Gary Shapiro to be Honored as IAEE’s 2019 Legend of the Industry

June 25, 2019
Gary Shapiro

International Association of Exhibition and Events has announced Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, as the recipient of its prestigious 2019 Legend of the Industry award. He’ll officially be recognized at the Krakoff Leadership Institute event, planned for Aug. 5-6 at Lowes Miami Beach Hotel in Florida.

This honor recognizes an IAEE member who’s demonstrated remarkable innovations and leadership in the industry. KLI attendees will have the opportunity for face-to-face conversations with Shapiro at the event.

In his role at CTA, which he has held for 28 years, Shapiro leads a staff of approximately 200 employees and thousands of volunteers. Through CTA — which owns and produces CES, ranked the No. 1 show on TSNN’s Top 250 U.S. Trade Shows list, with a net square footage of nearly 2.8 million — he helps advocate for a lower deficit, skilled immigration, free trade and business-supporting policies.

He’s also written several New York Times bestsellers, including Ninja Future: Secrets to Success in the New World of Innovation (HarperCollins, 2019), Ninja Innovation: The Ten Killer Strategies of the World’s Most Successful Businesses (HarperCollins, 2013) and The Comeback: How Innovation Will Restore the American Dream (Beaufort, 2011). 

“It is an honor to be selected as the 2019 IAEE Legend of the Industry,” said Shapiro. “Exhibitions and the tech industry are all about innovation, change and pushing the envelope. Thanks to the many relationships we’ve developed through IAEE, we’ve been able to learn and apply what we learned to ensure CES remains the global stage for innovation and an excellent experience for all who attend.” 

Shapiro recently gave the closing address at the 2019 Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum in Washington, D.C. (read a recap of that here).

 Past Legends of the Industry have included:

  • Donald A. Pazour - 2018
  • Skip Cox - 2017
  • Darlene Gudea - 2016
  • Lawson Hockman - 2015
  • Doug Ducate - 2014
  • Galen Poss - 2013
  • Patricia Farias-Barlow - 2012
  • Bob Dallmeyer - 2011
  • Jackqueline Russo - 2010
  • Donald S. Freeman, Jr. - 2009

IAEE’s Krakoff Leadership Institute (formerly the Future Leaders Institute) serves to educate and connect the industry leaders of today and tomorrow, discussing key issues and building strategic relationships. Learn more about the event or register here (open only to IAEE members).

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on TwitterFacebookLinkedIn and Instagram!

Photo credit: ECEF

Add new comment

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.