CIC Heralds New Board and Greater Global Presence

November 25, 2014

A confluence of meeting professionals, executives and leadership gathered November 3 in Washington, DC, for the Convention Industry Council (CIC) Annual Meeting of Members.

Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International finalized his term as CIC board chair and passed the torch to David DuBois, CMP, CAE, CTA, FASAE of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events.

As CIC prepares to embark on a new era of leadership, Gilbert shared his thoughts on CIC’s progress as an organization and vision for future endeavors. “I think it’s vital that the organization facilitate the exchange of insights and incubate ideas for new CIC initiatives and programs. We made some major strides this year to this end,” said Gilbert.

Expanding on Gilbert’s farewell address, DuBois said “The Convention Industry Council continues to be a leader and driving force for the growth and enhancement of the global meetings industry. The exceptional programs at CIC focus on training and certification, and advocacy that serves the many stakeholders that make up the important and diverse membership of our council.”

The CIC membership continues to diversify with the addition of the Federación de Entidades Organizadoras de Congresos y Afines de América Latina (COCAL) as its first Latin American member. “The members of the CIC represent some of the brightest meetings industry thought leaders globally. …The intentional outreach to our global members is important for CIC to be a global advocate for our industry,” said Gilbert.

In addition to growing its global membership, CIC plans to continue its work towards advocating for the economic and social value of the meetings industry through its participation in the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and activating its own advocates who participate in the Meetings Industry Advocacy Hub to support coalition efforts.

The following CIC members were elected to the 2015 CIC Board of Directors leadership:

Officers:

Chair: David DuBois, CMP, CAE, CTA, FASAE, International Association of Exhibitions & Events
Chair-elect: Bonnie Fedchock, National Association for Catering & Events
Immediate Past Chair: Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International

At-large board members elected to a two-year term (unless otherwise noted):

Vicki Hawarden, CMP, International Association of Venue Managers
Kimberly Miles, CMP, American Hotel & Lodging Association
Paul Van Deventer, Meeting Professionals International
Kevin Hinton, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (one-year term)

At-large board members continuing on the board:

Susan Robertson, CAE, ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
Tina Wehmeir, CMP, AMC Institute

CMP Board Chair:

Joanne H. Joham, CMP, CMM, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)