The Expo Group Unveils Show Manager of the Year Awards Winners

October 16, 2015

The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Awards winners for 2015 emerged from a field of hard-working nominees committed to their craft.

Created in 2000, the “SMOTY” Awards recognize show organizers who are creating amazing experiences with their exhibition and in their marketplace community.

"The dedication, innovation and downright determination of the people in this business continually impresses me and the judging panel, as well," said Ray Pekowski, president and CEO of The Expo Group.

He added, "We began this program to give back to the community by honoring unsung heroes, and I am proud the SMOTYs continue to honor people doing some amazing things with their show.”

SMOTY award winners will be recognized onstage during the 2015 TSNN Awards: Celebrating Success, on tap Nov. 6-8 in Atlanta.

Congratulations to the 2015 SMOTY winners:

·  Tier I, 150 booths or less: Linda Trummel, manager, Event Services, SmithBucklin

·  Tier II, 151-300 booths: Wayneston Harbeson, vice president of Operations and Event Services, National Association of Television Program Executives

·  Tier III, 301-700 booths: Scott Craighead, CEM, vice president of Exhibitions and Events,International Association of Exhibitions and Events 

·  Tier IV, 701-1,500 booths: Eric Z. Horn, CMP, associate executive director for Business Development and show director for North American Beauty Events LLC, Professional Beauty Association

·  Tier V, More than 1,500 booths: Bill Lynch, COO, Specialty Food Association 

At the TSNN Awards weekend celebration, each SMOTY winner will receive the iconic SMOTY obelisk trophy and be honored with a donation made in their name to the charity or educational institution of their choice.

The Expo Group also will make a donation in honor of all nominees to The Meetings Industry Fund, a newly formed entity designed to help industry professionals in times of financial crisis.

Anyone responsible for the production of an event with exhibition space is eligible for the awards, regardless of any affiliation with The Expo Group. Nominations are accepted year-round at www.theexpogroup.com.

Visit http://theexpogroup.com/e/AboutUs/SMOTY.aspx to meet previous award winners and learn more about the program.

For more information on the 2015 TSNN Awards please visit HERE.

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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.