The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition and standards, announced the election of officers and directors to its 2024 Board of Directors on 9th of Jan 2024.
Ana María Viscasillas, MBA, CDME, DES, CED has been named Chairman of the Board. Viscasillas, a native of Puerto Rico, is a business tourism strategist for the Global Visitors Economy and Board Liaison and Immediate Past Vice President for COCAL (Federación de Entidades Organizadoras de Congresos y Afines de Latino América).
Viscasillas takes office during a time of noteworthy membership growth and increased activity for the organisation, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2024.
“I am deeply honoured to lead the EIC Board of Directors during this exciting and pivotal time for the business events industry,” Viscasillas said. “In fulfilling its mission, EIC has a unique global leadership role in advancing our industry across all sectors for the benefit of all members and partners.”
Viscasillas said she looks forward to working with the board, worldwide volunteer leaders, and management team to further the EIC vision. “I am incredibly enthusiastic about the work ahead of us as we engage with EIC’s global stakeholder community and further expand its footprint through the power of events.”
Viscasillas will be supported by incoming Chair-Elect Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association.
EIC welcomed two new associations into its membership in 2023 — the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association and COMIR (Consejo Mexicano De La Industria De Reuniones). Additionally, 27 corporations were added to the EIC membership roster last year as part of its Founding 50 programme. (See full list of new corporate members below).
2023 also saw the release of important EIC-led industry research, including the Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study and Quarterly Global Business Events Barometers, which measured the consistent uptick in business event activity around the world.
The EIC Centre for Sustainability and Social Impact also experienced significant growth in 2023, with a growing number of individuals and organisations committing to the sustainability journey. More than 1,000 individuals have earned the Sustainable Event Professional Certificate, and 14 organisations have achieved certification for the EIC Sustainable Event Standards. These numbers are expected to grow considerably in the coming year as the Centre expands its reach.
2024 will also see the completion of the multiyear CMP Competency Profile Project, a comprehensive collaborative initiative to evaluate and update the CMP criteria and exam. Hundreds of CMPs from around the world have participated in the project’s focus groups, surveys and task force.
“With the support of our members, partners, volunteer leaders, CMP and SEPC community, this is going to be a very exciting year at the Events Industry Council as we continue to lead and engage in global dialogue and collaboration,” said EIC CEO Amy Calvert. “EIC’s initiatives will unite industry thought leaders from across the globe to engage in conversations around sustainability, equity, inclusion, regenerative event practices and building capabilities for our workforce.”
EIC board members are nominated members of the overall Events Industry Council that consists of organisations spanning the globe and every sector in the events industry. These leaders are the governing body for the overall council with fiscal responsibility and strategic direction for all EIC programmes.
The full board is listed below:
2024 Board of Directors Officers
• Chair: Ana María Viscasillas, MBA, CDME, DES, CED: Federación de Entidades Organizadoras de Congresos y Afines de Latino América, Board Liaison and immediate Past Vice President COCAL
• Chair-Elect: Senthil Gopinath: CEO, International Congress and Convention Association
• Immediate Past Chair: Sherrif Karamat, CAE: President & CEO, PCMA and CEMA
2024 Board of Directors
• Jason Dunn Sr.: Executive Director, National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP)
• Robert (Bob) Gilbert: President and CEO, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI)
• Stephanie Harris: President, The Incentive Research Foundation
• Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE: President and CEO, ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
• Elizabeth Niehaus: Executive Officer, IELA (International Exhibition Logistics Association)
• Tina Wehmeir, CMP, CAE: CEO, AMC Institute
EIC Corporate Members
Accor Hotels
ALHI (Strategic Partner)
Caesars Entertainment
Cvent (Strategic Partner)
Discover Puerto Rico
Encore (Strategic Partner)
Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS)
GES
Hilton (Strategic Partner)
IMEX Global (Strategic Partner)
LA Tourism
Los Cabos Tourism Board
Maritz Global Events
Marina Bay Sands (Strategic Partner)
Marriott
MCI
MGM Global (Strategic Partner)
Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau
Omni Hotels & Resorts
Procolombia
Professional and Scientific Associates
PROMTUR PANAMÁ
San Diego Tourism Authority
Speakers Spotlight
Turisme De Barcelona-Barcelona Convention Bureau
Visit Baltimore
Visit Denver
Visit Las Vegas
Visit Scotland
