Nominations Open for The Expo Group’s Show Manager of the Year Awards

June 20, 2019

Know an incredible show manager? Now’s the time to nominate him or her for The Expo Group’s annual Show Manager of the Year awards, also known as SMOTY.

These awards are independent of any industry associations and meant to honor the hardworking professionals behind events and trade shows.

“This program is a way for us to give back to our profession by drawing attention to the people who impress everyone with their commitment, innovation and excellence,” said Randy Pekowski, president and COO of The Expo Group, which is headquartered outside of Dallas.

This year’s SMOTY trophies will be awarded at the TSNN Awards in Dallas, set to take place Nov. 16. Winners will receive complimentary registration and travel to the event, plus a $500 donation to the charity of their choosing.

“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,” Pekowski said.

SMOTY

The deadline for nominations is Sept. 13—you can submit your nominations here. You can also see a list of previous SMOTY winners, which includes managers of events with 50 exhibitor booths to more than 200 booths, by going here.

The 2019 TSNN Awards (www.T-awards.com) will celebrate not only the SMOTY winners, but also the top 50 fastest-growing shows in the United States.

During a weekend celebration Nov. 15-17 in Dallas, attendees will be experience “Awe” at every turn, including the opening night party at The Backyard, a fun and festive Dallas nightspot, as well as amazing education the next day at Belo Mansion, followed by the awards gala at the Kay Bailey Hutchison (Dallas) Convention Center and Sunday brunch at the Dallas Mavericks E-gaming Hub.

Interested in sponsoring? Please contact John Rice, jrice@tsnn.com (617) 201-7088.  

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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.