The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Awards Opens Nominations

March 21, 2018

The Expo Group, an exhibitions and events partner that invests in growth, is now accepting nominations from across the industry for The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year (SMOTY) Awards. The awards program annually recognizes great leaders in events and trade shows.

“Honorees of the SMOTY Awards wow everyone with their commitment, innovation and excellence,” said President and COO of The Expo Group Randy Pekowski.

He added, “This awards program is a way for us all to recognize people who don’t always receive accolades in the press or within our industry associations. By presenting these awards and making donations to the award winners’ choice of charities, we contribute to elevating the importance of the business events profession and the meaning of bringing buyers and sellers together face to face.”

To nominate a show manager, please visit theexpogroup.com/smoty. There is no fee attached to nominating and anyone responsible for the production of a trade show is eligible regardless of any affiliation with The Expo Group.​

Self-nominations are accepted; all are presented to our panel of independent judges.

“It was truly an honor to be recognized for the SMOTY Award and I feel very humbled to in the company of the previous SMOTY Award winners,” said 2017 honoree Tom Carbott of MHI. “It is very generous for The Expo Group to sponsor this program and to support the charities designated by the SMOTY Award winners.”

This year, the SMOTY trophies will be presented Aug. 11 during the TSNN Awards in Louisville. Honorees receive complimentary registration and travel to that event, as well as a $500 donation to their favorite charity or educational institution.

Previous SMOTY winners are featured at theexpogroup.com/smoty and include managers of events with as few as 50 booths to well over 2,000 from across the United States.

The deadline to nominate is June 15.

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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.