Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) transitions to Chair of the Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry on advocacy, research, professional recognition and standards.
Having held the role of Chair-Elect in 2024, and with more than 20 years’ experience in the global meetings, association and leisure industry, Gopinath is known for leadership, passion and commitment to the business events and meetings industry.
Stephanie Harris, President of the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) was elected Chair-Elect, and Jason Dunn, CEO of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, was elected Treasurer. Harris will serve as Chair in 2026, followed by Dunn in 2027. Ana María Viscasillas, MBA, CDME, Board Liaison for COCAL, will serve as Past-Chair on the 2025 Board.
“I am deeply honoured to lead EIC’s Board of Directors during this exciting and pivotal time for the business events industry,” Gopinath said. “I am grateful for the steadfast leadership of ast Chairs Ana María Viscasillas and Sherrif Karamat, and am thankful for their ongoing support as we continue our work to advance our industry across all sectors for the benefit of all members and partners.”
The 2025 Board will help guide the organisation through an important year with numerous noteworthy milestones, including the release of the Futures Landscape Study, a report examining the emerging trends likely to shape the business events industry developed with input from EIC’s 60+ member organisations; the highly anticipated update to the CMP International Standards; and revisions to the EIC Sustainable Event Standards.
EIC President and CEO Amy Calvert congratulated the incoming Executive Committee and Officers, and said she is looking forward to working with the board, volunteer leaders and management team to carry out EIC’s ambitious vision.