The Events Industry Council (EIC), a global federation of associations and corporations representing the business events industry, announced the recipients of its 2025 Global Awards. This recognition, which includes the Hall of Leaders, celebrates and honors exemplary achievements and leadership at all levels and areas of focus within the global business events industry. This year’s awards, hosted by MGM Resorts International at the Bellagio Resort & Casino, will be held in Las Vegas on Monday, October 6, from 5–8 p.m. PDT.
EIC Hall of Leaders
The EIC Hall of Leaders is the premier recognition program 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 2025 inductees are:
- Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA (posthumous), former president and CEO of Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI)
- Al Hutchinson, founder, AVH Enterprise
- Matthias Schultze, managing director, German Convention Bureau (GCB)
- Gary Shapiro, CEO and vice chair, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
- Claire Smith, CMP, VP sales and marketing, Vancouver Convention Centre
“At a moment when the global business events industry continues to prove its resilience and relevance, we look forward to honoring this year’s 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—modeling the way for their peers and the next generation of industry leaders.
“By honoring and celebrating those who have helped shape our industry, we demonstrate the global business events industry’s unique capacity to foster human connections and collaboration, leaving a lasting economic and social impact on the communities we serve,” Calvert said. “We are grateful for this year’s Hall of Leaders inductees’ many contributions and enduring leadership—all have genuinely and humbly inspired industry professionals globally.”
Additional Award Categories and Winners
- EIC Pacesetter Award – Michel Wohlmuth, president, Mexican Council for the Meetings Industry — COMIR, founding partner and director of innovation, PCPeople
- EIC Social Impact Award – Meeting Tomorrow
- Adaptation and Innovation Award – Gevme
“The strength of the business events industry is built upon the passion, ideas, dedication and innovation of so many professionals,” said EIC Board Chair and CEO of ICCA Dr. Senthil Gopinath. “The EIC Global Awards provide us with an opportunity to shine a light on the exceptional people and organizations that are making a lasting impact through their leadership while inspiring us as we look toward the future.”
For more information and registrations, visit www.eicglobalawards.org.
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