Center for Exhibition Industry Research Foundation Announces 2014 Helen Brett Scholars
November 4, 2014
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) Foundation recently named the recipients of the 2014 Helen Brett™ Scholarship awards: Taylor Dudley, Hope Mckendry, Abigail Rubin and Kathleen Sands.
The Helen Brett™ Scholarship was established by Robert Kolinek, CEM, CMP, and named for his grandmother, Helen Brett, who was a pioneer in the trade show industry.
The purpose of the scholarship is to assist individuals who are exploring the study of exhibitions and events management with the end goal of advancing their career in this field.
"The CEIR Foundation is committed to fostering and supporting the next generation of the exhibitions and events industry. The Helen Brett™ Scholarship continues to be the gold standard of the community, opening doors for students pursuing a career focused in this area," said Jackie Russo, Chairperson of the CEIR Foundation's Helen Brett Scholarship Committee.
She added, "Based upon the outstanding applications received from this year's Helen Brett™ Scholars, we are proud to say the future of the exhibition industry looks very bright."
The scholarship serves to promote the exhibitions and events industry by attracting college-level students into the field of study and encouraging their pursuit with financial support.
Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis based on field of study, recommendations and educational achievement. Preference is given to those expressing an interest in exhibitions and events management and those enrolled in degree programs which are viewed as particularly relevant to this field.
Here are the winners:
Taylor Dudley, University of Central Florida's Rosen College
"I want to work on the operations side of show management for a large show such as InfoComm, Solar Power International or Surf Expo. My internships at the Orange County Convention Center and InfoComm International have taught me so much about the possibilities and opportunities that are available in this industry. I love the idea of bringing professionals together to share ideas and technologies. I am looking forward to my future in exhibitions and events after graduating from the University of Central Florida's Rosen College with a degree in Event Management in May 2015."
*Dudley also won the inaugural $5,000 TSNN Awards Student Scholarship
Hope Mckendry, Johnson & Wales University North Miami Campus
"I am a junior at Johnson & Wales University North Miami Campus studying Sports, Entertainment and Event Management. I have had many opportunities to expand my knowledge of the exhibitions and events industry by volunteering at multiple events such as BizBash Live: The Expo and the Jazz in the Gardens festival. I'm also working with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida as a Special Events Intern. My passion for the exhibitions and events industry pushes me to continue to learn more every day. I'm extremely appreciative of the Helen Brett™ Scholarship so I may continue my education in this amazing industry."
Abigail Rubin, Johnson & Wales University
"I started my professional career in 2013 at Johnson & Wales University where I volunteered at my very first event less than a month after classes started. I currently work with campus events that prepare me with real world knowledge of a career in the business. I also volunteer much of my time on the weekends to events that are more complex than ones we plan and produce on campus. My goal is to be as inspiring and successful as Helen Brett was in her career. I would consider myself very lucky if I could help others and carry-out a passion close to my heart as she did."
Kathleen Sands, Johnson & Wales University
"I am passionate about exhibitions and events management. It is something I truly love. I enjoy all elements of exhibitions and events management: planning, research, design, travel and customer service. In particular, I enjoy the fast pace and excitement that is intrinsic with exhibitions and events management. I enjoy being kept on my toes and having the never-ending opportunity to learn new material and meet thousands of inspiring individuals throughout my work in the industry."
The 2014 Helen Brett™ Scholars will be recognized during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held Dec. 9-11 in Los Angeles.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
Add new comment