Show Manager of the Year Award Winners Unveiled

October 3, 2012

The Expo Group’s Show Manager of the Year award winners were unveiled, representing a wide spectrum of market sectors within the trade show industry, including a show dedicated to all things Halloween and a massive event focused on the plastics industry.

All five winners will be feted during a gala awards ceremony at the 3rd Annual TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence Nov. 2-4 in Louisville.

Some of the words used to describe the 2012 SMOTY winners were: “An unprecedented idea.” “Grace under fire.” “Changed the model.” “Incorporates new excitement.” “Epitomizes service, planning and execution.”

Here are the five winners that were chosen by an independent panel of judges:

Tier I – 1 to 150 booths: Molly Mérez, executive director, Ticket Summit, Inc.

Tier II – 151 to 300 booths: Margery Palonis, CEM, exhibits manager, Academy of General Dentistry

Tier III – 301 to 700 booths: Nancy Johnson, event director, Brewers Association

Tier IV – 701 to 1,500 booths: Deborah Swift, owner and president, Swift Solutions

Tier V – 1,501+ booths: Gene Sanders, senior vice president of Trade Shows and Conferences, SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association

"The dedication of these individuals and the lengths they go to service their attendees and exhibitors are the exact reasons we started the SMOTY awards program -- to give credit where it is due,” said Ray Pekowski, president and CEO of The Expo Group.

He added, “Over the years, we have had the pleasure of honoring some truly amazing people in our industry and contributed thousands of  dollars to charities on their behalf.”

As part of the TSNN Awards, each 2012 SMOTY winner will be presented with the iconic SMOTY crystal obelisk trophy and be honored with a donation to their favorite charity.

The 2012 SMOTY judges were Glenda Brungardt, The Expo Group Exhibit Manager of the Year award winner from HP; David DuBois, executive director of the International Association for Exhibitions & Events; Jennifer Hoff, former SMOTY winner now COO of VP International; Sam Lippman, president and founder, Lippmann Connects; and Rachel Wimberly, president and editor-in-chief of Trade Show News Network.

The Expo Group SMOTY awards are open to anyone in the industry responsible for producing a show, regardless of any affiliation with The Expo Group.

This year’s nominees were suggested by co-workers, vendors, exhibitors, bosses and themselves.

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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.