International Association of Exhibitions and Events Unveils 20 Under 30
November 2, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has selected this year’s honorees of its 20 Under 30 recognition program, which affords young professional exhibition organizer members who may not be supported by their companies the opportunity to attend Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held Dec. 6-8 in Anaheim, Calif.
This program provides industry and leadership education for professional growth in the exhibitions and events industry, and helps program honorees become better, more productive professionals. It is sponsored by the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and Austin Convention Center.
“We are privileged to sponsor the IAEE 20 under 30 recognition program,” said Tom Noonan, President & CEO of the Austin CVB. "We are thrilled to support the development of new initiatives that involve and engage emerging leaders within the industry. This focus in Austin and throughout the industry is critical to its proactive growth and continuing success.”
In addition to receiving a complimentary full registration to Expo! Expo! and lodging for three nights, honorees will be recognized throughout the annual meeting and formally at the IAEE Annual Networking Luncheon and Awards Presentation on Thursday, 8 December 2016
“The education and networking opportunities at Expo! Expo! are invaluable to all exhibitions and events professionals, regardless of where they are in their career,” said IAEE President & CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. “These up-and-coming young professionals have demonstrated outstanding initiative and will undoubtedly benefit greatly from engaging in all that Expo! Expo! has to offer.”
The following individuals were selected as this year’s 20 Under 30 honorees:
Alexandra Chirico, CMP
Meeting Planner
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
Krista DeBrosse
International Tradeshows Coordinator
PMMI (The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies)
Abby Eastman
Meetings Coordinator
International Sign Association (ISA)
Kelly Ferrante
Senior Conference and Meetings Manager
National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
Katelyn Gruenberg
Assistant Show Coordinator
ConvExx
Maxx Lebiecki
Account Executive
Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
Sarah Lessley
Operations Manager, Merchandise, Jewelry, Int’l Sourcing and Military Groups
Emerald Expositions
Winnie Liu
Int'l Business Development Manager
Emerald Expositions
Sarah Madonia
Events Coordinator
SmithBucklin
Brooke Martin
Meeting Coordinator
Florida Dental Association (FDA)
Sydney Rhea
Operations Coordinator
Penton Exhibition Services
Michelle Rohmer
Associate Conference Manager
Informa Exhibitions
Caitlin Schmierer
Events Coordinator
SmithBucklin
Matt Sifuentes
Senior Account Executive
Informa Exhibitions
Alexandra Simonfay, CEM
Project Coordinator
American Pet Products Association (APPA)
Sarah Skavron
Knowledge and Events Executive
IMEX Group
Samantha Spitzner
Meetings Coordinator
Society of Biblical Literature (SBL)
Jennifer Stewart
Events Coordinator
National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)
Kellie Wahlheim
Operations Manager
Penton Media
Deanna Worrell
Attendee Services Coordinator
National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
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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