Industry pioneer, former president and founder of IAPCO and the Geneva-headquartered Kenes Group, Giedon Rivlin has passed away. The statement released by his company says:
“It is with great sadness that Kenes Group announces the passing of its Founder and President Gideon Rivlin. On behalf of the management, staff and industry partners, we extend our deepest sympathies to Dan Rivlin, CEO, and son of Gideon, and their family.”
Gideon Rivlin founded Kenes Group in 1965 and served as its president and chairman of the board. He was one of the founding fathers of the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers and served as its president between 1981-1983.
A seasoned industry expert, Rivlin received a number of honors—in 1990 he was elected Man of the Year in Tourism, an award granted by the President of the State of Israel. He also received the International Congress and Convention Association award in 2006 in recognition of his vision, dedication and lifetime achievement in the Professional Congress Organization field.
Rivlin believed in bringing people together and the high standards that he insisted on are serving as a model in t
he industry today. He was and will always be the spirit of Kenes Group, an industry pioneer, a visionary and he will be greatly missed by all.
On the ICCA website, they posted, “One of the meetings industry’s most visionary and pioneering characters, Kenes Group Founder and President Gideon Rivlin, has sadly passed away. A dear friend and ICCA supporter who will be missed greatly by many. We send our deepest sympathies and strength to Gideon’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
“At Kenes, we’re passionate about delivering superior, world-class conferences.” More than 50 years of knowledge and market expertise have led Kenes Group to the forefront of global conference management and rank them among the world’s leading Professional Conference Organizers. They bring the accrued confidence that comes from hosting more than 3,800 conferences around the globe, for more than 220,000 participants a year. Founded in Tel Aviv in 1965, and headquartered in Geneva, Kenes Group is the only global PCO dedicated to medical and scientific events. The company boasts a team of 350+ professionals, in 18 locations on four continents, and more than 100 long term clients. For more info, visit kenes.com
