The Events Industry Council (EIC) announced today that they have appointed a new Chief Executive Officer after a global executive search process. 

An extensive global search was led by executive search firm Vetted Solutions who worked collaboratively with London-based Saxton Bampfylde in partnership with SmithBucklin, EIC’s association management company.

The search resulted in a pool of more than 50 highly qualified potential candidates from around the world. Candidates were considered by an EIC board appointed search committee, consisting of an accomplished and diverse group of seven events industry leaders chaired by Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group. After the thorough search process and consideration of several promising candidates, the search committee chose Amy Calvert, who currently serves as Senior Vice President of Convention Sales and Services with Visit Baltimore.

“Our search committee was seeking a leader who brings a proven track-record of business growth, collaboration and strategic global vision,” said Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group, and Chair of the Events Industry Council search committee. “Amy’s dedication to advancing this industry and vision for EIC were key factors in our decision.”

“This is an exciting and fitting time for the events industry and for our organisation to have a new leader as we look to enhance our CMP programme, expand educational programming and increase our focus on enabling sustainable events. Building on the momentum from our rebranding, the board is focused on redefining our mission, vision and long-term global strategic plan in partnership with our new CEO,” said Tina Wehmeir, CMP, CAE, Chair of the Events Industry Council board of directors.

With more than 30 years of experience in hospitality and destination marketing, Calvert brings a diverse background from her roles with the Long Beach Convention Bureau, Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) and most recently with Visit Baltimore for the past 10 years. At Visit Baltimore, Calvert was responsible for leading a significant transformation and launching a new marketing campaign to draw meetings to the city that resulted in doubling convention sales for Baltimore in the first few years. 

“Amy Calvert brings a real passion for advocacy and experience with strategic collaborations that are essential to support the mission and impact that associations need to have, particularly in the global events community,” said Jim McNeil, Senior Vice President, Business Trade Industry Practice, SmithBucklin. “We are thrilled to welcome Amy to SmithBucklin and the team looks forward to working with her to advance the organisation.”

“I am honoured and grateful to the EIC Board for opportunity to lead this dynamic organisation comprised of exceptionally passionate, innovative and dedicated industry professionals. The mission of the Events Industry Council and the vast opportunities to support and strengthen our industry through collaboration and global advocacy inspires me,” said Calvert. “Through my time in the industry, I have seen firsthand the positive economic and the lasting social impact the event industry has on communities. It is essential we continue to share our story and inspire the hearts and minds of those we serve and celebrate the achievements of the dedicated professionals that pursue excellence in their career journey. Events have the power to transform lives and to shape a better world.”

Adam Parry
Author: Adam Parry

Adam is the co-founder and editor of www.eventindustrynews.com Adam, a technology evangelist also organises Event Tech Live, Europe’s only show dedicated to event technology and the Event Technology Awards. Both events take place in November, London.