The global business events community gathered in October at the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to celebrate the 2025 EIC Global Awards, honouring individuals and organisations whose leadership, innovation and impact continue to shape the sector. Hosted in partnership with MGM Resorts International, the ceremony once again underscored the industry’s collective commitment to advancing human connection, economic growth and societal benefit.
This year’s event saw the induction of five new leaders into the EIC Hall of Leaders, the industry’s highest and longest-standing recognition. Since its founding in 1985, the Hall of Leaders has celebrated individuals whose career-long contributions have transformed the global business events landscape. The 2025 inductees reflect that legacy of influence:
Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA (posthumous) – Former President & CEO, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI)
Al Hutchinson – Founder, AVH Enterprise
Matthias Schultze – Managing Director, German Convention Bureau (GCB)
Gary Shapiro – CEO & Vice-Chair, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
Claire Smith, CMP – VP Sales & Marketing, Vancouver Convention Centre
EIC President and CEO Amy Calvert noted that each inductee has “offered inspiration and expertise beyond their role—modelling the way for their peers and the next generation of industry leaders,” adding that their achievements speak to the unique capacity of business events to foster collaboration and create lasting social and economic impact.
In addition to the Hall of Leaders, the ceremony recognised exemplary individuals and organisations across three Global Award categories:
- Pacesetter Award: Michel Wohlmuth, President of COMIR and Founding Partner & Director of Innovation at PCPeople, honoured for his leadership in elevating the meetings industry in Mexico and across the region.
- Social Impact Award: Meeting Tomorrow, recognised for its commitment to people, planet and prosperity in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Adaptation & Innovation Award: GEVME, celebrated for driving digital transformation and helping ensure the industry’s resilience and relevance.
Dr. Senthil Gopinath, EIC Board Chair and CEO of ICCA, reflected on the significance of the awards, noting that they “shine a light on the exceptional people and organisations making a lasting impact through their leadership.”
Stephanie Glanzer, CMP, Chief Sales Officer & Senior Vice President at MGM Resorts International, emphasised MGM’s pride in hosting the celebration, recognising the honourees’ “enduring, positive impact” on the sector.
The event also supported the EIC Foundation, EIC’s nonprofit arm supporting critical research projects, such as the Economic Significance Study and Futures Landscape Study, and education opportunities including CMP scholarships, all benefitting the shared global business events community.
As the EIC community looks ahead to 2026—and to the next chapter of global industry research, advocacy and workforce development—the stories highlighted during this year’s awards serve as an important reminder of the leaders, innovators and changemakers who continue to move the business events industry forward.
