Jennifer Hoff Named 2018 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award Honoree
May 1, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events celebrates another successful Women’s Leadership Forum April 30-May 1 at the InterContinental Washington, D.C. – The Wharf in Washington, D.C.
More than 220 attendees sold out this year’s event, which featured education sessions for women at all stages of their career.
The 2018 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award was presented to Jennifer Hoff, CEM, president, Taffy Event Strategies during the forum.
“Jen took a leap of faith when she launched Taffy Event Strategies. She knew she had the knowledge, skills, and a bit of courage to be successful,” said IAEE Executive Vice President and COO Cathy Breden, CMP, CAE.
She added, “As a female business owner, Jen demonstrates that faith in yourself, and a circle of trusted friends and mentors, goes a long way toward achieving success. Her leadership in IAEE, and other organizations, shows that building relationships is a key to success in the exhibitions industry. I’m pleased to have Jen not only as a colleague, but also a good friend.”
Hoff’s career has been focused on producing trade shows and conferences. Until 2012, she spent 19 years at National Trade Productions (NTP) starting off as a conference organizer, received multiple promotions throughout her career and rounding out her contributions as Executive Director, Industry Relations.
In this capacity, Hoff was part of the NTP executive team and contributed to the strategic direction of the company, client and industry relations, staff recruitment, internal processes and direction.
Most recently, Hoff launched a full-service trade show and event management company, Taffy Event Strategies.
Taffy Event Strategies produces exhibitions and conferences including Coverings and ASPE-The American Society of Plumbing Engineers Expo.
Prior to that, she worked with VP International to launch new events in a variety of market segments. Highlighted events include Coverings, ASPE Expo, U.S. News STEM Solutions and Hospital of Tomorrow Summit.
Hoff has contributed extensively to IAEE on both the local and national levels. She served as Chairperson of the Washington, D.C. Chapter and served on the chapter’s Program Committee.
She has served as a member and chairperson on multiple IAEE committees and task forces throughout her more than 20 years as an IAEE member. Hoff currently contributes to the IAEE FutureScaping Task Force and the CEIR Research Council, as well as serving as a member of the CEM Faculty.
She contributed to IAEE’s Art of the Show Textbook, 3rd Edition and has instructed the “Introduction to Exposition Management” course at Northern Virginia Community College.
Nearly a dozen IAEE members submitted testimonials on Hoff’s behalf applauding her business acumen, leadership skills and generous mentorship, earning her this year’s Woman of Achievement Award.
“I am honored to receive the IAEE Woman of Achievement Award,” Hoff said. “I value the network of woman peers I have developed through my involvement with IAEE. I am proud to be part of an industry that recognizes and supports the achievement of women.”
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.
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