TSNN Awards Celebrates the Trade Show Industry’s Best of 2023 in Puerto Rico
October 31, 2023
Held Oct. 27-28, the 2023 TSNN Awards drew about 140 attendees to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for two days of celebration, education and living “boricua,” a spirit, flavor and rhythm honoring the island’s heritage.
"The 2023 TSNN Awards Gala was a magical night, with awards given out to all of the overall Innovation winners, Outstanding Show Pros and the DEI, Industry Support and Industry Icon honorees," said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. "The energy was electric, with salsa dancers kicking off the night with a fantastic performance, followed by a night filled with incredible food, music and celebrating the very best in our industry. Thank you Discover Puerto Rico for an amazing time!"
Watch here the highlight video of the 2023 TSNN Awards, sponsored by Map Your Show and produced by CNTV.
Event highlights
The event kicked off with an opening reception on Fri., Oct. 27, at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel and Casino, a modern urban resort with stunning views of San Juan Bay from its rooftop infinity pool. With live music, a curated dinner menu and an open bar, the industry gathering had a festive and fun vibe. Following the opening reception, the party continued in a hospitality suite.
On Sat., Oct. 28, the day started with a bountiful breakfast — which featured guava pastries, mallorcas and plant-based chorizo and avocado toast — at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, a venue managed by ASM Global. During the morning break, attendees were treated to local ice cream, toasted nuts and French macarons. A networking luncheon featured a sit-down meal with lamb, pork and vegan options.
A robust education conference featured a half-day of sessions, including:
- Opening remarks and welcome by Discover Puerto Rico CEO Brad Dean
- State of the Industry, a panel featuring International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Interim President and CEO Cathy Breden, Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) CEO Vinnie Polito and Lippman Connects President Sam Lippman, moderated by Wimberly
- Sustainability: Questex, a presentation by Event and Partnership Director Elizabeth Fantetti Trevorrow and Show Director Jessi Cybulski
- Fireside Chat on DEI Leadership with Don Pietranczyk, VP, Experience & Education at Informa Markets, moderated by TSNN VP, Content Danica Tormohlen
- Fireside Chat on Advocacy Leadership with Beth Cowperthwaite, SVP, Communications, Emerald, moderated by Tormohlen
- Consumer Show Conversation, a panel featuring All Show Services President and CEO Eric Udler, Leftfield Media VP Marketing Lauren Dabb and Raccoon Media Group CEO Mike Seaman
- Keynote by Rita Moreno, a Puerto Rican actor, singer and dancer who is one of 18 people who have been honored with an EGOT – Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards
And the winners are…
Several award winners were announced before the event and celebrated at the awards gala, including:
- Robert Maricich — Industry Icon Award
- Beth Cowperthwaite –– Industry Support Award
- Don Pietranczyk –– DEI Leadership Award
- Questex – Sustainability Award
In 2023, a record-breaking number of nominations were submitted for the 2023 TSNN Awards, including nominations in 12 categories for the Innovation Awards and an incredible number of nominations for the Outstanding Show Pro Awards. The finalists were announced in September.
During the awards gala held at the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico — a historic neoclassic structure built and designed by the architect William H. Shimmelphening in 1920 — the winners were announced and recognized on stage. The 2023 TSNN Award Winners include:
Innovation Awards Winners
- Best Engagement (Think Fun!) — International Beauty Show Questex
- Best Exhibitor Program — National Restaurant Association Show Informa
- Best Use of Data — FDIC International Clarion Events
- Best Use of Technology — Premiere Orlando Informa Markets
- Created (Maintained) Community — Abilities Expo 5Net4 Productions
- Created (Maintained) Culture — Coverings 2023 Taffy Event Strategies
- Giving Back (Charitable) — Clarion Cares by Clarion Events Inc.
- Hybrid Virtual Experience — eMerge Americas eMerge Americas LLC
- Most Innovative Design — The Experiential Marketing Summit 2023, produced by Access Intelligence
- Most Creative Way Revenue Was Generated — Retail's Big Show, produced the National Retail Federation
- Savvy Marketing Campaign — CONEXPO-CON/AGG, produced by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
- Team Building — IAAPA Expo 2022, produced by IAAPA
- Best Consumer Shows — The Boston Run Show, produced by Raccoon Media Group and Anime NYC, produced by LeftField Media
Outstanding Show Pros
- Eric Udler, Producer, Super Pet Expo, All Show Services
- Tricia Barglof, Executive Director, Informa
- Amie Gilmore, Show Director, Informa Markets
- Joe Sorrentino, Senior Vice President, Live Events, North American Veterinary Community (NAVC)
Support From Sponsors
The 2023 TSNN Awards would not be possible without the amazing support of the following sponsors: Host Sponsor Discover Puerto Rico; Venue Sponsor Puerto Rico Convention Center; Hotel Sponsor Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino; Registration Sponsor - Maritz; Presenting Sponsors SmartSource; SMT Expo; Personify; Fern; EventsPass; Expo Convention Contractors; Gold Sponsor ASP; Photography Sponsor The Photo Group; as well as Silver Sponsors Expocad; Map Your Show; Convention Data Services and MCI Group.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn!
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