Our People – Our Power – Our Purpose

Hosting one of the industry’s most dynamic trade shows comes with a responsibility that I believe Ray and Carina take very seriously. We are very fortunate to have a long-standing alliance with the IMEX Group and its team of caring and thoughtful leaders. Our Global Awards Celebration, as many of you know, has been held in conjunction with IMEX America for many years now. As we approached the week and our event, we spent time reflecting and talking internally about the responsibility we have, given our commitment to this industry and the professionals who comprise our sector to stand and speak out against racism, terrorism, hatred, and antisemitism. As members of a global community, we were horrified at the senseless acts of cowardice and the murders of thousands of Israelis. We are collectively heartbroken. As we know, the aim of these injustices and the terrorist organisations is to tear us apart and divide us in the present and for generations to come. I am firmly of the belief that, based on the intrinsic value of what we do, while we definitely don’t have the answers for immediate impact, through the value and purpose our industry represents, we can indeed be a force for good.

Roughly one year ago, we were in a similar place reflecting on the unfolding war and atrocities in Ukraine and all that unfolded in the sub-12 months from climate and humanitarian crises worldwide.

As I arrived in Las Vegas, I was reminded of our resilience. We can continue in the face of adversity to show up to engage, anchored to the belief that by fostering human connections and collaboration, we can, through this time together, find collective reassurance and hope for a better, more peaceful and just society for all. Simply put, events are a catalyst for meaningful change. At the heart of this premise is our leaders, peers, colleagues, and mentors who provide the energy, enthusiasm, and courage that guides us and keeps evolving, adapting, and innovating and asking hopefully more generous questions about how we are really doing against our vision.

During the EIC Global Awards Celebration, we came together as an industry to celebrate extraordinary achievements  and the lasting and broad impact over decades of love and commitment to our sector and our people. We listened to stories from each honoree, and heard that we all have a role to play. We were reminded of the long-lasting and powerful impact that each of us can make not only in our industry but also in our global community – person by person, event by event.

We heard from co-workers and family members how our honorees faced challenges, blazed new trails, lifted others, and served as role models, change agents, and problem solvers. How humble, positive, self-less service to their communities, families, and our industry has influenced so many for the better. I am grateful and inspired by this community of visionaries, risk takers, and leaders who will drive the meaningful change that is so needed in today’s world.

This event would not be possible with our incredible partners: Cvent, Encore, IMEX, MGM Resorts, PCMA, IHG, Maritz, MPI, SearchWide Global, Simpleview, Destinations International, Greater Miami Convention & Tourism Bureau, Hilton, IAEE, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Flanders, Visit Phoenix and Wisdom Capture.

And lastly, I must share with you that I had the opportunity to catch the U2 performance at the SPHERE. This facility is truly going to be a game changer for our sector. Now, I am a huge U2 fan from the early 80s and don’t love everything, but this performance was sublime. The venue was extraordinary. All I could think of as I sat there trying to take it all in was the power of these transformative experiences to bring us closer to one another and the things that truly matter.  

Amy Calvert

CEO, Events Industry Council