“An unprecedented idea.” “Grace under fire.” “Changed the model.” “Incorporates new excitement.” “Epitomizes service, planning and execution.”
Those are a few words used to describe The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Award winners for 2012. The innovative, committed and creative winners as judged by an independent panel are:
- Tier I – 1 to 150 booths: Molly Mérez, Executive Director, Ticket Summit, Inc.
- Tier II – 151 to 300 booths: Margery Palonis, CEM, Exhibits Manager, Academy of General Dentistry
- Tier III – 301 to 700 booths: Nancy Johnson, Event Director, Brewers Association
- Tier IV – 701 to 1,500 booths: Deborah Swift, Owner and President, Swift Solutions
- Tier V – 1,501+ booths: Gene Sanders, Sr. VP of Trade Shows and Conferences, SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association
“The dedication of these individuals and the lengths they go to service their attendees and exhibitors are the exact reasons we started the SMOTY awards program — to give credit where it is due,” says Ray Pekowski, president and CEO of The Expo Group. “Over the years we have had the pleasure of honoring some truly amazing people in our industry and contributed thousands of dollars to charities on their behalf.”
As part of the TSNN T-Awards, each 2012 SMOTY winner will be presented with the iconic SMOTY crystal obelisk trophy and be honored with a donation to their favorite charity.
The 2012 SMOTY judges were Glenda Brungardt, The Expo Group Exhibit Manager of the Year award winner from HP; David DuBois, executive director of the International Association for Exhibitions & Events; Jennifer Hoff, former SMOTY winner now COO of VP International; Sam Lippman, president and founder, Lippmann Connects; and Rachel Wimberly, president of Trade Show News Network.
The Expo Group SMOTY awards are open to anyone in the industry responsible for producing a show, regardless of any affiliation with The Expo Group. This year’s nominees were suggested by co-workers, vendors, exhibitors, bosses and themselves.
The Expo Group a Single Source® general service contractor fulfilling the needs of show organizers, corporate event planners and exhibitors. The Dallas-based company also has offices in Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Washington D.C.
Interviews with SMOTY winners are available. For more information and/or photos, contact Dana Freker Doody at 972-580-9000 or send an email to ddoody@theexpogroup.com. More info on our awards programs is at www.theexposure.theexpogroup.com.