Brussels. The Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) has announced that Barbara Maple, Past President of the International Association of Convention Centres and Past President of the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, is the recipient of the 2009 Unity Award.
The Award, which was presented at the IMEX international trade show in Frankfurt, is made annually in recognition of an individual that has made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of the industry via their activities in industry organizations which promote global industry profile and professionalism.
“There have been many distinguished recipients of the Unity Award over the years but none more deserving than tonight’s winner”, said Leigh Harry, JMIC President and CEO of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. “From her role as President of the multiple-award winning Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre through her many international industry leadership involvements, she has demonstrated a level of passion and commitment to excellence that have benefited the entire meetings industry.”
In addition to her time as AIPC President, Maple was also President of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) from 2005 to 2008. During that period, JMIC expanded its role in industry advocacy and developed the Profile and Power program which provides industry organizations with resources to promote and explain the benefits of the industry to community, business and government audiences. She was also Chair of the World Council of Venue Management, and continues her organizational involvements through such roles as Chair of the AIPC Academy for professional development.
The Joint Meetings Industry Council was established in 1978 as a vehicle for the exchange of information and perspectives amongst international associations engaged in various aspects of the Meetings Industry. It is now a leading industry advocacy body whose membership includes the majority of international industry organizations.
JMIC members include:
AIPC (the International Association of Congress Centres);
COCAL (the Latin American Confederation of PCO and Related Companies);
DMAI (Destination Marketing Association International);
ECM (European Cities Marketing);
EVVC (the European Association of Event Centres);
IAPCO (the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers);
ICCA (the International Congress and Convention Association);
MPI (Meeting Professionals International);
PCMA (the Professional Convention Association Management Association),
and SITE (the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives).
It is also supported by UFI (the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) and the CIC (Convention Industry Council).
