The Convention Liaison Council was founded in New York City in 1949 by four organizations – American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); American Hotel and Motel Association (AH&MA); Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI); and International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (IACVB).
In 2000, the organization changed its name to the Convention Industry Council.
In the years since its inception, CIC has grown to include more than 30 member organizations.
The Events Industry Council is currently headquartered in Alexandria, VA.
In 2017, the organization underwent a further name change to the Events Industry Council.