In a landmark recognition of visionary leadership, Lyn Lewis-Smith, Chief Executive of Business Events Sydney, and Gary Grimmer, Chair of GainingEdge, have been awarded the inaugural Iceberg Excellence Awards for Advocacy at the AIME Leaders Forum, hosted by the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA).

The awards, presented by The Iceberg, a globally renowned advocacy movement, underscore the pivotal role that business events play in shaping economies, driving policy, and creating long-term societal impact. Established in 2017 by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), The Iceberg highlights the power of business events beyond tourism, demonstrating their profound influence on research, education, healthcare, and economic development.

A Legacy of Transformative Impact

Presenting the awards, James Latham, Founder and Producer of The Iceberg, alongside ABEA Chair Peter King, commended the recipients for their unwavering commitment to advancing the business events industry as a key economic driver.

“Lyn has been at the forefront of research, data, and storytelling in our sector. Working alongside colleagues from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), she has pioneered a powerful advocacy framework that elevates business events beyond the consumption economy,” Latham stated.

Lewis-Smith’s thought leadership and advocacy have led to groundbreaking research projects, including the globally recognized ‘Beyond Tourism Benefits: A Social Legacy’ Report, ‘The Power of Conferences,’ and ‘The Legacies of Business Events’. These studies, conducted in collaboration with UTS professors Carmel Foley and Deborah Edwards, serve as blueprints for nations and industry stakeholders worldwide to demonstrate the long-term benefits of business events.

A Global Voice for Business Events Policy

Turning to Grimmer’s unparalleled contributions, Latham highlighted his transformative role in policy engagement:

“No one has devoted more to policy advancement than Gary. His deep understanding of business and professional events as catalysts for governmental, social, and economic objectives has helped redefine the sector as a change agent—not just a travel facilitator.”

Grimmer’s expertise extends across global markets, where his leadership has driven initiatives such as the ‘Meet Denmark Report’ and the ‘BestCities Global Alliance Legacy Measurement’ project. Both have been instrumental in reinforcing that business events leave lasting legacies far beyond their immediate economic impact.

As Chair of The Iceberg’s Global Advisory Board, Grimmer continues to shape international policy discussions, ensuring that business events are recognized for their profound role in innovation, trade, and socio-economic transformation.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Advocates

The recognition of Lewis-Smith and Grimmer sends a powerful message to business event professionals worldwide—advocacy is not merely an industry necessity but a strategic imperative for long-term growth and sustainability. Their efforts have led to more significant investment, policy shifts, and widespread acknowledgment of the industry’s critical contributions to global progress.

“Lyn and Gary’s achievements serve as an inspiration for others in the industry to continue championing the broader benefits of business events, ensuring their lasting impact on communities and economies worldwide,” Latham concluded.

The Future of Business Events Advocacy

As the business events sector continues to evolve, the insights and leadership of figures like Lewis-Smith and Grimmer will remain instrumental in shaping its trajectory. Their success underscores the need for industry professionals to embrace data-driven storytelling, research-backed advocacy, and global collaboration to drive sustainable growth and policy recognition.

For more on The Iceberg and its advocacy initiatives, visit The Iceberg.

Written by: Bridget Gomez

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