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 SITE’s annual Master Motivator Honor.
Pádraic Gilligan, SITE’s Head of Marketing and co-founder of the Irish-based SoolNua boutique consultancy firm, was celebrated at the 2024 IMEX Frankfurt gala alongside other industry association award-winners.
Here is some of what SITE CEO Annette Gregg shared with those in the room, when describing Pádraic’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 Pádraic 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 SITE leader, and an exceptional person.
Pádraic Gilligan — or PG, as we call him at SITE, 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 SITE team member with this award, but Pádraic had no choice but to become part of SITE HQ after filling every possible volunteer role since joining SITE in 1994: chapter leader, board member, SITE Foundation trustee, and President of SITE, as well as being an active member of our Past Presidents Council.
As SITE’s current head of marketing, Pádraic 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 Pádraic 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.
Pádraic 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 Pádraic Gilligan for all of his contributions to SITE, and to the business events industry.
Pádraic joins a long list of other award recipients, many of whom continue to actively share their talents and leadership with the incentive travel field.
