TSNN Awards Speaker Line Up Includes ESPN NFL Analyst, Miss America, Trade Show Thought Leaders
August 18, 2016
When the TSNN Awards kicks off Oct. 28-30 in Atlantic City, N.J., attendees will have the opportunity to hear from not only a bevy of high-profile trade show industry speakers, but also a retired NFL star quarterback and ESPN analyst, a top-ranked talk show host and the reigning Miss America.
Ron Jaworksi, nicknamed “Jaws”, will be the keynote speaker during the TSNN Awards Education Conference Oct. 29 at the Atlantic City Convention Center.
“Meet AC is very proud to have Ron Jaworski, an accomplished NFL quarterback now businessman and television analyst, speaking to TSNN,” said Jim Wood, CEO of Meet AC.
He added, “Ron is a coveted motivational speaker and can provide great insight to the current NFL season. He owns a variety of businesses including several golf courses in New Jersey and resides here in New Jersey with his family,
The Los Angeles Rams drafted Jaworski in the second round of the 1973 NFL Draft. After four years with the Rams, Jaworski joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1977.
Until Jaworski suffered a broken leg at St. Louis during the 13th game of the 1984 season, he had started 116 straight NFL games, a record for most consecutive starts. “Jaws “held that record until 1999, when Brett Favre broke it.
Now, Jaworski is on ESPN as a NFL analyst role that includes appearances on “Sunday NFL Countdown”, “Monday Night Countdown”, “NFL Matchup,” NFL-branded specials, “Mike & Mike in the Morning”, “Pardon the Interruption”, and other platforms and shows throughout the year.
At the TSNN Awards event, he will be speaking on his leadership from gridiron to the boardroom as the owner of a professional sports team, a business relationship company and five golf courses.
The roots of Miss America originated in Atlantic City back in 1921 as a way to extend the summer season into September, and TSNN Awards attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Miss America, who will be crowned the month before, at the brunch Oct. 30 at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel.
“The newly crowned 2017 Miss America will be able to offer insights to her whirlwind journey leading up to the pageant,” Wood said.
The Miss America organization also is the world’s largest provider of scholarships for women.
Radio Broadcaster Harry Hurley, who will be emceeing the TSNN Awards Gala Oct. 29 at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center, started his career in the hospitality industry in Atlantic City.
“Hurley enjoyed a 10-year career as an Atlantic City Hotel Casino Executive, serving at the highest level of the casino industry,” Wood said.
He added, “Harry’s broadcasting career began on July 1, 1991, and has been on the air ever sense on WFPG 1450 AM “Hurley in the Morning.”
The TSNN Education conference also will be jam-packed with trade show industry thought leaders and valuable sessions.
“Your Exhibitors; What You Need to Know to Keep Them”
Led by Randal Acker, President at EXHIBITOR Media Group, with panelists Diane Benson, Americas Exhibits Leader, GE Healthcare; Dominique Cook, Trade Show Manager, Marvin Windows and Doors; and Dana L. Tilghman, Senior Trade Show and Events Planner, Minitab, who will bring the exhibitor’s perspective to why they participate in certain trade shows and not others. The panel will share what is working, tools you can put into place and what needs to change to maximize the ROI for all your trade show’s stakeholders.
"Trade Show Event Technology Trends"
Led by Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Experient Jeff Fugate, this session will focus on new event technology trends that shows are utilizing. Focusing on what’s a fad and what’s something that could transform the trade show experience, the panelists, including National Retail Federation’s Mark Bogdansky and Texas Restaurant Association’s Andrea Bahr, also will discuss how they decide what technology to take a chance on.
IAEE/SISO “State of the Industry”
Moderated by TSNN President Rachel Wimberly, the chair of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, Julia W. Smith, and the chair of the Society of Independent Show Organizers, Tony Calanca, will talk hot-button issues, including the importance of security at events, the shifting trade show model and the mergers and acquisitions market, among many other topics.
The TSNN Awards celebrated the top 25 fastest-growing shows for attendance and top 25 for net square footage, as well as The Expo Group’s Show Manager of the Year Awards, during a three-day weekend celebration.
More information can be found www.T-awards.com.
The TSNN Awards would not be possible without the support of its incredible sponsors.
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.
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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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