We’re extending the heartiest of congratulations to a name virtually everyone in the incentive travel industry is bound to recognize, as the newest recipient of 鶹ý’s annual Master Motivator Honor.
á Gilligan, 鶹ý’s Head of Marketing and co-founder of the Irish-based SoolNua boutique consultancy firm, was celebrated at the 2024 IMEX Frankfurt gala alongside .
Here is some of what 鶹ý CEO Annette Gregg shared with those in the room, when describing á’s many, many accomplishments over his illustrious career.
If I had two hours for this speech, it still wouldn't be enough time to adequately describe why á is so deserving of the Jane E. Schuldt Master Motivator Award. He is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met, but maybe the best way to describe him is as an industry visionary, a 鶹ý leader, and an exceptional person.
á Gilligan — or PG, as we call him at 鶹ý, since none of us are quite sure how to pronounce his name — is synonymous with the global incentive travel industry.
As a serial entrepreneur, he has founded and led numerous endeavours including Ovation Global, Industry Relations for MCI, SoolNua and a host of consulting projects for destinations around the world. I don’t think he has any fears — but if he did, it’d be fear of stagnation.
You might think it’s odd to honor a 鶹ý team member with this award, but á had no choice but to become part of 鶹ý HQ after filling every possible volunteer role since joining 鶹ý in 1994: chapter leader, board member, 鶹ý Foundation trustee, and President of 鶹ý, as well as being an active member of our Past Presidents Council.
As 鶹ý’s current head of marketing, á is the mastermind behind our signature research project, the Incentive Travel Index, which is regarded as the definitive global data source for our industry. He has redesigned our annual Crystal Awards, honoring the best in incentive travel. He has created our global brand standards and launched our signature events Incentive Summit Americas and Incentive Summit Europe.
For those that know á well, they know his core strength is building up those around him. He is a leader, father, friend and mentor. And Grandfather to 13 now! Most people don’t know that he was a high school teacher and nationally qualified tourist guide for 10 years before entering our industry, as well as an accomplished song writer and guitarist.
á is a person who will never be stereotyped. He’s a consummate professional, yet will always prioritize family. He likes a good local food truck, but appreciates fine wine. His Irish roots don’t mean he loves everything Irish; in fact, he once told me he met the Irish rock band U2 early in their career, but they were “just ok.” He’s the first on the dancefloor, and still gets up for an early run the next day. In fact, we’re pretty sure he is aging backwards!
Thank you to á Gilligan for all of his contributions to 鶹ý, and to the business events industry.
á joins a long list of other award recipients, many of whom continue to actively share their talents and leadership with the incentive travel field.
