Top Show Organizers and Trade Shows Honored at 2021 TSNN Awards
December 13, 2021
The 2021 TSNN Awards wrapped up a spectacular two-day event, held Dec. 1-2 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., with a few dozen shows and trade show professionals winning awards in a variety of categories.
“TSNN was absolutely thrilled to partner with the Mohegan Sun on this celebratory event,” said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. “It was a much-needed breath of fresh air to celebrate this industry, especially the great people and innovation. The Mohegan Sun team did a fantastic job on the awards and really rolled out the red carpet in a big way for these prestigious attendees!
The first award of the evening, the TSNN Award for Overall Fastest-growing Show for Attendance, was won by IBEX – The International Boatbuilders’ Conference & Exhibition.
"I am so glad I made the effort to attend the TSNN event," said IBEX Show Director Anne Dunbar. "All of us were impressed with the Mohegan Sun Hotel & Casino and their team did an outstanding job of showcasing all the property has to offer.”
She added, “Plus, it was great to see and spend time with so many industry friends and make new connections. The IBEX Team is thrilled to be honored as the Fastest-growing Show and accepting the award during the final evening gala was a great way to end an exceptional two-day event. Thank you TSNN!"
MJBizCon was the next award honored on the stage, winning the TSNN Award for Overall Fastest-growing show for Net Square Footage.
The night continued with a bevy of other award winners in the Best of Innovation categories, including:
- CONEXPO-CON/AGG - Best Use of Technology Winner
- World of Concrete - Brave, Courageous, Adaptable Winner
- Channel Partners Conference & Expo - Created a Community Winner
- Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) 2021 - Hybrid/Virtual Winner
- The Utility Expo - Savvy Marketing Campaign Winner
- Dallas Market Center June 2021 Markets - Trailblazer Winner
Individual awards were given to several deserving individuals:
- Herve Sedky – President/CEO, Emerald – TSNN Industry Icon Award
- Douglas Emslie – CEO, Tarsus Group – TSNN Humanitarian Award
- Mary Larkin – President, Diversified Communications – TSNN Women’s Leadership Award
- Martha Donato – President, Mad Event Management – TSNN Women’s Leadership Award
- Raymond Rhodes - Global Director, Inclusion & Diversity, RX – TSNN DEO Leadership Award
“I am genuinely honored to receive the 2021 TSNN Humanitarian award," Emslie said. "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."
He continued, "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.”
In addition, special awards were given to Clarion's WWIN, Tarsus Group's Offprice Show and Informa's MAGIC show for their unique collaboration in Orlando in February, as well as the TSNN Sustainability Award to Natural Products Expo East.
Part of the evening also celebrated eight Outstanding Show Pros, who were honored for the leadership and innovation.
The show organizers included: Todd Moritz, Martha Donato, Andria Gibbon, Michelle Swayze, Lydia Janow, Dorothy Belshaw, Manolita Moore and Gene O'Neill.
"Thank you so much, Rachel and the TSNN Team for organizing and hosting the 2021 TSNN event – what an experience!" said Manolita Moore, NAVC's vice president of exhibit sales and operations. "The Mohegan Sun venue was outstanding, from the moment I arrived until my departure. The food and restaurant selections were superb and the hospitality from all the staff was unmatched. The event itself was so well orchestrated.”
She added, “As a winner of the Outstanding Show Pro Award, I was so honored and felt really special to be selected amongst the high caliber individuals in the industry. Thank you for hosting this special event, especially in spite of the ongoing global pandemic. Well done! Congratulations!"
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Partner Voices
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.
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