TSNN Awards Celebrates the Trade Show Industry’s Best of 2023 in Puerto Rico
October 31, 2023
Held Oct. 27-28, the 2023 TSNN Awards drew about 140 attendees to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for two days of celebration, education and living “boricua,” a spirit, flavor and rhythm honoring the island’s heritage.
"The 2023 TSNN Awards Gala was a magical night, with awards given out to all of the overall Innovation winners, Outstanding Show Pros and the DEI, Industry Support and Industry Icon honorees," said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. "The energy was electric, with salsa dancers kicking off the night with a fantastic performance, followed by a night filled with incredible food, music and celebrating the very best in our industry. Thank you Discover Puerto Rico for an amazing time!"
Watch here the highlight video of the 2023 TSNN Awards, sponsored by Map Your Show and produced by CNTV.
Event highlights
The event kicked off with an opening reception on Fri., Oct. 27, at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel and Casino, a modern urban resort with stunning views of San Juan Bay from its rooftop infinity pool. With live music, a curated dinner menu and an open bar, the industry gathering had a festive and fun vibe. Following the opening reception, the party continued in a hospitality suite.
On Sat., Oct. 28, the day started with a bountiful breakfast — which featured guava pastries, mallorcas and plant-based chorizo and avocado toast — at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, a venue managed by ASM Global. During the morning break, attendees were treated to local ice cream, toasted nuts and French macarons. A networking luncheon featured a sit-down meal with lamb, pork and vegan options.
A robust education conference featured a half-day of sessions, including:
- Opening remarks and welcome by Discover Puerto Rico CEO Brad Dean
- State of the Industry, a panel featuring International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Interim President and CEO Cathy Breden, Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) CEO Vinnie Polito and Lippman Connects President Sam Lippman, moderated by Wimberly
- Sustainability: Questex, a presentation by Event and Partnership Director Elizabeth Fantetti Trevorrow and Show Director Jessi Cybulski
- Fireside Chat on DEI Leadership with Don Pietranczyk, VP, Experience & Education at Informa Markets, moderated by TSNN VP, Content Danica Tormohlen
- Fireside Chat on Advocacy Leadership with Beth Cowperthwaite, SVP, Communications, Emerald, moderated by Tormohlen
- Consumer Show Conversation, a panel featuring All Show Services President and CEO Eric Udler, Leftfield Media VP Marketing Lauren Dabb and Raccoon Media Group CEO Mike Seaman
- Keynote by Rita Moreno, a Puerto Rican actor, singer and dancer who is one of 18 people who have been honored with an EGOT – Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards
And the winners are…
Several award winners were announced before the event and celebrated at the awards gala, including:
- Robert Maricich — Industry Icon Award
- Beth Cowperthwaite –– Industry Support Award
- Don Pietranczyk –– DEI Leadership Award
- Questex – Sustainability Award
In 2023, a record-breaking number of nominations were submitted for the 2023 TSNN Awards, including nominations in 12 categories for the Innovation Awards and an incredible number of nominations for the Outstanding Show Pro Awards. The finalists were announced in September.
During the awards gala held at the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico — a historic neoclassic structure built and designed by the architect William H. Shimmelphening in 1920 — the winners were announced and recognized on stage. The 2023 TSNN Award Winners include:
Innovation Awards Winners
- Best Engagement (Think Fun!) — International Beauty Show Questex
- Best Exhibitor Program — National Restaurant Association Show Informa
- Best Use of Data — FDIC International Clarion Events
- Best Use of Technology — Premiere Orlando Informa Markets
- Created (Maintained) Community — Abilities Expo 5Net4 Productions
- Created (Maintained) Culture — Coverings 2023 Taffy Event Strategies
- Giving Back (Charitable) — Clarion Cares by Clarion Events Inc.
- Hybrid Virtual Experience — eMerge Americas eMerge Americas LLC
- Most Innovative Design — The Experiential Marketing Summit 2023, produced by Access Intelligence
- Most Creative Way Revenue Was Generated — Retail's Big Show, produced the National Retail Federation
- Savvy Marketing Campaign — CONEXPO-CON/AGG, produced by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
- Team Building — IAAPA Expo 2022, produced by IAAPA
- Best Consumer Shows — The Boston Run Show, produced by Raccoon Media Group and Anime NYC, produced by LeftField Media
Outstanding Show Pros
- Eric Udler, Producer, Super Pet Expo, All Show Services
- Tricia Barglof, Executive Director, Informa
- Amie Gilmore, Show Director, Informa Markets
- Joe Sorrentino, Senior Vice President, Live Events, North American Veterinary Community (NAVC)
Support From Sponsors
The 2023 TSNN Awards would not be possible without the amazing support of the following sponsors: Host Sponsor Discover Puerto Rico; Venue Sponsor Puerto Rico Convention Center; Hotel Sponsor Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino; Registration Sponsor - Maritz; Presenting Sponsors SmartSource; SMT Expo; Personify; Fern; EventsPass; Expo Convention Contractors; Gold Sponsor ASP; Photography Sponsor The Photo Group; as well as Silver Sponsors Expocad; Map Your Show; Convention Data Services and MCI Group.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
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 offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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