LAS VEGAS — The Events Industry Council (EIC) has announced the recipients of its 2026 Global Awards, recognizing some of the most influential leaders and innovators in the worldwide business events industry.
The annual awards celebrate outstanding achievements across meetings, conventions, exhibitions, hospitality and tourism. Recipients will be honored during a special awards ceremony on Oct. 12, 2026, at MGM Grand Las Vegas.
Hosted by MGM Resorts International, the event will bring together industry professionals from around the world to recognize leadership, innovation and community impact.
Hall of Leaders honors industry pioneers
The EIC Hall of Leaders remains one of the industry’s highest honors.
Established in 1985, the program recognizes individuals whose careers have significantly influenced the global business events sector. More than 150 professionals have been inducted since the award’s creation.
The 2026 Hall of Leaders inductees are:
- Elliott L. Ferguson II, President and CEO of Destination DC
- Robert Priest-Heck, retired CEO of Freeman
- David Kliman, CMM, co-founder of ELX and owner of The Kliman Group
- Kit Lykketoft, director of convention for Wonderful Copenhagen
- Weemin Ong, CEM, CMP, vice president of sales and MICE at Marina Bay Sands
- Annamaria Ruffini, CIS, CITP, CMP, president and CEO of Events In & Out
These leaders have helped advance the meetings and events profession through innovation, leadership and long-term industry contributions.
Emerging leaders receive Pacesetter Awards
The EIC Pacesetter Award recognizes emerging leaders who are making a significant impact on the future of the industry.
This year’s recipients are:
- James Filtz, CMP, CPCE, CHE, senior principal solutions consultant at Cvent
- Evan Nielson, CMP, senior event manager at AARP
Both honorees have demonstrated strong leadership while helping advance professional standards within the events sector.
Global awards recognize innovation and impact
The EIC Social Impact Award honors individuals and organizations creating meaningful change through initiatives that support people, communities and sustainability goals.
The 2026 recipients are:
- Anna Abdelnoor, CEO and founder of ISLA
- Alisson Batres, CEO of Organización, S.A. (OSA)
Meanwhile, the Adaptation and Innovation Award recognizes groundbreaking efforts that help ensure the industry’s future relevance.
This year’s award goes to:
- Chin-Hsun (Ken) Tsai, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Event Management Program at Iowa State University
The award highlights innovative thinking and forward-looking strategies that strengthen the global events industry.
Las Vegas to host celebration
The awards ceremony will take place at the MGM Grand Las Vegas.
The evening begins with a VIP reception from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., followed by the awards celebration from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to wear black-tie optional or cocktail attire.
Additionally, table-hosting opportunities remain available, with sponsorship packages beginning at $6,000.
Industry leaders say the event provides an opportunity to celebrate excellence while recognizing the individuals helping shape the future of meetings, conventions and business events worldwide.
Event Information
Events Industry Council Global Awards
Date: Oct. 12, 2026
Location: MGM Grand Las Vegas
VIP Reception: 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Awards Celebration: 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
https://www.eicglobalawards.org/about-the-awards
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