PMMI Director of Expositions A.J. Janosko Passes Away Suddenly
June 23, 2014
PMMI Director of Expositions A.J. Janosko, who was 45, passed away suddenly as the result of an accident over the weekend.
“It is with deep sadness that I announce the sudden passing of A.J. Janosko, director of expositions for PMMI, who passed away yesterday as a result of an accident over the weekend,” said Chuck Yuska, president and CEO, PMMI.
Yuska added that Janosko joined PMMI in August 2012 to fill a newly created position, handling much of the day-to-day show management.
Janosko worked on a portfolio of shows that included PACK EXPO Las Vegas, which drew more than 23,000 attendees and 2,700-plus exhibitors last year to the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the PACK EXPO International show, which will be held in November in Chicago’s McCormick Place and draws more than 40,000 attendees, among others.
“It didn’t take long for him to become an integral member of the PMMI staff,” Yuska said. “When he came on board, A.J. told exhibitors to expect three things from him: Commitment, trust and respect. He lived up to that promise with PMMI members and PACK EXPO exhibitors in every possible way.”
Before joining PMMI, Janosko was director of trade show operations at SPI: The Plastics Industry Association.
SPI’s triennial NPE event ended a four-decade run at McCormick Place after its 2009 show with a very successful launch at the Orange County Convention Center last spring in Orlando.
“I have a great deal of respect for and understanding of union labor, and that’s been invaluable in my career. I also take great pride in my ability to navigate the proper channels to achieve positive results,” Janosko said at the time. “That definitely helped us achieve our goals.”
The transition of NPE from Chicago to Orlando also prepared him to come to PACK EXPO.
“As a show manager, that transition meant I had to introduce myself to a new team at a new location, get to know them, how they work and what works in the venue,” Janosko said.
Janosko’s background also includes working for BDMetrics, Inc., the Telecommunications Industry Association and Convention Management Group.
"Here at the office, we’ve lost a member of the PMMI family. A.J. will be sorely missed, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family,” Yuska said.
Funeral and service arrangements still are being finalized. A.J.’s family requests that donations toward an education fund for his sons, to be named later, be made in lieu of flowers.
TSNN will provide details of the fund when they are made available.
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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