Show Manager of the Year Winners Revealed

October 3, 2016

The trade show community was tasked to “Show Some Love” for outstanding show managers with a nomination for The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Award, and the five honorees have been chosen.

This year’s SMOTY Awards will be presented Oct. 29 in Atlantic City at the TSNN Awards (www.T-awards.com) to the following outstanding show managers.

2016 Honorees

Tier I – 1 to 150 booths

Leslie Wiernik, Executive Director, National Association of Subrogation Professionals
Charity: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Tier II – 151 to 300 booths

David Heilbrunn, Show Manager, Coffee Fest 
Charity: Café Femenino Foundation

Tier III – 301 to 700 booths

Amy Schwandt, Show Manager, AC Business Media
Charity: Annie’s Locker

Tier IV – 701 to 1,500 booths

Lisa Allen, Senior Show Manager, Informa Exhibitions
Charity: National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Tier V – 1,501+ booths

Jo Ann Miller Marshall, Executive Vice President, AmericasMart Atlanta
Charity: St. James United Methodist Church, Atlanta

“We continue to be amazed at the quality of work presented by all the nominees presented for the SMOTY Awards,” says Randy Pekowski, president and COO of The Expo Group.  “This group continues the long-standing tradition of excellence and innovation that all honorees since 2000 have shared.”

The Expo Group began this awards program to give back to the community by honoring those amazing behind-the-scenes people without requiring association membership or overall show growth. The unsung heroes are honored with a donation in their name to the charity of their choice as well as the iconic SMOTY obelisk trophy.

The official presentation of the 2016 SMOTY Awards will take place Oct. 29 at the TSNN Awards, an annual gala that celebrates success in our industry as a whole.

SMOTY awards are judged by an independent panel and are open to anyone responsible for the production of an event with exhibition space, regardless of any affiliation with The Expo Group. Nominations are accepted year-round at www.theexpogroup.com.

Visit http://theexpogroup.com/e/AboutUs/SMOTY.aspx to meet previous award winners and learn more about the program.

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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.