The Event Industry Association of Ireland (EIAI) is proud to announce that its Co-Founder, Elaine O’Connor, has been appointed to the international jury panel for the Eventex Awards 2026.
Now in its 16th edition, Eventex Awards is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious global accolades in the world of events and experience marketing. The 2026 jury features a record 251 experts from 43 countries, bringing together founders, executives, innovators, creative leaders and industry mentors from across the international events industry. This year also introduces new Grand Prix categories, recognising truly game-changing creativity that sets the benchmark for global excellence.
Elaine’s appointment reflects more than two decades of event delivery, executive engagement and industry leadership in Ireland and internationally. Her international experience includes working with NEOM Tech & Digital (TONOMUS) in Saudi Arabia and involvement in major global technology events including Mobile World Congress (MWC), GITEX Global and CES. In Ireland, her career has included the delivery of some of the country’s largest and most high-profile public events, including St Patrick’s Festival, the Tall Ships, the Battle of Clontarf commemorations, RTÉ Reflecting the Rising and Bavaria City Racing, alongside a wide range of major cultural, civic and public events. Through EIAI, Elaine now brings that operational and international experience to her ongoing advocacy for the Irish events industry, championing stronger governance, professional standards and the development of strategic national infrastructure to support a more sustainable, resilient and internationally competitive sector.
Speaking on the announcement, Elaine O’Connor said:
“It is an honour to join the Eventex Awards jury panel for 2026. The awards showcase the very best of global creativity and operational excellence, and I look forward to contributing to a rigorous, fair and insightful evaluation process. International benchmarking is vital for the continued advancement of our industry.”
Founded in 2009, Eventex Awards celebrates creativity, innovation and effectiveness across the global events and experience marketing landscape. Each year it highlights leading agencies, producers, technology providers, suppliers and venues from around the world.
EIAI welcomes this recognition of Irish expertise on the international stage and remains committed to ensuring that Ireland’s events industry continues to demonstrate leadership, professionalism and global competitiveness.
A list of the Eventex Awards 2026 jury members is available here.
