Lifetime Achievement Award – Ron Bentley

Presented by Heather MacRae.

Our first Lifetime Achievement Award recipient’s journey began more than 36 years ago when he joined The International Centre in the Maintenance Department, launching a remarkable career in the events industry. Through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he progressed through a series of leadership roles, including Assistant Operations Manager, Manager of Client Services, Director of Client Services and Event Operations, and most recently, Director of Operations. Among his many accomplishments, he also earned the unofficial title of “King of Dad Jokes” from his International Centre family.

A dedicated contributor to the CAEM community, he volunteered on numerous committees and played a pivotal role in developing the Health & Safety Guidelines and Best Practices that continue to serve as an industry benchmark today. As a respected subject matter expert, he regularly shared his knowledge through Educational Forum panels, helping advance important conversations around health, safety, and event operations.

Throughout his career, he has been a trusted leader, problem-solver, and advocate for the industry, earning the respect of clients, colleagues, and partners alike. While his retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter, his contributions and legacy will continue to influence our industry for years to come.

The recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award is Ron Bentley of The International Centre.