WASHINGTON, DC, USA (9 July 2026) — Today, the Events Industry Council (EIC), a global federation of Associations and Corporations representing the business events industry, announced the recipients of its annualGlobal 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, hosted by MGM Resorts International, will be held in Las Vegas on Monday, 12 October from 5:30 to 8 p.m. PDT.
Register to attend the event or sponsor a table here.
This year’s honorees are:
EIC Hall of Leaders
Now in its 41st year, 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 2026 inductees are:
- Elliott L. Ferguson II, President & CEO, Destination DC
- Robert Priest-Heck, Retired CEO, Freeman
- David Kliman, CMM, Co-founder ELX and Founder and Owner, The Kliman Group
- Kit Lykketoft, Director of Convention, Wonderful Copenhagen
- Weemin Ong, CEM, CMP, Vice President of Sales & MICE, Marina Bay Sands
- Annamaria Ruffini, CIS, CITP, CMP, President & CEO, Events In & Out
“Through the EIC Global Awards, we recognise the leaders and innovators propelling the international events industry forward,” said EIC President and CEO Amy Calvert. “This year’s Hall of Leader inductees and award recipients reflect the rich diversity of talent defining our global community, uniting legendary leaders who anchored our industry’s legacy with dynamic new voices driving its future. Ultimately, these awards remind us that business events are a powerful catalyst for human connection, community resilience, and global innovation.”
Additional 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.
- James Filtz, CMP, CPCE, CHE, Senior Principal Solutions Consultant, Cvent
- Evan Nielson, CMP, Senior Event Manager, AARP
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.
- Anna Abdelnoor, CEO and Founder, ISLA
- Alisson Batres, CEO, Organización, S.A.
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.
- Chin-Hsun (Ken) Tsai, Ph.D., Associate Professor: Program Director of Event Management Program, Iowa State University
“The strength of the business events industry is built upon the passion, ideas, dedication and innovation of so manyprofessionals,” said EIC Board Chair and CEO of Incentive Research Foundation Stephanie Harris. “The EIC Global Awards provide us with an opportunity to shine a light on the exceptional people and organisations that are making alasting impact through their leadership while inspiring us as we look toward the future.”
“MGM Resorts is honoured to host the EIC Global Awards once again in Las Vegas and to welcome our global business events community for this important celebration,” said Stephanie Glanzer, CMP, Chief Sales Officer and Senior Vice President at MGM Resorts International. “This year’s recipients represent the very best of our industry — leaders and organisations whose vision, service and commitment continue to shape how we gather, connect and create meaningful impact. At its heart, this celebration is a reminder of what makes business events so powerful: the ability to bring people together, strengthen relationships and inspire progress that extends far beyond the event itself.”
Learn more about the awards and the winners at www.eicglobalawards.org.
