CIC Welcomes New Board

A convergence of meetings association executives, and thought leaders gathered in Las Vegas, NV, for the Convention Industry Council (CIC) Annual Meeting of Members on October 20, 2016. At the meeting, a new CIC Board of Directors was elected, welcoming a new leadership perspective for the trade association.

Bonnie Fedchock, CAE, executive director of the National Association for Catering & Events (NACE), completed her term as CIC Board Chair and passed the torch onto Susan Robertson, CAE, executive vice president of ASAE and the Center for Association Leadership. 
 
As CIC prepares to embark on a new era of leadership, Fedchock shared her thoughts on CIC’s progress and its vision for future endeavors: 

"As our industry as a whole is evolving, it is crucial for the organization to continue the exchange of insights and knowledge among the leading industry organizations and to strategically grow and develop CIC initiatives and programs. Under the board's leadership in 2016, the CIC staff delivered on the successful growth of those programs, and I am confident that the new board will continue to build upon those successes," Fedchock said. 
 
Robertson expanded on Fedchock’s farewell address saying, "The Convention Industry Council continues to be a leader and driving force for the growth and development of the meetings, events, convention, and exhibitions industry. The excellent programs delivered by CIC focus on the core of our industry: The premier certification for the industry, sustainability initiatives, best practices and standards, as well as research and education. In the coming year, CIC will expand its capacity to serve the diverse needs of the key stakeholders on our council, by launching a refreshed brand along with new strategic directions. Top priorities include increasing community engagement, and building on programs that define, set standards for and promote the professionalization of our industry." 
 
In addition to growing their programs and services on a global level, CIC plans to continue its work towards advocating for the economic and social value of the meetings industry with an updated Economic Significance Study and through its participation in the Meetings Mean Business Coalition by activating industry professionals to participate in Global Meetings Industry Day.
 
The following CIC members were elected to the 2016 CIC Board of Directors leadership: 
 
2016-2017 Officers
 
Chair: Susan Robertson, CAE – ASAE and The Center for Association Leadership, 
Chair-Elect: Kevin Hinton – Society for Incentive Travel Excellence
Immediate Past Chair: Bonnie Fedchock, CAE – National Association for Catering & Events

Board Members at Large:  
Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP – International Association of Exhibitions and Events 
Paul Van Deventer – Meeting Professionals International 
Kimberly Gishler – Corporate Event Marketers Association 
Kimberly Miles, CAE, CMP – American Hotel & Lodging Association 
Martin Sirk – International Congress & Convention Association 
Tina Wehmeir, CAE, CMP – AMC Institute (AMCI)
Ex-Officio: Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP – Convention Industry Council   

Events Industry Council