Industry stalwart Airy Garrigosa has received the 2012 JMIC Unity Award in recognition of her services to the meetings industry over three decades. The honour was bestowed by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), a forum for international associations engaged in various aspects of the industry.

Garrigosa left her post as director of the Barcelona Convention Bureau (BCB) last month after almost 30 years at the helm. She has also served in numerous industry associations - including ICCA, ECM, MPI and SITE - where she made an on-going contribution to the development of the industry.

JMIC president Philippe Fournier said: “JMIC as an organisation is devoted to creating stronger relationships within our industry and promoting greater awareness of the values we represent. Airy is an individual that has for many years represented the kinds of qualities and activities that support industry growth and professionalism, and it therefore gives me great pleasure to be making  her in recognition of her accomplishments”.

Dieter Hardt-Stremayr, ECM president, added: “Airy’s involvement in the Board since 2007 has always been very valuable and her contribution to the association is second to none through the setting up of a variety of convention events and workshops, such as Mercado or Meet Europe. Airy was truly the initiator of expanding ECM activities outside Europe and to the USA as a first start.”

The Unity Award is given to someone who represents the best qualities of Meetings Industry Leadership and who has helped create stronger relationships and a greater cohesion for the industry. Last year the award went to Vienna Convention Bureau chief Christian Mutschlechner.

Pictured: Airy Garrigosa