Martin Lewis, Managing Editor of Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine and Managing Director of CAT Publications Ltd was awarded the first ‘EIBTM Lifetime Achievement Award’, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the meetings and events industry over the past 25 years at the new EIBTM Forum, which took place yesterday at the Fira Monjuic in Barcelona.

Accepting his award, Martin Lewis said, “The past quarter century for me has been great fun with great friends in a great industry. I doubt if there is a friendlier industry in the world I am both pleased and grateful to receive this award. But I cannot accept it on my own behalf. I have to accept it on behalf of my two co-directors Richard Corser and Steve Lewis and the amazing team we have at CAT Publications because without them I couldn’t have done anything.”

The first EIBTM Forum attracted over 500 delegates who gathered to listen to keynote speaker Barbara Kellerman, author and Harvard Professor discuss “The End of Leadership”, this was then followed by a panel discussion.  Participants also attended a networking reception hosted by the Majestic Hotel and Spa, in Barcelona.

Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions, EIBTM Event Director commented, “Our aim is for this to be one of the industry’s key international events of the year and a an opportunity for everyone including exhibitors, Hosted Buyers and those in Barcelona on the eve of EIBTM each year.  Networking is an essential part of EIBTM and whilst we offer a host of opportunities across the next three days, The Forum is really all about giving something slightly different to kick start a week of inspiration”.

Source: EIBTM