IMEX CEO Carina Bauer has been inducted into the Events Industry Council’s (EIC) Hall of Leaders.

The 2023 EIC Global Awards Celebration took place last night – Monday, October 16 – at Bellagio Resort & Casino ahead of IMEX America 2023 opening on October 17. The ceremony also saw Dale Hudson, formerly IMEX’s Director of Knowledge and Events, honored with the Pacesetter Award.

IMEX CEO Carina Bauer joins esteemed Hall of Leaders

The Hall of Leaders award, one of the leading awards in the industry, champions outstanding trailblazers who have shaped the sector. The defining quality among these individuals is their enduring impact — the industry would not be what it is today without their contributions.

Bauer is one of seven new Hall of Leaders inductees and now joins an outstanding roll call of industry leaders, including her father and IMEX Chairman Ray Bloom.

At IMEX we have a principle of sharing what we learn. Throughout my career I’ve been supported and inspired by others sharing their knowledge and experience. My father, Ray Bloom, is part of that roll call and to join him as the first father and daughter inductees into the Hall of Leaders is something very special,” said Bauer. “As our sector continues to evolve, my intention is to ensure that we keep on looking ahead and welcome the new people entering our industry with a similarly collaborative and guiding spirit. A huge congratulations to all my fellow inductees and a special thank-you to Senthil, Marta and the ICCA Board of Directors for nominating me and, of course, to all at the EIC for this wonderful honor.”

Amy Calvert, CEO, Events Industry Council, said: “It is wonderful to see Carina recognized for her many contributions and to be included among a community of leaders who have inspired, encouraged and mentored the next generation of industry professionals.

“Among Carina’s many strong leadership qualities is that she’s a fantastic listener and collaborator with a strong focus on promoting positivity and motivating change. She has been a driving force in pushing sustainability and corporate social responsibility to the very top of our collective agenda, and played a pivotal role promoting inclusivity and diversity, leading campaigns that prioritize equality, accessibility and representation. These are all factors that now form the cornerstone of how we conduct our international business.”

The IMEX CEO was nominated by ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath.

“Carina Bauer is such a positive and proactive force in our industry. She epitomizes what it is to be a leader and is an inspiration to so many of us in so many ways,” said Gopinath. “Her professionalism, charisma, approachability, and intuitive willingness to be the difference sets a wonderful example… one we can all follow, irrespective of where we find ourselves on our own professional journeys. Congratulations Carina, the EIC Global Awards Hall of Leaders acknowledgement is a testament to the real and profound effect you have on our global events community.”

Dale Hudson honored with EIC Pacesetter Award

The Pacesetter Award recognizes emerging leaders with a proven track record of successful leadership whose groundbreaking change helps to advance the industry. This year the award was given to Dale Hudson, former Director of Knowledge and Events at the IMEX Group, now Event Specialist – Exhibitions & Conferences, Enhance Events.

Dale said: “I feel deeply honored to be the recipient of the EIC Pacesetter Award. It brings me great joy to contribute to the evolution of a more purposeful events industry. I look forward to continuing this work in my next adventure as a specialist Event Consultant at Enhance Events when I leave IMEX at the end of October.  I’ve relished the journey so far and am committed to continuing efforts to ensure that every event prioritizes people-focused experiences. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who have been by my side throughout this incredible journey over the years.”

Amy Calvert, CEO, Events Industry Council, added: “Dale has driven innovative education styles by being the first to offer unique forums on the show floor. Her work on student engagement through the Future Leaders Forum resulted in over 100,000 students from around the world taking advantage of the program. Thousands are now employed and are significant leaders within the industry. Her passion for learning, innovation, personal development and sustainability in the meetings industry has resulted in significant advancement across our sector.”