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

April 20, 2017

Nominations now are open for The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Awards. Deadline to submit is June 21.

All event professionals in associations and corporate entities with authority for bringing attendees and exhibitors together are eligible.

Since 2000, the crystal SMOTY obelisk trophy has been presented to those behind-the-scenes pros creating amazing experiences within their exhibition and convention.

Each winner also is honored with a donation to their favorite charity and recognition industry-wide. Since 2000, over $80,000 has been donated to charity by The Expo Group in honor of SMOTY winners.

Four trophies will be presented this year at the Trade Show News Network Awards, held Aug. 21-23 in conjunction with Connect Expo in New Orleans.

Tier I: 1 to 200 booths

Tier II: 201 to 700 booths

Tier IV: 701 to 1500 booths

Tier V: 1501 or more booths

“Rewarding outstanding event professionals regardless of the size of their show or their membership in any organizations is the simple objective of the SMOTY Awards," said The Expo Group President and COO Randy Pekowski.

He added, “I am always impressed by the nominees, whose achievements are examples from which we all can learn.”

SMOTY awards are open to all trade show managers, not just clients of The Expo Group. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged.

An independent panel of judges reviews all candidates for their innovative practices, commitment to success, premier customer service and ability to overcome obstacles.

Nominations must be submitted by June 21 at SMOTY NOMINATIONS

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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.