The Events Industry Council (EIC) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Global Awards, recognising individuals whose leadership, innovation and commitment have helped shape the future of the global business events industry. The awards will be presented on 12 October 2026 in Las Vegas, with MGM Resorts International serving as host.
Now in its 41st year, the EIC Hall of Leaders remains one of the industry’s highest honours, celebrating lifetime achievement across meetings, conventions, exhibitions, hospitality and business travel. Since its inception in 1985, more than 150 industry pioneers have been inducted into the Hall of Leaders.
This year’s Hall of Leaders inductees represent a diverse cross-section of destinations, venues, event organisers and industry innovators. They are Elliott L. Ferguson II, President and CEO of Destination DC; Robert Priest-Heck, former CEO of Freeman; David Kliman, Co-founder of ELX and Founder of The Kliman Group; Kit Lykketoft, Director of Convention at Wonderful Copenhagen; WeeMin Ong, Vice President of Sales & MICE at Marina Bay Sands; and Annamaria Ruffini, President and CEO of Events In & Out. Their careers reflect decades of leadership in advancing destinations, event management, business development and international collaboration.
Beyond recognising lifetime achievement, the EIC Global Awards also spotlight the next generation of industry leaders and organisations making a measurable impact. The 2026 Pacesetter Awards were presented to James Filtz of Cvent and Evan Nielson of AARP for their emerging leadership and contributions to the profession. Meanwhile, the Social Impact Awards honoured Anna Abdelnoor, Founder and CEO of ISLA, and Alisson Batres of Organización S.A. for their work advancing people, planet and prosperity in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Chin-Hsun (Ken) Tsai of Iowa State University received the Adaptation and Innovation Award for driving innovation and ensuring the long-term relevance of the events industry.
Announcing the recipients, EIC President and CEO Amy Calvert said the awards celebrate the people who continue to propel the global business events industry forward while demonstrating the power of events to foster human connection, strengthen communities and drive innovation. EIC Board Chair Stephanie Harris added that recognising outstanding professionals not only celebrates their achievements but also inspires future generations of industry leaders.
For association executives, the annual EIC Global Awards offer more than industry recognition. They reflect the growing importance of leadership, sustainability, innovation and talent development as associations and business events organisations navigate an increasingly complex operating environment. As expectations evolve, these award recipients exemplify the qualities that will shape the future of the global meetings and events sector.
