2014 The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Honorees Unveiled

October 20, 2014

Since 2000, The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year awards has been presented by The Expo Group, and this year’s class of honorees has been unveiled.

All of the winners will be feted during a gala awards celebration at the 2014 TSNN Awards: Celebrating Trade Show Excellence Nov. 14-16 in Cleveland.

Congratulations to the 2014 SMOTY winners:

·  Tier I, 150 booths or less: Katie Herritage, CMM, CMP, CSEP of Amazon Web Services, Inc.

·  Tier II, 151-300 booths: Katie Stern of UBM Tech

·  Tier III, 301-700 booths: David Grindle of United States Institute for Theatre Technology

·  Tier IV, 701-1,500 booths: Jeffrey T. Ley of United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation

·  Tier V, more than 1,500 booths: Susan Newman of National Retail Federation

Each of the honorees will be presented the iconic SMOTY obelisk, as well as a donation will be made to the charity of their choice, continuing a tradition that has resulted in more than $75,000 given to various charitable organizations in honor of SMOTY winners.

"The independent panel of judges struggles annually to choose winners from among the group of smart, talented nominees," said Ray Pekowski, President and CEO of The Expo Group.

He added, "This year was no different, and I continue to be impressed with how all the nominees work to create innovation on their shows and craft fascinating experiences for their attendees, exhibitors and sponsors.”

This year’s judging panel consisted of David DuBois, executive director of the International Association for Exhibitions and Events; Sam Lippman of Lippman Connects; Michael D. Lynn of L-3 Communications, 2014 The Expo Group Exhibit Marketer of the Year award winner; Kendra Nicastro, a previous winner of The Expo Group SMOTY Award; and Rachel Wimberly, editor-in-chief and president of Trade Show News Network.

Any individual responsible for the production of a trade or association show in North America is eligible to win, regardless of any affiliation with The Expo Group. Self-nominations are accepted, as well as those from clients, colleagues and supplier partners.

Visit http://bit.ly/SMOTYAWARDS to meet previous award winners and learn more about the program. Visit http://www.t-awards.com/ to learn more about the TSNN Awards weekend.

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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.