The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ Megan Tanel has been named the 2018 TSNN Awards Industry Icon Honoree and will be celebrated at an awards gala held during the Aug. 10-12 weekend in Louisville, Ky.

“I am beyond humbled to be receiving the TSNN Industry Icon Award,” Tanel said.

She added, “I look to each day to continue to learn more about myself and how I can continue to improve and be relevant while advocating for my members, our services and events in general. I am thankful for the opportunities I've had and continue to have at work and at home.”

Tanel has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality and trade show industries and currently is responsible for overseeing AEM trade shows and show partnerships, U.S. and globally, and event education/meeting programs.

She has served as director of AEM’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG exposition, which focuses on the construction industries and is the largest event of this type in the Western Hemisphere, and ICUEE-The Demo Expo, the largest event focused on the utility equipment industry, and as show manager of the AEM-produced World of Asphalt Show & Conference, helping launch the inaugural 2001 event.

AEM’s exhibition presence also extends to Latin America, India and Africa.

Tanel will be celebrated for her achievements during the 2018 TSNN Awards gala, along with more than 50 of the fastest-growing shows in the U.S. and Show Manager of the Year award winners.

“TSNN is proud to honor Megan as the industry icon award honoree at the 2018 TSNN Awards in Louisville,” said Tarsus Media President Rachel Wimberly. “She is an absolute powerhouse in our industry, not only for all of her success at AEM, but also for the many ways she continues to give back.”

Tanel is a member of the IAEE International Association of Exhibitions and Events and PCMA Professional Convention Management Association.

She was 2015 chair of the IAEE International Association of Exhibitions and Events and has served as IAEE Education Committee Chair.

She has been on the IAEE Board since 2010 and is a graduate of the IAEE Krakoff Leadership Institute.

In 2017, she received the IAEE Woman of Achievement Award and IAEE Distinguished Service Award, and she has been recognized with numerous trade show honors from leading industry media.

Tanel joined AEM in 1995 in the exhibitions area. She also served a stint as national sales manager for Loews Hotels, where she helped launch the first-ever House of Blues Hotel, in Chicago, Ill.

The three-day 2018 TSNN Awards celebration will kick off Aug. 10 with an opening party at the brand new Old Forester Distillery in Louisville’s famed Whiskey Row, followed by an engaging education conference the next morning and gala that evening where Tanel, along with the fastest-growing shows and SMOTY winners, will be feted.

The celebration ends on Aug. 12 with a fun brunch at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.

TSNN could not have this amazing weekend without the support of our sponsors! Please click HERE to see all the great companies that will be at the awards.

For more information, please visit www.T-awards.com.

For sponsorship information, please contact John Rice – jrice@tsnn.com.