CIC Honors 2014 Hall of Leaders Class & Pacesetter Award Winners

Kicking off IMEX America 2014 and co-sponsored by MGM Resorts Event Productions, MGM Resorts International, the IMEX Group and other partners, the event honored industry pioneers whose intelligence, leadership, innovation and influence have changed the landscape of the profession.

The night got off to a rocking start when CIC Chief Executive Officer Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP, and the 2014 chair of the CIC Board of Directors, Bob Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, welcomed attendees to the 19th annual Hall of Leaders Gala, including more than 15 past inductees who were in attendance.

After a heartfelt thank you to all of the gala’s generous sponsors, the ceremony began with the presentation of the Pacesetter Award to two young professionals for their outstanding achievements early in their careers. Honored this year were: Lindsay Arell and Donnell Bayot, CHE, CPCE, CFBE.

"We’re all so fortunate to be a part of the meeting industry, and I’m glad we have the Hall of Leaders, acknowledging the great contributions and influence of those within our profession, as well as the Pacesetter Awards, which recognize the strength and promise of the industry going forward," said event chair Teri Breining, CMP, CMM.

The Master of Ceremonies, Glenn Thayer, then took the stage to announce the three new game changers joining the prestigious CIC Hall of Leaders: John Christison, Gary Sain (1950-2012), and Patti Shock CPCE, CHT.

The acceptance speeches moved and inspired many in the audience as each inductee or their family member shared their journey and thanked many that helped, encouraged and pushed them along the way. Education and leadership was a common thread amongst the group as they all either indirectly or directly taught others along the way to create a better future for the industry. Passion rang clearly in the messages delivered of the deep friendships that were created. John Christison stated, "I have made lasting friendships and have had a really great time doing what I love. Hopefully, during that time I have been able to contribute in a small way."

Guests later dined on a superb four-course meal including roasted center cut filet of beef and butter poached shrimp, prepared by the chef at the MGM Grand, and enjoyed a night of upscale entertainment that featured all types of rock-n-roll performed by the band Song Division, as well as a spectacular light show by Extreme Beam.

All of the HOL inductees had a connection to rock-n-roll, Patti being considered the "original rock chick," John Christison a former roadie and guitar player who started out in events on the music side, and Gary, who was an avid guitar and vocalist. Songs during the entertainment presentation were all in tribute to each HOL inductee, a Harley Davidson emerged on stage during John’s tribute, and signs were held up during Patti’s to spell out her name, Gary Sain’s favorite song was "Free Bird," and during the final song ("I Believe I Can Fly"), performed by a full gospel choir in white robes, orange hearts fell from the ceiling in honor of his favorite color from his time working in Orlando.

After dinner, the band led attendees into the dessert room while playing the tune "Walk this Way," by Aerosmith. Once there, they enjoyed treats from multiple dessert tables, each themed for an inductee. The party continued to rock into the night with an energetic DJ, who kept the fun going. Before the night ended, it was announced that nominations for the 2015 Hall of Leaders will soon be open and, as a surprise, Lenny Talarico, CSEP presented Karen Kotowski, CEO of CIC with a duplicate ISES Espirit Award from their winning earlier in September. Next year’s celebration will be a tough act to follow, as this Hall of Leaders gala was truly a night to remember.

The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is a
program of the Convention Industry Council

Convention Industry Council
700 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 510
Alexandria, VA, USA, 22314
Tel: 571-527-3116