The SITE community is in mourning from the news that its former CEO, Didier Scaillet, CIS, CITP, passed away on July 9.
A much-loved leader in the business events industry, Didier Scaillet served as CEO of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence and the SITE Foundation from January 2018 until he stepped down, for health reasons, in September of 2020.
He also served as Director of the Incentive Federation in 2019-2020, as well as leading the MPI Foundation.
Didier, who resided in Dilbeek, Belgium, is survived by his wife Sabine and his children, Martin, Morgane and Giles.
Condolences are pouring in from industry colleagues and friends, who described Didier (or “Did,” as some called him) as “kind, “helpful” and “a true gentleman.” That was the experience of Prevue Editor Barbara Scofidio, who worked with Didier as the keynote speaker at Prevue’s 2018 Global Meeting & Incentive Planning Summit, where he kicked off the event with an overview of how the geopolitical situation around the globe and issues of perception are influencing incentive decision-making.
“He was so easygoing and just wanted to help in any way he can,” she recalled. “If you look at his career, it was one of service, volunteerism and leadership. He had all the qualities of an authentic leader.”
“The industry has lost one of the foundational bricks that we were built on,” said industry Producer, Speaker, Author and Educator Dianne Devitt “Didier’s untimely passing can only be acknowledged by all his accomplishments. Most of all, he was a friend. My friend and everyone’s friend around him. His leadership from the MPI days we spent together to SITE and beyond leave a strong legacy. May he rest in peace.”
A memorial service will take place, following cremation, on Tuesday, July 16 at 10 a.m. at Daelhof à Zemst (Erasmuslaan 50 à 1804 Eppegem-Zemst). A book of condolences is available at www.hulsmans-goossens.be
