WASHINGTON, DC, USA (24 July 2025) — Today, the Events Industry Council (EIC), a global federation of Associations and Corporations representing 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, hosted by MGM Resorts International at the Bellagio Resort & Casino, will be held in Las Vegas on Monday, 6 October from 5 to 8 p.m. PDT. Register to attend the event here.
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 andtravel 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 honouring this years’ 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 honouring 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
Recognises an emerging leader with a proven track record of successful leadership and who are making an impact on advancing the industry.
- Michel Wohlmuth, President, Mexican Council for the Meetings Industry — COMIR, Founding Partner and Director of Innovation, PCPeople
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.
- Meeting Tomorrow
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.
- GEVME
“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 ICCA Dr. Senthil Gopinath. “The EIC Global Awards provide us with an opportunity to shine a light on the exceptional people and organisations that are making a lasting impact throughtheir leadership while inspiring us as we look toward the future.”
Stephanie Glanzer, CMP, Chief Sales Officer and Senior Vice President at MGM Resorts International, said: “MGM Resorts is deeply honoured to host this meaningful celebration—an event that recognises individuals whose contributions have left a lasting, positive impact. We are fortunate to be part of an industry that thrives on human connection, bringing people together face to face in ways that inspire collaboration, creativity, and community. This event is a testament to the profound value of those shared experiences and the enduring relationships they foster.”
