2021 TSNN Awards: Trade Show Innovation, Industry Leaders Will Be Celebrated Dec. 1-2 At Mohegan Sun

July 9, 2021
Mohegan Sun, TSNN Awards

After the past year and a half that simply is indescribable in the impact that the pandemic has had on our industry, TSNN deliberated quite a bit before deciding to announce that we will be going ahead with the previously postponed 11th Annual 2021 TSNN Awards.

We feel strongly it is important to celebrate not only shows that have shown incredible innovation under challenging conditions, but also people who have stood above and beyond and lifted us all up in so many ways.

The 2021 TSNN Awards will be held Dec. 1-2 at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut and will feature an incredible opening reception in The Vista Lounge, followed the next morning by a high-level conference in The Cabaret Theatre in which we will be discussing the state of the industry and issues everyone is facing, with a night capped off by the awards gala celebration at the Earth Expo & Convention Center.

Vista Lounge

“Mohegan Sun is honored to partner with TSNN to host their Annual Awards program. In a year like none other, the Industry Titans supporting and being recognized at this year’s event will be treated to a destination many have never experienced, Mohegan Sun in Mystic Country, Conn.,” said John Washko, vice president, Expo & Convention Sales, Mohegan Sun. 

He added, “The Trade Show Industry provides memorable experiences, and this year TSNN’s awards will celebrate the creativity and resiliency of our industry.”

The awards program will feature the “Best of Innovation Awards” – shows that have truly shone brightly in the past two years with maybe a new marketing program or an amazing virtual or hybrid event or they could have created a great community or found new ways to serve their audiences.

TSNN is looking for any or all great shows to submit when the application process opens in another month. In the meantime, please send TSNN Marketing Director Arlene Shows any shows you want to brag about (even your own!) ashows@tarsusus.com.

The gala awards also will celebrate people in the trade show industry who have stepped forward and demonstrated incredible leadership throughout these difficult times.

There also have been people who have led the charge to ensure more diversity and inclusion or given selflessly to help our industry and they, too, will be celebrated, among many others.

“With the past year and a half like no other in the challenges it represented, there is no BETTER time to celebrate the incredible resiliency, creativity and innovation in our amazing industry,” said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly.

She added, “The Mohegan Sun led the way going back to live events, and we are thrilled to be able to help show off this incredible venue to an elite group of trade show industry professionals.”

Earth Ballroom

The TSNN Awards would not be possible without the support of sponsors, including primary sponsor Mohegan Sun, AV Sponsor Encore, Staging & Décor by Demers Exposition Services, Registration Sponsor Maritz Global Events, Gold Sponsor ASP,  Photography Sponsor The Photo Group, as well as sponsors SmartSource, Expocad, Map Your Show and Bear Analytics.

There are a limited number of sponsorships available. For sponsorship enquiries, please contact John Rice – jrice@tsnn.com or Arlene Shows ashows@tarsusus.com

For more information on the 2021 TSNN Awards, please visit www.T-awards.com

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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.