Chicago, Illinois, April 2015 … James Mahon, who was the long-time public relations director for the International Association of Conference Centres (IACC), passed away peacefully earlier this month, surrounded by his loving family. He had been ill for a short time.
Anyone who genuinely knew James would never forget him or his communications gifts. He was a special blend of wit, intelligence, knowledge and humor, with a constant side helping of attentive parenting of his gifted daughter. James cherished his family, including his devoted wife Mary and their beloved daughter Kathleen, and his IACC and media colleagues whom he included in his extended family group.
As so many in the national and international meetings press experienced first-hand, there was no better companion than James Mahon. A raconteur of exceptional quality, James conducted business by getting to know his colleagues first-their lives, their families, and their love of the meetings industry. He believed in presenting a story idea that could sell itself. James’ seasoned sensibility never allowed him to go out with anything but the most newsworthy and timely message. Beyond his family, first and foremost was his love of IACC-an organization he was a part of and cherished for many, many years.
James lived in Mount Vernon, New York, north of Manhattan and south of legendary Sleepy Hollow. He loved the literary, cultural and historical references suggested by both destinations. During his distinguished career, James held leadership positions with the landmark Doral Arrowwood of Rye Brook, New York, and with Dolce Hotels & Resorts, before going on to run his own business, which he did successfully for many years.
Mark Cooper, IACC’s CEO noted “As I look back over the years I have known James, both serving as a board member of IACC and also in my current leadership role with the association, on many occasions James advised and provided me with a valuable connection to IACC’s past and its rich history. At the same time, James was a true visionary and an advocate for driving the association forward.”
It’s hard to imagine IACC without James. Yet, IACC will continue to grow and prosper because of the groundwork in which James actively participated. He opened the media doors to IACC, welcomed the press in, and gave them a seat at the table.
