Barcelona/IBTM World. “This year’s Award is a bit different from previous ones in that it focuses on the critical need we have for prominent and respected individuals to act as attractions for others considering careers in our sector” said JMIC President Kai Hattendorf. “Heike has had a highly successful and visible career in several areas of the industry, first as a PCO, subsequently as head of the Berlin Convention Office and now as COO of a major convention facility”.

“In these accomplishments – through which she was recognized as one of the industry’s 25 most influential women world-wide in 2015 – she has not only acted to advance a positive image for the industry overall but demonstrated the kind of leadership that illustrates the key roles women can and are playing in the top ranks of the industry, which is in itself an inspiring message to aspiring future industry participants”:

The JMIC Power and Profile Award was established by the Council as a way of recognizing individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to advancing the awareness and influence of the Meetings Industry in their respective communities. The winner is selected each year based on criteria which evaluate the efforts of an individual or organization in increasing industry profile and bringing about structural or policy changes that reflect that better appreciation.

The Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) is an organization that represents the combined interests of 19 international Meetings Industry associations. It has provided a forum for information exchange and recognition amongst industry groups for well over 50 years and has recently become more engaged in the process of documenting and communicating the diverse values of the industry to broader community and governmental audiences.

The active member associations who comprise JMIC today are:
ACCLATAM, the Association of Convention Centres of the Caribbean and Latin America
AACVB, the Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus
AIPC, the International Association of Convention Centres
ASAE, the American Society of Association Executives
Cocal, the Latin American Confederation of PCO and Related Companies
ECM, European Cities Marketing
EFAPCO, the European Federation of Associations of Professional Congress Organizers
EMECA, the European Major Exhibition Centres Association
EVVC, European Association of Event Centres
IAEE, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events
IAPCO, the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers
ICCA, the International Congress and Convention Association
MPI, Meeting Professionals International
PCMA, the Professional Convention Management Association
SACEOS – the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers
SISO, the Society of Independent Show Organizers
SITE, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry
UIA, the Union of International Associations

JMIC is supported by Industry Partners IMEX and IBTM World.