International Association of Exhibitions and Events Unveils 2015 Individual Award Winners
September 15, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events unveils this year's recipients of its individual awards program, which recognizes professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry.
The recipients will be honored during Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition Dec. 1-3 in Baltimore, Md.
"We were very impressed with the nominations we received this year and congratulate these very deserving honorees," said 2015 IAEE Awards Committee Chairperson Randy Bauler, CEM.
He added, "It is very fulfilling to the Awards Committee to know that IAEE members represent the best that the exhibitions and events industry has to offer."
This year's award winners were selected after careful consideration and review by the IAEE Awards Committee and approval by the IAEE Board of Directors, following an open call for nominations earlier in the year. The following outstanding individuals were selected for recognition:
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an IAEE member who has rendered distinguished service to IAEE and to the exhibitions and events industry as a whole. This year's recipient is Tony Lee, president and CEO of Tony Lee International.
The Merit Award recognizes IAEE members whose ideas and/or work have benefited IAEE as an organization in some special way, and is generally reserved for those who have stepped forward at the chapter/local level. This year's recipients are Larry Grossenbacher, CIO/VP of Training & Safety at Metropolitan Exposition Services; Brad Hobson, CEM, business development manager at Freeman; Rebecca Stevens, CEM, CMP-HC, director, business development at the Texas Medical Association; and Dan Traver, CEM, business development Vice President at Freeman.
The Bob Dallmeyer Educator of the Year Award honors IAEE members who possess outstanding creativity, a positive attitude and the ability to transfer knowledge through good communication skills and innovative teaching to promote life-long learning to exhibitions and events industry professionals. This year's recipients are Andrew Fraser, M.Ed., CHE, professor at Johnson & Wales University and Charlotte Pearson, CEM, senior business development manager at Freeman.
The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes IAEE members who have dedicated their time to the progress and fulfillment of the charge of a committee or task force on which they serve. This year's award recipient is Kristin Barranger, CEM, manager of Expositions and Communications at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, International Gas & Turbine Institute.
The Outstanding Achievement in Industry Leadership Award recognizes IAEE members who have made an extraordinary personal or professional commitment that materially contributes to the advancement of the exhibitions and events industry. This year's recipient is Janet Sperstad, CMP, program director at Madison College.
The Outstanding Achievement in Innovation in Business Solutions Award recognizes achievement in the creation of new and innovative business solutions. This year's award recipient is InGo LLC.
The Outstanding Achievement in Marketing & Sales Award recognizes an IAEE member's outstanding achievement in marketing and sales activities including outstanding performance in total event revenue/profit; advertising revenue; attendance; sponsorship revenue; exhibit space sales; and customer service. This year's award recipient is Ellen Schwartz, vice president, sales and marketing at the Los Angeles Convention Center, AEG Facilities.
The Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes excellent professional performance by IAEE members 35 years of age or younger who have committed their time to advancing the standing of young professionals in our industry. This year's award recipient is Cassie Thompson, manager, Event Services at SmithBucklin.
The Rookie of the Year Award recognizes excellent professional performance by an IAEE member with three or less years of full-time exhibitions and events industry experience. This year's award recipient is Sarah Bopp, associate manager Booth Sales & Operations at the American Pet Products Association.
For more information about the IAEE Individual Awards, visit www.iaee.com/awards. Details about Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2015 can be found at www.myexpoexpo.com.
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.
Add new comment