New recognition program celebrates veteran professionals whose work continues to shape the global events industry

The event and meetings industry today announced the inaugural class of the Event Industry 50 Over 50, a new recognition program honoring experienced professionals whose leadership, mentorship, and behind-the-scenes contributions continue to shape the future of the industry.

The inaugural class highlights 50 professionals across venues, associations, trade show organizers, service providers, suppliers, and consultants who have demonstrated lasting impact through decades of work supporting events, exhibitions, and experiences around the world.

Unlike many industry awards that focus primarily on emerging talent or executive leadership, 50 Over 50 celebrates the depth of knowledge, mentorship, and institutional wisdom that experienced professionals bring to the field. Honorees include CEOs, venue operators, chefs, association leaders, consultants, marketers, and operational experts whose work often happens far from the spotlight but is essential to the success of events.

“This recognition was created to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of professionals who have spent decades building and strengthening the event industry,” said Michael Hoffman, CEO at Gather Voices and founder of the initiative. “Their experience, mentorship, and leadership continue to shape the next generation of professionals and the future of the industry.”

Rigorous Judging Process

More than 100 nominations were submitted for the inaugural program. Each nomination was reviewed and scored by a panel of 48 independent judges representing a broad cross-section of the events ecosystem, including association leaders, venue professionals, event organizers, and industry suppliers.

The judging panel evaluated nominees based on a range of criteria including:

• Career impact and leadership
  
• Contributions to the industry and professional community
  
• Mentorship and support of emerging professionals
  
• Innovation and adaptability over time
  
• Demonstrated commitment to ethics, collaboration, and service
  
  

The goal was to recognize not only high-profile leaders but also the unsung professionals whose expertise and dedication have quietly shaped the industry for decades.

Volunteer-Led Industry Initiative

The 50 Over 50 program was developed and organized by a volunteer committee of industry professionals who believe the event industry should do more to recognize the value of experience, mentorship, and long-term contribution.

The program was created with support from partners and industry organizations that share the goal of celebrating the people who make events possible.

Sponsors and Supporters

Organizers extend special thanks to the sponsors whose support helped launch the inaugural program and make the recognition possible. Gather Voices, Silver EPG, IAEE and Trade Show News Network / Informa Connect. 

Additional industry partners and media organizations will help highlight the honorees through editorial coverage, profiles, and storytelling throughout the coming year.

Inaugural 50 Over 50 Honorees

The 2026 Event Industry 50 Over 50 honorees are:

• Al Mercuro – Strategic Marketing & Client Engagement Advisor, Genesis Exhibits | Apprupo
  
• Angie Nix – Vice President, Guest Services, MetLife Stadium
  
• Anne-Marie Villeneuve – Vice President Guest Experience & Operations, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group
  
• Beverly Elliott – Account Manager, Exhibitions and Sales, IAEE
  
• Bill Lemmon – Vice President / Global Sales MICE, ALTOUR
  
• Bob Harar - Chairman, National Trade Productions
  
• Bob Ryley – Senior Vice President, Exhibition Sales, GES
  
• Camille Candella – Group Vice President, Emerald
  
• Carolyn A. Patterson Kemper – Director, CMP Certification & Accreditation Programmes, Event Industry Council
  
• Carrie Ferenac – Owner, Convention News Television
  
• Dahlia El Gazaar - Founder, DAHLIA+Agency
  
• Dan Steenstrup – Executive Vice President, Freeman
  
• Dawn Amaskane, CAE, CMP – Vice President, Governance and Meetings, American Osteopathic Association
  
• Donal Murphy - Association Event Manager
  
• Eduardo Alvarez – Executive Chef, Irving Convention Center
  
• Gary Musich – President & CEO, Visit Atlantic City
  
• Gary Schirmacher, CMP – Senior Consultant, Talent Acquisition, Maritz
  
• Hala Dean – VP, Organizational Learning & Development, Clarion Events
  
• Hedy Popson – CEO, Productions Plus
  
• Iain Morrison – Founder, Behind the Stage
  
• Janice Cardinale – Founder, Event Minds Matter by Club Ichi
  
• Jeffrey Page – Concession Manager, CRVA – Bojangles Entertainment Complex
  
• JoAnn W. Klinedinst – Vice President, Content & Programming, HIMSS Global Health Conference, Informa Connect
• John Dandeneau – Executive Vice President, eShow
  

• Joyce Leveston – President & CEO, Javits Center
  
• Julie Smith – Senior Vice President Business Development, GES
  
• Kai Hattendorf – Partner, jwc
  
• Karalynn Sprouse – Executive Vice President, Emerald
  
• Laura Palker – CEO, Events Education & Workforce Development Federation
  
• Mark Mallchok – Principal & Senior Event Strategist, Brella Productions
  
• Martha Donato – Founder & President, MAD Event Management
  
• Matt Emerson – CEO, AVFX
  
• Megan Allday – Founder & President, Confluence Global Meetings and Events
  
• Michael J. Hatch – VP Sales & Business Development, ShowCycle
  
• Nancy Walsh – President, North America, Informa Markets
  
• Paul Muir – President & CEO, MSE Management
  
• Rebecca Arnold – Associate Athletic Director of Facilities and Operations and Special Events Liaison, Texas A&M University
  
• Rhonda Payne, CAE – CEO, Flock Theory
  
• Sandy Chapin, CEM - Director, Exhibition & Events, SEMI
  
• Sandy Wachter, CMP – Associate Executive Director, Partnerships & Events, AASPA
  
• Scott M. Kerr – Chief Revenue Officer, Multi Image Group
  
• Sheryl J. Brannon, CMP-Fellow, DES, MBA – Chief Strategic Officer & CEO, Strategic Partnerships International
  
• Steven Carlisle – VP of Data, Digital & Marketing, North America, CloserStill Media
  
• Susan D. Haning, CEM, CMP – Director Industry Relationships, Freeman
  
• Terri Breining – Principal, Breining Group
  
• Tom Cindric, CEM – President, Exhibitions Foodservice, Informa
  
• Tom Gattuso – Trade Shows Director, Specialty Equipment Market Association
  
• Tora Brown - Business Consultant
  
• Trudy Singh – Convention Development, New York City Tourism + Conventions
• Warwick H. Davies – Principal, The Event Mechanic!
  

Continuing the Conversation

Profiles of honorees and additional storytelling about their careers and contributions will be shared throughout the year across industry media and events.

The 50 Over 50 program aims to become an ongoing annual recognition celebrating the experience, mentorship, and leadership that continue to strengthen the global events industry. Nominations for the 2027 50 Over 50 Awards will open in December.