The Event Industry Council’s acclaimed award recognises outstanding industry leaders who has among other things, made contributions to shape the industry and whose work continues to advance it.
Geoff Donaghy, ICC Sydney CEO and ASM Global’s Group Director of
Convention Centres Asia Pacific (APAC) has been inducted into the Event
Industry Council’s (EIC) prestigious Hall of Leaders.
The induction recognises Donaghy's lifetime achievements as a
business events industry leader, and is a testament to "the prevailing
hard work, passion and enthusiasm of an exceptionally accomplished
leader," said Harvey Lister AM, Chairman and Chief Executive of ASM
Global APAC.
He added: “[Geoff] has long been a strong advocate for business
events specifically, uplifting their importance globally, but never
before has his leadership of the sector been more pronounced than
recently during one of the most challenging periods in our sector’s
history."
Donaghy's career highlights include championing the development of
several major venues in Australia for ASM Global such as the Cairns
Convention Centre, Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and International
Convention Centre Sydney.
He was also involved in ASM Global's "securing of the convention
centre partnership in Los Angeles and Hawaii, today part of the ASM
Global portfolio of 330+ venues across five continents," added Lister.
Other important leadership roles include serving two terms as
President of the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC),
as a longstanding member of the executive committee of the Joint
Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), and as both a board member and Deputy
Chair of the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA).
He is also a prominent voice among the local industry's call towards
ensuring the return of business events in Australia, and supporting
reopening plans.
“Geoff is a true events industry aficionado, always generously
sharing his wealth of knowledge to elevate the industry in which he
works and where his passion lies. He has been instrumental in elevating
the events industry globally and nationally,” said AIPC President, Greg
O’Dell, who initiated the submission for the lifetime achievement award.
Members of the Hall of Leaders are measured against four criterion:
1) those whose contributions helped shape the industry and whose work
continues to advance it; 2) leaders whose work has affected the entire
industry; 3) leaders who have demonstrated distinguished achievements of
lasting value; and 4) those who have contributed to charitable efforts,
their communities and the welfare of others.
The EIC Hall of Leaders gala celebration will take place at IMEX America on 7 November in Las Vegas, US.