DAYTONA BEACH, Florida — Events industry icon Lenay Gore passed away on March 2, 2026.
During her 14-year career at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Gore was a driving force behind the association’s events, including APTA’s TRANSform & EXPO.
She was known for her meticulous attention to detail and ability to bring people together, and her leadership helped ensure that APTA’s events were respected and well-attended, and served as vital forums for collaboration, innovation and professional growth.
“The APTA family is deeply saddened by the passing of Lenay Gore,” APTA President and CEO Paul Skoutelas said. “For more than 14 years, Lenay was the heart of our Meetings Department — someone whose warmth, dedication and genuine care for people left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered, whether a colleague, member or vendor partner. Lenay embodied the spirit of public transportation: service to others, connection to community and a commitment that went far beyond the job. She will be missed, and her memory will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
An Impactful Life and Career
In 1989, Gore began working for general contractor Andrews Bartlett (now GES). Next, she joined the Washington DC Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (now Destination DC) and the San Diego Convention Center in convention sales roles.
After a stint at an audiovisual production company, Gore was hired by the APTA in 2008 as Director of Meetings and Conventions. In 2016, she was promoted to Senior Director of Meetings and Trade Shows.
Gore oversaw contracting, sponsorship and exhibit sales, budgeting and member satisfaction for APTA’s meeting portfolio, leading a team responsible for six major meetings with exhibits and more than 35 smaller meetings every year.
She also helped lead the APTA’s all-staff mentoring group and was a founding member of its Diversity and Inclusion Council.
Gore retired from the APTA in 2022, but remained engaged with the events industry as an independent contractor specializing in sponsorship sales and exhibit operations.
Perspectives from Industry Leaders
Gore was a Board Member at the International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) and received the IAEE Distinguished Service Award in 2009 and the 2022 IAEE Cathy Breden Woman of Achievement Award. She was also an engaged member of MATSO.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Lenay Gore, former IAEE Board Member and valued contributor to our community,” Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, President and CEO at IAEE, wrote on LinkedIn. “As we just enter March and recognize Women’s History Month, I find myself reflecting on women and leadership. Lenay immediately comes to mind. She exemplified professionalism, strength and a deep commitment to service — always lifting others along the way. Her legacy will continue to inspire. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and colleagues.”
Gore was also an active PCMA member.
“Lenay was a cherished member of the PCMA community and a proud member of the PCMA Foundation Legacy Society,” Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President & CEO, PCMA and CEMA, said. “She embodied the spirit of giving back — supporting the people and progress that drive our industry forward. Lenay’s generosity and leadership left a lasting mark on our community and will be deeply missed. We’ve truly lost an icon. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the colleagues whose lives she touched.”
