Barcelona. Patrick Delaney, Vice President, Industry Relations at MCI Group was presented with the EIBTM 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award at yesterday’s EIBTM Forum, which took place at the Palau de Congressos, Fira Montjuic, Barcelona City Centre.
Delaney was recognised for his significant contribution to the meetings and events industry. Presenting the award, Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Senior Exhibition Director commented, “The timing is right for us to recognize Patrick’s enormous contribution to our industry. His passion, commitment and enthusiasm are endless and I know that his unique style and personality has endeared him to the many people he has met and worked alongside during his travels around the world.”
Eric Rozenberg, Chair, Reed Travel Exhibitions also commented, “He relentlessly and positively impacts our industry whilst at the same time entertains us all with his unique Irish sense of humour.”
Delaney commented on receiving the award, “I’m uncharacteristically speechless, and genuinely humbled, to be recognised by such a global powerhouse as Reed Travel Exhibitions for this Lifetime Achievement Award. It’s a huge privilege to work in such a dynamic industry where I’ve learned so much and made so many lifelong friends. But there’s life in the old dog yet and lots more achievements to pursue as the next chapter of a career in this amazing industry unfolds.”
Following his degree in Hospitality Management Patrick worked for the Irish Tourist Board for many years in Ireland and the US. He returned to Ireland in the early 90s to run the highly successful Adare Festival and worked as Sales and Marketing Director for 5 star Adare Manor for 3 years. In 1993 he started Delaney Marketing with Padraic Gilligan and developed a two-man operation into a 50 person business in less than 10 years. An icon in the incentive and meetings industry, Delaney was the first non-US international president of Site (Society of Incentive and Travel Executives). He is also the only Irish person to be recognised by Conference & Incentive Travel (UK) for inclusion in their Power 50 list; a directory of the most inspirational people in the UK and Ireland. Pat is a much sought after speaker for industry events and has given seminars and lectures across all five continents of the world.
