Lawson Hockman Selected as 2015 IAEE Legend of the Industry; Krakoff Leadership Institute Wraps Up in Palm Beach
August 18, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events completed its Krakoff Leadership Institute and Krakoff Advanced Leadership Institute, held Aug. 15-18, at the Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Fla.
Each two-day program provided a highly interactive curriculum that develops participants' leadership skills through group participation.
In addition, IAEE selected a "Legend of the Industry" whose contributions, innovation and leadership have been truly unique and remarkable.
An informal setting then allowed each participant face-to-face interaction with this industry leader.
This year's "Legend" is Lawson Hockman, CEM, vice president industry relations, IMN Solutions.
After 45 years in the exhibitions and events industry, Hockman's experience spans the non- and for-profit arenas in all areas of management and development with a strong emphasis on association operations and financial management, convention/trade show management, membership development, marketing, sales and publications management.
"Lawson is a greatly accomplished member of the industry and indelible source of knowledge," said 2015 IAEE Chairperson Megan Tanel, CEM. "The wisdom he imparted regarding creating a network with your peers and building relationships with your suppliers will serve as a valuable asset to this year's institute graduates as they continue to hone their leadership skills."
In his role at IMN Solutions, Hockman consults with clients on association management, trade show and meeting management, sales and marketing, vendor selection and vendor contract negotiation, and advance and on-site management.
Prior to joining IMN Solutions in 2000, he was COO for the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), where he managed the day-to-day operations.
Prior to ADAA, Hockman was COO for the Environmental Industry Associations (EIA), where he was responsible for overall operations including financial management and oversight, personnel administration, meetings, exhibitions, educational programs, membership, marketing and publications.
Prior to joining EIA in 1989, he was with the National Electrical Association (NECA) for more than 19 years, holding positions as membership director, convention/exposition director and assistant director for Labor Relations.
Hockman is an Air Force veteran and a graduate of Shepherd University.
Graduates of the 2015 Krakoff Leadership Institute will be recognized at Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held Dec. 1-3 in Baltimore, Md.
Partner Voices
Just when it seems like Las Vegas can’t get any bigger, brighter or more exciting for groups, MGM Resorts raises the bar again. The company continues to invest and innovate across its portfolio of Las Vegas resorts, with new attractions and upgraded experiences for attendees of all interests.
Remodeled Guest Rooms
MGM Grand is the largest single hotel in the world with over 5,000 guest rooms and an 850,000-square-foot conference center. It is home to the newly remodeled MGM Grand Studio Tower—700 reimagined guest rooms with a fun mid-century vibe. Nearby, the iconic New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63M redesign and remodel of its 1,830 guest rooms and 155 suites.
Down the street, Bellagio Las Vegas is sporting renovated rooms in the Spa Tower with sunrise-inspired decor and luxurious soaking tubs in Premier King rooms after a $110-million transformation.
Reinvented Luxury Experiences
The Luxury Meetings District, made up of Bellagio Las Vegas, ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas, is now more connected than ever before. A new interior walkway opened this October for a seamless attendee experience – connecting Vdara, Bellagio, and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, guests can now walk from Park MGM to Bellagio in around 15 minutes.
New on the scene in the Luxury Meetings District is Cathedrale at ARIA, TAO Group’s upscale establishment specializing in exquisite French-Mediterranean cuisine offering elevated private dining experiences that opened in May.
Heralded by World’s Best 50 Restaurants, GQ and VOGUE, LPM at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is opening this fall and will deliver its signature spontaneity and imaginative celebration of France’s Mediterranean cuisine, art, and culture to the unique luxury resort in impeccable fashion.
A “New Wave for Mandalay Bay
A new wave of enhancements and experiences has arrived at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, including Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, an 8,445-square-foot restaurant that opened this June, perfect for pre- and post-game eats and drinks. Event planner’s favorite, Chef Michael Mina’s StripSteak, received a full renovation and now includes one of the largest private dining rooms on The Strip. Retro by Voltaggio debuts a one-year residency with a fun take on pop culture of the 80s and 90s with classic American dishes. An exciting addition planned for 2024 is Swingers, a 40,000-square-foot oasis of street food, miniature golf and art at Mandalay Bay.
Most exciting for meeting planners, the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center is undergoing a complete refresh, with lightened space, added eye-catching art, and improved technology infrastructure for even more flexible space. Energy-efficient digital signage now leads the way with faster internet speeds and new AV options.
From renovated guest rooms and meeting spaces to celebrated dining options and dedicated teams, MGM Resorts is dedicated to delivering exceptional and innovative meeting experiences.
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