After the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Exhibition (AIME) Leaders Forum, Lyn Lewis-Smith, chief executive of Business Events Sydney, and Gary Grimmer, chair of GainingEdge, received the inaugural Iceberg Excellence Awards for Advocacy of the Business & Professional Events Sector.
The Iceberg, a global advocacy movement founded in 2017, is presented by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) and supported by the world’s leading industry associations, events, media, and ambassadors. It seeks to illustrate the value of business events beyond tourism to governments and community investors.
The Iceberg Founder and Producer, James Latham, acknowledged the outstanding contributions of Lyn Lewis-Smith and Gary Grimmer before Peter King, the chair of the Australian Business Events Association, presented the awards.
“Lyn has been at the vanguard of our sector’s research, data, and storytelling. Working with her colleagues from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Lyn has built the pillars of advocacy that have advanced the narrative of the business events sector beyond its consumption economy,” James Latham stated.
Turning to Gary Grimmer, James Latham added, “No one has devoted more to policy engagement than Gary. His understanding of business and professional events as drivers of governments’ social, economic, and societal agendas and goals has enabled the sector to be recognised as a change agent, not just a travel agent.”
Working with UTS professors Carmel Foley and Deborah Edwards, Lyn Lewis-Smith inspired the UTS Beyond Tourism Benefits: A Social Legacy report, The Power of Conferences, and The Legacies of Business Events, which have been shared and replicated worldwide as blueprints for sector storytelling.
Gary Grimmer’s work includes the Meet Denmark Report and BestCities Global Alliance Legacy Measurement project, which have been instrumental in highlighting the broader impacts of business events beyond immediate economic benefits. His collaborative approach and dedication to advancing the sector have led to significant global recognition and appreciation from industry peers. Gary Grimmer has also chaired The Iceberg’s Global Advisory Board since its inception.
The impact of business events beyond tourism
Business events are often perceived primarily as drivers of tourism, but their impacts extend far beyond visitor numbers and hotel stays. The advocacy efforts led by Lyn Lewis-Smith and Gary Grimmer have been pivotal in shifting this narrative. By focusing on business events’ social, economic, and knowledge-sharing benefits, they have highlighted how these gatherings contribute to societal advancement and policy development.
Lyn Lewis-Smith’s contributions
Lyn Lewis-Smith’s work at Business Events Sydney has been a testament to the transformative power of business events. She has championed using data and compelling narratives to showcase the sector’s broader value. Her collaboration with UTS has resulted in influential reports demonstrating the sector’s contributions to social legacies and economic advancement. These reports have become essential tools for advocacy and have set benchmarks globally.
Gary Grimmer’s achievements
Gary Grimmer’s tenure as chair of GainingEdge has been marked by his relentless pursuit of policy engagement. His expertise and insights have helped position business events as integral to governmental and societal strategies. The Meet Denmark Report and BestCities Global Alliance Legacy Measurement project, among others, have underscored the importance of legacy planning and the long-term benefits of business events.
The Iceberg Movement
The Iceberg, initiated by JMIC, has catalysed change in how business events are perceived and valued. Supported by leading industry players, the movement has provided a platform for advocacy and recognition. The Excellence Awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of individuals like Lyn Lewis-Smith and Gary Grimmer, who have tirelessly worked to elevate the sector.
A future of continued advocacy
As the business events sector continues to evolve, the contributions of leaders like Lyn Lewis-Smith and Gary Grimmer will remain crucial. Their work has laid a solid foundation for future advocacy efforts, ensuring that the broader impacts of business events are recognised and valued. The sector can look forward to a future where business events are seen as economic drivers and catalysts for societal progress and innovation.
The recognition of Lyn Lewis-Smith and Gary Grimmer with the Iceberg Excellence Awards marks a significant milestone in the advocacy of the business and professional events sector. Their achievements inspire others in the industry to continue championing the broader benefits of business events, ensuring their lasting impact on communities and economies worldwide. Gary Grimmer’s relentless pursuit of policy engagement has marked his tenure as chair of GainingEdge.
