Since 2000, The Expo Group, the Single Source general contractor, has honored elite tradeshow professionals, a tradition that continues with a new class of The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year (SMOTY) Award honorees.
Congratulations to the 2014 SMOTY winners:
- Tier I, 150 booths or less: Katie Herritage, CMM, CMP, CSEP of Amazon Web Services Inc.
- Tier II, 151-300 booths: Katie Stern of UBM Tech
- Tier III, 301-700 booths: David Grindle of United States Institute for Theatre Technology
- Tier IV, 701-1,500 booths: Jeffrey T. Ley of United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation
- Tier V, more than 1,500 booths: Susan Newman of National Retail Federation
Each of the honorees will be presented the iconic SMOTY obelisk trophy at the TSNN Awards gala celebrating tradeshow excellence. In addition, a donation will be made to the charity of their choice, continuing a tradition that has resulted in more than $75,000 given to various charitable organizations in honor of SMOTY winners.
“The independent panel of judges struggles annually to choose winners from among the group of smart, talented nominees,” said Ray Pekowski, president and CEO, The Expo Group. “This year was no different, and I continue to be impressed with how all the nominees work to create innovation on their shows and craft fascinating experiences for their attendees, exhibitors and sponsors.”
This year’s judging panel consisted of David DuBois, executive director of the International Association for Exhibitions and Events; Sam Lippmann of Lippmann Connects; Michael D. Lynn of L-3 Communications and 2014 The Expo Group Exhibit Marketer of the Year award winner; Kendra Nicastro, a previous winner of The Expo Group SMOTY Award; and Rachel Wimberly, editor-in-chief and publisher of Tradeshow News Network.
Any individual responsible for the production of a trade or association show in North America is eligible to win, regardless of any affiliation with The Expo Group. Self-nominations are accepted as well as those from clients, colleagues and supplier partners.
To learn more about the program, visit bit.ly/SMOTYAWARDS.
