The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition and standards, today announced that nominations are now open for the 2026 EIC Global Awards, including induction into the 41st Hall of Leaders, the premier lifetime achievement honour in the global business events industry.
Slated for 12 October in Las Vegas, the 2026 Global Awards Gala will bring together leaders from across the global business events ecosystem to celebrate the individuals and organisations shaping the future of the industry.
“The Global Awards are one of the most meaningful moments in our year, offering an opportunity to recognise the people and organisations whose leadership continues to elevate our industry and expand its impact,” said Amy Calvert, President and CEO, Events Industry Council. “At a time when the world is navigating increasing complexity, recognising those who bring people together with purpose, integrity and vision has never been more important. These leaders remind us that business events are not only economic drivers, but powerful catalysts for connection, understanding and progress.”
The Hall of Leaders, now in its 41st year, is considered a Lifetime Achievement Award and honours individuals whose careers have made a lasting and transformational impact on the global business events industry. More than 160 distinguished leaders have been inducted to date.
In addition to the Hall of Leaders, the Global Awards recognise excellence across several categories celebrating innovation, leadership and societal impact, including:
- Pacesetter Award— recognizing emerging leaders with a proven track record of successful leadership and whose forward thinking and innovative approach led to groundbreaking changes (or actions) that are making an impact on advancing the industry today.
- EIC Social Impact Award — recognises extraordinary effort on the part of an individual and or organisation (an association, company, destination organisation, think tank, foundation) in the areas of people, planet, and prosperity aligned with UN SDGs Examples include work related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the global events industry.
- Adaptation and Innovation Award — Recognises extraordinary effort on the part of an individual or organisation (an association, company, destination organisation, think tank, foundation) in the areas of adaptation and innovation to ensure our industry’s relevance now and into the future.
“The Global Awards reflect the very best of our global community and the collective impact we can achieve when we lead with purpose,” Calvert said. “Recognising excellence is not only about celebrating achievement—it is about inspiring continued innovation, elevating standards and reinforcing the vital role our industry plays in driving connection, collaboration and progress worldwide.”
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group and a 2024 inductee into the Hall of Leaders, is chairing the 2026 EIC Global Awards Task Force. “It is an honour to help lead this effort and to ensure we recognise a diverse and inspiring group of individuals and organisations whose contributions are advancing the global business events community.”
Nominations are open to individuals and organisations across all sectors and regions of the global business events industry. EIC encourages submissions that reflect the breadth, diversity and impact of the industry’s work.
Nominations may be submitted through the official awards portal and will remain open through 8 May 2026. Learn more and submit nominations at www.eicglobalawards.org.
MGM Resorts International will once again be hosting the Global Awards Gala. “Partnering with EIC to host this wonderful event each year is such an honour for MGM, and we look forward to welcoming EIC members, award recipients and others in October,” said Stephanie Glanzer, SVP & Chief Sales Officer of MGM Resorts. “We always relish the opportunity to work with EIC to not only drive the meetings and events industry forward but also recognize and celebrate the leaders who make the magic happen every day.”
Table sales and registration for the EIC Global Awards Gala will open in May.
