Emerald’s Hervé Sedky, Tarsus Group's Douglas Emslie Receive Top 2021 TSNN Awards Honors
October 18, 2021
Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky and Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie will be celebrated for their incredible advocacy, support and achievements in the trade show industry at the 2021 TSNN Awards Dec. 1-2 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.
Sedky has been named the 2021 TSNN Awards Industry Icon Award honoree, given to an individual in the trade show industry who has displayed exemplary leadership.
Emslie will be celebrated at the awards with the inaugural Humanitarian Award for the incredible effort he put forth during a fundraiser he spearheaded to raise more than $42,000 for the events industry during its time of need.
There is no doubt that Sedky, who is the current chair of the Society of Independent Show Organizers, stepped forward immediately when the pandemic began and has not wavered throughout with his continued wisdom and support.
“I am both humbled and inspired to be awarded the TSNN Industry award this year. If there is one thing that the last 20 months have taught us is how much we value human connection. Whether we were holding on to our loved ones at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic or hard at work organizing safe and innovative ways to do business, we were reminded of something we already knew: we are at our best when we embrace a common purpose,” Sedky said.
He added, “For me, our common purpose - our drive - was to lift up small businesses at a time they needed it most, all the while working closely with public health professionals to ensure that we used every creative tool at our disposal to do so thoughtfully and safely. I am grateful for all that we were able to do and know that this award also belongs to my phenomenal team at Emerald.”
Prior to Emerald, Sedky spent six years as President of the Americas for events giant, Reed Exhibitions (RX), leading more than 100 sector leading exhibitions and events in North and South America each year, as well as the company’s global quirky pop culture & lifestyle focused offshoot, ReedPop.
Before his time at RX, he spent over 20 years at the American Express Company, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President and General Manager of American Express Global Business Travel, as well as on American Express’ senior management team.
He also serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Children's Health Fund, is on the board of the French Cultural Center/Alliance Française and is an active member of his community.
Earlier this year, as the pandemic wreaked havoc on the livelihood of many people in the trade show industry, Emslie hatched a plan to run 5k an hour for 24 hours straight and livestream everything during an event dubbed the 'Event Industry Backyard Ultra'.
During the event , which was held June 8-9, with more than 50 in-person and remote runners, dozens of speakers and a huge worldwide audience, Emslie raised more than $42,000 for event industry nonprofits, including the Meetings Industry Fund and EventWell.
“I am genuinely honored to receive the 2021 TSNN Humanitarian award. It is especially meaningful for me to be recognized by the industry – so many people and organizations across the events industry have generously supported the challenges that I have undertaken for charitable causes over the years,” Emslie said.
He added “Planning and completing the Event Industry Backyard Ultra this year was undoubtedly my biggest undertaking to date and was only made possible by all the support I received. Together, we raised over $42,000, and I was so happy to be able to do something to help those from our industry who were impacted by the pandemic.”
Besides raising funds for the industry, Emslie was the chair of the Society of Independent Show Organizers until April 2021 and has had a very active role in supporting and advocating on behalf of the trade show industry.
Prior to Tarsus Group, he previously held senior positions at Blenheim Group plc and, after its takeover, United Business Media plc. He is a past Chairman and Director of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), as well as past Chairman of the Events Industry Alliance.
Sedky and Emslie will both be feted at the 2021 TSNN Awards gala dinner celebration, along with shows that will receive various TSNN Innovation Awards and individuals who will be named Outstanding Show Pros.
For more information or for sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.T-awards.com.
Partner Voices
HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates.
Water Stewardship Efforts
MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship.
In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step.
MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas.
MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030.
From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts.
Caring for One Another
MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include:
Unserved perishable prepared foods from events
Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens
Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses
The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community.
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To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.
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