, dedication and innovation of so many professionals,” said EIC Board Chair Ana María Viscasillas, MBA, CDME, DES, CED, a business tourism strategist for the Global Visitors Economy and Board Liaison & Immediate Past Vice President for COCAL (Federación de Entidades Organizadoras de Congresos y Afines de Latino América).

“This year, as we celebrate 75 years of EIC, we 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,” she said.

The article Events Industry Council announces 2024 Global Awards recipients first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.