TSNN Awards Features Cleveland Cavaliers CEO Len Komoroski Keynote; Celebrity Chef Michael Symon-hosted Brunch
October 2, 2014
The 5th Annual TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence will feature a bevy of well-known personalities, including CEO of the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers Franchise – Len Komoroski, who will give the luncheon keynote; Celebrity Chef Michael Symon, who will host the Sunday Brunch; and Meteorologist Betsy Kling, who will be the event’s emcee.
All three will take part in a celebratory weekend Nov. 14-16 in Cleveland that will kick off Friday night with an opening party and afterglow, with a conference and luncheon the next day, followed by the awards gala and afterglow that evening and capped off by a Sunday Brunch.
“We are absolutely thrilled by the support that the local Cleveland community has given to ensure that attendees to the TSNN Awards have a memorable experience in their city,” said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly.
Besides overseeing the Cavaliers, Komoroski also is CEO of the Quicken Loans Arena organization, which includes the Lake Erie Monsters (AHL), Cleveland Gladiators (AFL), and Canton Charge (NBADL).
In addition, he oversees all business operations and business-related endeavors for Cavs majority owner Dan Gilbert’s family of sports and entertainment interests in Ohio. He also is a principal in Rock Gaming, which operates Horseshoe Casino Cleveland.
With more than 30 years of experience in pro sports and entertainment, Komoroski’s leadership has helped set a solid business foundation from which the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lake Erie Monsters, Cleveland Gladiators, Canton Charge and Quicken Loans Arena have flourished into one of the most successfully operated sports and entertainment organizations in the country.
He will be speaking in front of more than 50 show organizers representing some of the largest and fastest-growing shows in the U.S. after the lunch on Saturday at the Global Center for Health Innovation.
Chef Michael Symon, who will play host for Sunday’s Brunch at the International Exposition (I-X) Center during the Fabulous Food Show, grew up in a Greek and Sicilian family.
The Cleveland native creates boldly flavored, deeply satisfying dishes at his four restaurants in America’s heartland: Lola, Lolita, Roast and B Spot. He also shares his exuberant, approachable cooking style and infectious laugh with viewers as an "Iron Chef” on the Food Network and ABC’s “The Chew”.
Symon published his first cookbook, Michael Symon’s Live to Cook: Recipes and Techniques to Rock Your Kitchen, in 2009, sharing home cook-friendly recipes that draw on the flavors of his heritage.
Symon will do a Q&A with the attendees, and they’ll learn more about the passion he has for cooking.
Another Cleveland native, Betsy Kling, who is the weekday and evening meteorologist for the local NBC affiliate – WKYC, will emcee the TSNN Awards Gala Celebration Sat. Nov. 15 at which the overall fastest shows in different categories, as well as other awards, will be given out.
Kling has won a bevy of awards, including a 2012 Emmy Award for News: Weathercast for "Christmas 2012: 'Twas the Night Before the Blizzard", a 2009 Emmy Award for Crafts: Weather, and a 2003 Emmy Award for Team Effort News Event Coverage of the Columbia Shuttle Tragedy. She also gathered nominations for Emmy Awards for News: Weathercast in 2012 and 2008; and Crafts: Weather in 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2005.
In 2007 Kling was awarded first place by the Ohio Associated Press for Best Regularly Scheduled Weather.
Kling is part of a small group of women in the country who have earned the prestigious Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) accreditation from the American Meteorological Society, as well as the Seal of Approval from the National Weather Association (NWA). She is a full member of both professional organizations.
Additionally, she is active in the NWA and sits on several committees, including the Broadcast Meteorology Committee, and is an evaluator for Seal of Approval applicants. She also organizes fundraisers to support NWA college scholarships for aspiring meteorologists.
Previously, Kling was elected as a NWA Councilor and was honored with the National Weather Association's Member of the Year award for 2004.
For more information on the TSNN Awards please visit www.T-awards.com.
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