Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) President Barbara Maple announced the winner of the 2008 JMIC Unity Award as Mr. Hans Friis of Brähler ICS AG.

Mr. Friis formally received the award at the IMEX Awards Banquet in Frankfurt, Germany on the evening of April 23.

In making the Award, Ms. Maple said "I’m particularly pleased to be presenting this year’s award as the recipient demonstrates so well the kind of spirit that can advance these objectives. Hans Friis is an individual who has gone far beyond his commercial interests to build better relations and communications not only within the industry itself but with key client and governmental groups that he interacts with. At the same time he has been a strong supporter and contributor to industry events as well as generous in sharing his expertise".

Friis has been with Brähler since 1992, and is a member of the Brähler Board of Directors with particular responsibility for subsidiary companies and system wide sales. In this capacity he has been engaged with many of the highest profile meetings in the world, and acted as an ambassador between the industry and a number of the largest client organizations including several key UN agencies.

A the same time, he has been a generous supporter of the industry, having contributed his time and energies to a number of industry organizations, including MPI, ICCA and AIPC as well as assisting these organizations in upgrading their knowledge and use of new technology.

Specifically, he has participated in training seminars, provided systems, training and support to industry events, and supplied technology in support of association activities.

The JMIC Unity Award was established by the Council as a way of recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the Meetings Industry and the level of professionalism it represents.

The Award is made each year based on criteria which evaluate industry leadership and initiative.

JMIC - the Joint Meetings Industry Council - was established in 1978 as a vehicle for creating a forum for the exchange of information and perspectives amongst international associations engaged in various aspects of the Meetings Industry.

It has met annually each year and served as a link between its member organizations as well as a means of reviewing industry conditions and strategies.

JMIC members include AIPC (The International Association of Congress Centres); COCAL (The Latin American Confederation of PCO and Related Companies); ECM (European Cities Marketing); IAPCO (The International Association of Professional Congress Organizers); ICCA (The International Congress and Convention Association); MPI (Meeting Professionals International) EVVC, the European Association of Event Centres and SITE (the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives).