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, says Ignasi de Delàs, ECM President.
Heike Mahmoud, ECM Vice-president Meetings Industry adds : “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.
