CIC HOL honoree Amy Spatrisano, CMP (center), helped change the way we see sustainability as an industry. In addition to co-leading one of the first green meeting consulting firms and co-founding the Green Meeting Industry Council, she chaired APEX's Green Meetings Panel, charged with development of the APEX/ASTM Sustainable Events Standards. She is flanked by David Dubois, CMP, CAE, CTA, FASAE, the 2015 chair of the CIC Board of Directors, and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events; and Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP, CEO of the Convention Industry Council. Spatrisano was one of five Hall of Leaders inductees.

Former White House Director of Events Laura Schwartz, who is also author of Eat, Drink and Succeed, emceed the event.

Michael Dominguez, senior vice president and chief sales officer, MGM Resorts International, and co-chair, Meetings Mean Business Coalition, welcomed the audience to MGM Grand, host property of the re-engineered event.

CIC HOL honoree Jane E. Schuldt, CITE, CIS, CMP (center), helped shape the trajectory of the incentive travel sector as president of World Marketing Group Ltd., a firm that represents Asia-Pacific destination management companies in the North American market. She is shown with David Dubois, CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, and dinner chair; and Karen Kotowski of the CIC, who co-hosted the evening.  

Dancers and specialty acts provided entertainment throughout the evening, including a featured performance by the five-man vocal band MO5AIC.

It's high-fives all around for Craig Smith, an HOL inductee, who was honored for changing the conversation around convention center facilities through his service in the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association. He served as president of Freeman's AVW Audio Visual Services before retiring in 2008.

CIC HOL honoree Larry Luteran (center) led the Meetings Mean Business coalition from 2009 to 2014, in the forefront of the national debate about the effectiveness of meetings during those early years. He served as vice president of group sales and industry relations for Hilton Worldwide until recently. He is flanked by the CIC's chairman, David Dubois, and Karen Kotowski, CEO of the CIC.

Kinga Soćko, conference specialist, Poland Convention Bureau, was recognized with a Pacesetter Award for her work in highlighting the economic impact of meetings in her region.

Kate Patay, CPCE, executive director of sales and marketing, Creative Coverings, was honored as a Pacesetter for reimagining the business of high-end linen rentals in the hotel and convention world. She serves on the board of the National Association of Catering and Events.

Rafael Hernández, CEM, publisher and CEO, Latin American Meetings, was also recognized as a Pacesetter.

Celebrating the Hall of Leaders' 20^th class of honorees (from left): David DuBois; honorees Jane Schuldt, Craig Smith, Patricia Farias Barlow, CEM, CEO, Puerto Vallarta Convention Center and FIDEES, Larry Luteran, and Amy Spatrisano; and Karen Kotowski.

Colleagues, friends, and family of Amy Spatrisano gather to celebrate her induction into the HOL. From left: Janet Sperstad, Madison College; Lori Jenks, Emerald Exhibitions; Dale Hudson, IMEX; Betsy Bair, MeetingsNet; Amy Spatrisano; husband Rick; sister Jessie; best friend Jill; and Jan Sneegas, Unitarian Universalist Association.