WASHINGTON, DC, USA – The Events Industry Council announced the registration opening for EIC Advance, 18-20 November 2020. Over three days, EIC Advance will highlight our industry’s advocacy efforts and the adaptation and innovations necessary as we evolve, and will reinforce our commitment to sustainability and an equitable future. The programme will spotlight opportunities for action, upskilling and reskilling, and wellness. More than 40 industry visionaries, global advocates and thought leaders will take the EIC Advance spotlight to inspire attendees as they shape the future.
“EIC’s new event is laser-focused on creating awareness of key issues and opportunities to advance our industry. We are looking forward to an experience that inspires a renewed commitment to collaboration and partnerships,” said Amy Calvert, CEO, Events Industry Council. “I invite all industry professionals to join us at EIC Advance to engage with our global community and contribute to the creation of a roadmap to a better future.”
“Through the many conversations and connections EIC is having with our member organisations, global advocates and industry leaders, we see first-hand how our industry is collaborating through these times,” said Paul Van Deventer, Events Industry Council Board Chair and President and CEO, Meeting Professionals International. “EIC Advance brings together the resources, passion and thought leadership to help us navigate the global call to action that will guide our industry’s transformation.”
Programme details can be found at eicadvance.org. Highlights include:
- The keynotes – Derreck Kayongo (virtually co-located with the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals annual event), Janet Stovall and Peter Sheahan – will take place at varied hours to accommodate participation from the diverse time zones of our global audience.
- An opening panel discussion on Global Advocacy for the Events Industry.
- APEX COVID-19 Business Recovery Task Force sessions.
- EIC and EIC’s Centre for Sustainability and Social Impact are partnering with the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals to co-develop sessions including a panel discussion: “Now that you know better, how are you doing better” and a campfire session.
- A panel discussion with the World Health Organization and global organisations from adjacent industries will have a robust dialogue around COVID-19, reinforcing our commitment to UNSDGs, principles for recovery, and our collective consciousness.
- A presentation by UN Climate on the climate crisis.
- “Campfire sessions” will be hosted following many breakouts, offering an alternate learning format, a deep dive into session topics, and an opportunity to build community.
- Reflections on Leadership, a closing session panel hosted by members of the EIC Hall of Leaders.
- Global Award recognition highlights featuring EIC Hall of Leaders as well as two new award categories.
In August, EIC announced the expansion of its prestigious annual global recognition programme as a reflection of the extraordinary dedication and effort being displayed throughout the industry during a year of unprecedented disruption. Nominations for these awards are being accepted until 11:50 pm EDT on Thursday, 1 October 2020.
Special offerings for the CMP community at EIC Advance include exclusive Campfire content led by the CMP Governance commission as well as a bundle of 25 CEs in one package. Keynotes and breakout sessions each deliver one CE toward the CMP and CMP-HC, up to a total of 25 CEs. Registrants also will be able to revisit sessions on-demand through 31 March 2021.
“This is the ideal time to launch EIC Advance and to make this high caliber education programme available to the entire industry,” said Mark Cooper, Events Industry Council Chair-Elect, and Chief Executive Officer, IACC. “The connections we foster through this year’s virtual event will lay the foundation for an even more robust gathering when we can meet in-person again.”