To pay tribute to meetings icons, the Convention Industry Council (CIC) is planning to overhaul the Hall of Leaders exhibit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
The inspiration and concept behind the display is rooted in a new website that will house photos, videos and success stories of all former inductees.
CIC hopes to unveil the exhibit and website to coincide with the Hall of Leaders Gala to be held at IMEX America, Oct. 13 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
“The Hall of Leaders who came before us and those who will come after us serve as a living history of the meetings industry,” said Stacy Tetschner, CAE, president and CEO, National Speakers Association and chair, Hall of Leaders Task Force, which is charged with leading the redesign effort. “Never before have we had such a complete collection of the legends and trail blazers who shaped meetings. I look forward to developing the infrastructure that allows us to capture our story and build upon it year after year.”
Talks to redesign the Hall of Leaders pavilion began when the digital element of the exhibit malfunctioned earlier this year. The display will incorporate elements of the existing pavilion as well as a mobile component so that CIC can use it as part of its booth at tradeshows in the building.
“The Board has been fully engaged with staff in several initiatives to raise the profile of the Hall of Leaders and make the stories about these industry pioneers more widely accessible,” said Fran Rickenbach, CAE, IOM, executive vice president, Association of Destination Management Executives International and chair, CIC Board of Directors. “The new Hall of Leaders website will allow anyone to access this information 24/7 from anywhere in the world, not just when physically in the D.C. center.”
The second Hall of Leaders exhibit at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago is also being reviewed by CIC for similar improvements.
CIC facilitates the exchange of information, develops programs to promote professionalism within the industry and educates the public on its profound economic impact.
