IACC CEO Mark Cooper takes helm of EIC board of directors

i By January 25, 2021 No Comments

IACC CEO Mark Cooper is starting his term as chair of the Events Industry Council’s 2021 board of directors.

Cooper takes over from immediate Past Chair, Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). He will be supported by Chair-Elect Cathy Breden, CMP, CAE, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and CEO of CEIR (Center for Exhibition Industry Research).

Cooper, Van Deventer and Breden will serve as officers of the 2021 board, the directors of which are:

  • Vicki Bedi, chairman – International Exhibition Logistics Association (IELA)
  • Sherrif Karamat, president and CEO, Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)
  • David Audrain, executive director, Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO)
  • Don Welsh, CEO, Destinations International (DI)
  • Senthil Gopinath, CEO, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
  • Ana Maria Viscasillas, MBA, CDME, DES, vice-president, Board of Directors, COCAL (Federación de Entidades organizadoras de Congresos y Afines de Latino América)

In welcoming the new board, EIC CEO Amy Calvert first expressed EIC’s gratitude for the leadership and commitment of the 2020 board during a critical and transformative year. “We look forward to working with the entire Board of Directors as they continue to be diligent and thoughtful stewards of EIC delivering on programs, research and resources, as well as a global advocacy framework to ensure our industry’s recovery long term and to best support our workforce.”

Cooper has an extensive industry background in meetings and conference focused businesses. Before becoming IACC CEO, he held senior posts with Dolce Hotels & Resorts, Sundial Group, ConferenceDirect and Warwick Conferences.

“EIC has the credentials to be THE VOICE for the global business events industry and I feel privileged to play a part in continuing the momentum that impacts the professional and personal lives of all in our industry,” said Cooper in a press release announcing the 2021 board. “The last twelve months have taught us how invaluable it is to act as one to protect and evolve at the same time; and EIC will continue to lead on both fronts with verve and vigour because of those who step up to make it happen!”

Breden says she’s looking forward to supporting Cooper in his role as Chair and advancing the incredible work of the 2020 Board. “This is going to be another year of global transformation for our industry and EIC continues to be a strong catalyst of resources, information aggregation, collaboration and advocacy.”

About the EIC Board

The Events Industry Council board is comprised of nominated members of the overall Events Industry Council that consists of more than 30 organizations in the events industry. These leaders are the governing body for the overall council with fiscal responsibility and strategic direction for all EIC programs.