SENTHIL GOPINATH is the Events Industry Council’s new chair as the advocacy organisation expands its board to ensure continuity and representation.
Gopinath is CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and transitions to the Events Industry Council chair after serving as chair elect in 2024.
The council’s expanded board will have four directors, including the new position of treasurer who automatically advances to Chair-Elect. In addition to seven at-large association seats on the board, the slate will now include two at-large representatives from the council’s corporate membership.
Gopinath has more than 20 years’ experience in the global meetings, association and leisure industry and is known for leadership and commitment to the business events and meetings industry.
Stephanie Harris, president of the Incentive Research Foundation was elected Chair-Elect, and Jason Dunn, CEO of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, was elected treasurer. Harris will serve as Chair in 2026, followed by Dunn in 2027.
“I am deeply honoured to lead EIC’s Board of Directors during this exciting and pivotal time for the business events industry,” Gopinath said.
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“I am grateful for the steadfast leadership of past Chairs Ana María Viscasillas and Sherrif Karamat, and am thankful for their ongoing support as we continue our work to advance our industry across all sectors for the benefit of all members and partners.
The new board will help guide the organisation through a year that includes the release of the Futures Landscape Study, a report examining the emerging trends likely to shape the business events industry developed with input from EIC’s 60-plus member organisations.
“I look forward to supporting Senthil and the Board during this important period of growth and forward vision,” Harris said. “The work we do in the next year will positively impact our industry, growing workforce, and all the lives we touch for years to come.”
