Tom Hulton Named as Recipient of 2014 JMIC Unity Award

Tom Hulton, director of international relations at IMEX Group, nominated by ECM, received the best recognition in the Meetings Industry.

Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) President Philippe Fournier has announced the winner of the 2014 JMIC Unity Award as Tom Hulton, currently Director of International Relations with the IMEX Group. Hulton formally received the award at the IMEX Awards Banquet in Frankfurt, Germany, on May 21.

In making the Award, Fournier said “Our number one objectives in JMIC have always been to grow the beneficial interactions amongst member organizations and to reach out to the broader business and governmental communities with whom we must interact. Tom’s extensive roles in both these areas over many years make him a perfect candidate for the Unity Award and we are pleased to be making it to him at a point where the results of his work are becoming more evident by the day.”

“Tom Hulton has always been very supportive of ECM activities, we are keen to share key messages and mutually benefit from developments in the Meetings Industry. For us, nominating Tom was obvious, in line with our strengthened cooperation sealed in 2013″, commented Ignasi de Delàs, ECM President.

Heike Mahmoud, ECM Vice-president Meetings Industry added: “Our relationship with IMEX has always been one of great professionalism. We are very proud of this new milestone and want to congratulate Tom Hulton on its achievements and valuable contribution to the international Meetings Industry as a whole.”

Following a career that included extensive hotel executive experiences and a role as CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Tom assumed the position of Director of International Relations with IMEX, where he has helped to raise the political profile of the Meetings Industry within Government circles in Europe and around the world. As a key player in the IMEX Politicians Forum, he has also effected better communication and recognition of industry issues at local, regional and national government levels all over the world, and with the launch of the IMEX ‘Declaration of Support for the Meetings Industry’ he helped profile politicians who understand the full economic impact of the meetings and events industry on their communities. In addition, through his work in developing the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum, he has been instrumental in harnessing the imagination of the most promising students and encouraging them to join the Meetings Industry.

The Unity Award is made annually to an individual who represents the best qualities of Meetings Industry Leadership and who has devoted major efforts to creating stronger relationships and a greater cohesion for the industry. Award criteria evaluate industry leadership and initiative both in a candidate’s own professional conduct and the efforts they put into industry-building through association, education and professional development activities.

*ENDS*

About European Cities Marketing
ECM (European Cities Marketing) improves the competitiveness and performance of leading cities of Europe by providing a platform for convention, leisure and city marketing professionals to exchange knowledge, best practice and widen their network to build new business. European Cities Marketing is promoting and linking the interests of 110 members from more than 100 major cities in 32 countries.
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About the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC)
JMIC – the Joint Meetings Industry Council – was established in 1978 as a vehicle for creating a forum for the exchange of information and perspectives amongst international associations engaged in various aspects of the Meetings Industry. It is dedicated to building awareness of the Meetings Industry and the value it delivers in supporting global economic, professional and organizational development.
JMIC supports industry networking, awards and advocacy programs, and is currently expanding its activities in the areas of information exchange, industry messaging and the development of a collective voice to advance key issues and values. Its programs are supported by partners IMEX and Reed Travel Exhibitions, who are working actively with the Council to help it achieve its goals.

JMIC members include:
AACVB (the Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus);
AIPC (the International Association of Convention Centres);
ASAE (the American Society of Association Executives);
DMAI (Destination Marketing Association International);
ECM (European Cities Marketing);
EFAPCO (the European Federation of Associations of Professional Congress Organizers);
EVVC (the European Association of Event Centres);
IAPCO (the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers);
ICCA (the International Congress and Convention Association);
IFES (the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services)
MPI (Meeting Professionals International);
PCMA (the Professional Convention Association Management Association);
SITE (the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives) and
UFI (the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry).

JMIC is also supported by the CIC (Convention Industry Council).