International Association of Exhibitions and Events Names "20 Under 30" Award Honorees
October 28, 2012
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events is reaching out to bring younger attendees to the organization’s Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition by naming the “20 Under 30” award honorees, who will receive free registration and lodging for three nights when the event runs in December in Orlando.
The “20 Under 30” program provides education for professional growth in the exhibitions and events industry and helps program participants become better, more productive employees.
The award program is sponsored by the Austin (Texas) Convention & Visitors Bureau and Austin Convention Center.
"This really is the opportunity of a lifetime for a professional at this stage of his or her development," said IAEE President David DuBois.
He added, "We cannot think of a better way to introduce young exhibitions and events professionals to the industry than by giving them the all-encompassing experience that is Expo! Expo!. The abundance of education sessions, exposure to products and services providers and networking opportunities is an excellent start to a fulfilling career in this industry."
More than 40 applications were received and reviewed by a five-person panel of industry veterans who were evaluating applicants’ answers to the following questions:
- What influenced you to join the exhibitions and events community?
- What is your proudest accomplishment to this day?
- What do you hope to take away from Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition?
- As a future exhibitions and events industry organizer leader, what area(s) do you deem necessary for future success in this competitive marketplace?
The following individuals were selected as this year’s 20 Under 30:
- Jennifer Collins, conference nanager, SHRM – Atlanta, managed by Meeting Expectations
- Kristin Dacey, marketing specialist, IDG World Expo
- Cindy Dixon, digital product specialist, Hanley Wood Exhibitions
- Jessica Gago, associate marketing manager, Fast Forward Event Productions
- Danielle Garvey, assistant manager, Convention Operations, National Restaurant Association
- Holly Hart, associate marketing manager, Hanley Wood Exhibitions
- Vanessa Heavens, conference experience specialist, MRA Services
- Stacy Landers, exhibit coordinator, MP Associates, Inc.
- Trinh Le, meeting planner, American Counseling Association
- Kelly Maguire, meetings manager, International Sign Association
- Elizabeth Malone, dealer market supervisor, Orgill, Inc.
- William (Bill), McGlade, manager, exhibit sales, International Sign Association
- Catherine Perkins, event services coordinator, SmithBucklin
- Sanjay Prasad, sales executive, SME Canada (Society of Manufacturing Engineers Canada)
- Adam Royer, manager, Exhibits and Sponsorships, NASSP
- Monica Sober, conference manager, National Association of Home Builders
- Katie Stern, conference manager, UBM Electronics
- Cassie Thompson, senior associate, SmithBucklin
- Christina Wade, marketing manager, Association of Equipment Manufacturers
- Kimberly Zonca, registration manager, National Business Media, Inc.
In addition to receiving a complimentary full registration and the three nights of lodging, honorees will be recognized throughout the annual meeting and formally at IAEE’s Expo! Expo! General Session Dec. 5.
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.
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