Pacesetter Award Winners Reflect and Continue to Inspire

The EIC Pacesetter Award celebrates emerging leaders. We asked some Pacesetters to share their perspective on the award and the future of the industry. And, we have one Pacesetter who went on to be inducted to the Hall of Leaders!

Prof. Krzysztof Celuch PhD, MBA, DBA, CMM, CITE, CIS, HMCC, CED
Deputy Rector / Associate Professor – Vistula School of Hospitality
CEO – CC Content+Creativity
Global Board of Trustees – Meeting Professionals International Foundation (MPI)
2022 Hall of Leaders Inductee
2012 Pacesetter Award Winner

What did it mean to you to receive the Pacesetter Award – and then to be inducted into the Hall of Leaders?
It was 2012 and very important year to me. I was heavily involved in creating international image of my beloved destination – Poland. Not only being part of local community but moreover creating the connections and globally. A few friends from Europe and the USA helped me to find the way how this road should look like, and I have just followed theirs ideas adding a little bit of “me.” But it was not enough, since the beginning of events industry journey I decided to give back and help others, starting from education and finishing with money. Putting in between a lot of passion, hard work and believe that face-to-face industry is the best one.

Suddenly, International Conference and Convention Association (ICCE) CEO – Martin Sirk, together with his team, nominated me, and I had the pleasure to be awarded by EIC. This was not only personal award but a proof that Polish activities were noticed around the world. To me personally, it was a kick to start working harder and focus.

Around 10 years later, in 2022, I was in a little different momentum of my life. Being deputy rector of Vistula School of Hospitality, running a boutique consultancy that focuses on content and creativity, plus giving back to community –  thanks to being part of Global Board of Trustees Meeting Professionals International (MPI), I believe meetings can change the world.

All these activities give me the chance to cooperate with young and advanced people who help to bring communities together and create better future. Last year especially was challenging because of the war in Ukraine. It was worth helping and working day by day with more than 1,000 hospitality students from over 140 countries. I truly believe every single leader can support the others. However, it is not easy, and the more you do, the more you want to achieve. But finally, less is more. This time I was nominated by Kevin Kirby, executive director of the Meeting Professionals International Foundation. And believe me, it was a surprise. Oscar, the event industry Oscar goes to … Poland for the first time. To me!

Till now, when I am thinking about the fact that the distinguished committee in the most important organisation in the events industry awarded Oscar to Poland is amazing. So to sum up. Was it a journey…? Yes, it was! I am honored, humbled, and I really appreciate the fact that all initiatives, all teams with whom I have been working, were awarded. Being inducted into the Hall of Leaders is a dream of many. It is worth dreaming! Thank you.

What excites you about the future of our industry?
My philosophy of working in the events industry is based on two magic words: content and creativity. Content is transfer of knowledge. From professional education like academia and universities to industry certificates. Sharing is caring, so sharing the content you have with your industry peers is what I like the most.

However, creativity is what we like the most in F2F global world. We love emotions, experiences and challenges. We appreciate the human connections and like to create tomorrow. The future is transformation of events via content and creativity. Currently, I am running a research project about the impact of transformation for people, planet, venues, destinations, communities, and this is future that I am waiting for.

What advice do you have for today's "Pacesetters?"
A Pacesetter is a human being who can think about the future, act today and remember the past. My advice would be to focus! If you love doing gala dinners, please make your guests proud every day. If you dream about sports events, try to co-create emotions and remember about spectators.
A Pacesetter is a person with passion, a long-life learner, global thinker and content designer. Not only someone who can shape the future but is also hard working now. This person doesn’t have to perfect, but must be with us, must be part of our family, the events industry magic world. 

Jessie States, CMP, CMM
Vice President, MPI Academy
Meeting Professionals International
2018 Pacesetter Award Winner

What did it mean to you to receive the Pacesetter Award?
Earning the Pacesetter Award has been one of the highlights of my career. Helping other people (through education and support) is the most fulfilling part of what I do and receiving the Pacesetter Award confirmed that I had been successful in doing that.

What excites you about the future of our industry?
I am excited about the renaissance our industry is experiencing, the reimagination of how we bring people together and the role technology will play in helping us to use events to create positive change in meaningful ways.

What advice do you have for today's “Pacesetters?”
Use this opportunity and the attention it brings to advocate for just causes, inclusion, needed change, innovation and positive impact.

Frank Yang, CMP, CEM, PMP, DES
Director, Exhibition and Business Development
Kintex
2019 Pacesetter Award Winner

What did it mean to you to receive the Pacesetter Award?
This award was a huge recognition of my steady passion and humble efforts for more than 15 years in this industry. Getting the Pacesetter award marked a milestone in my professional career, paving the way for my subsequent appointment to the EIC Knowledge Committee. Most significantly, the invaluable opportunity to engage with and learn from the industry's thought leaders, while expanding my professional network, was a privilege that I deeply cherished.
Winning the Pacesetter award boosted my confidence, inspiring me to take on more challenges. This newfound confidence led to me winning the ICCA Best Marketing Award and being chosen as an ICCA Board member.
The success of the business event industry relies on the younger generation. I believe that winning the Pacesetter Award will provide a strong base for these young leaders, helping them become global figures who can motivate and inspire the world.

What excites you about the future of our industry?
With the advancement of digital technology, business events will become more vibrant and interactive. Technology will enhance face-to-face interactions and enrich the experience. In the future, we'll use data for more personalized, targeted, and measurable marketing. This will result in events that are more effective and have a greater impact. I'm thrilled about using technology to create even more memorable and engaging events.

What advice do you have for today's "Pacesetters?"
Indeed, being a Pacesetter suggests that you have significant potential to become a future leader. So, do not hesitate to apply for a nomination.
Take this achievement as a steppingstone toward more success. Share your experiences with colleagues and guide those who are junior to you. In doing so, you'll become a respected thought leader others aspire to emulate. As potential future leaders, I hope you'll strive to make a positive impact on our industry.

Are you inspired to make a Pacesetter or Hall of Leaders nomination? Read more here but remember: Nominations are due by Friday, 11 August!