The Events Industry Council (EIC) has announced the election of officers and directors to its 2024 Board of Directors.

Ana Maria 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 of 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 organization, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year (2024).

“I am deeply honored to lead the EIC Board of Directors during this exciting and pivotal time for the business events industry,” said Viscasillas. “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.”

Joining Viscasillas as officers on the 2024 Board of Directors are:

• Chair-Elect | Senthil Gopinath, CEO, International Congress and Convention Association
• Immediate Past Chair | Sherrif Karamat, CAE, president and CEO, PCMA and CEMA

The 2024 Board of Directors also includes:

• 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
• Tina Wehmeir, CMP CAE, CEO, AMC Institute

EIC, which is the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition and standards, 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 the Founding 50 program.

The 27 new members are:

• Accor Hotels
• ALHI (Strategic Partner)
• Caesars Entertainment
• Cvent (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