The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has announced its 2019 awards, given in recognition of outstanding contributions
by IAEE members and member companies. Award winners will be honored at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition, Dec. 3-5, 2019, at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Winners were selected by the Awards Committee and approved by the IAEE Board of Directors following an open call for nominations by members earlier this year. “Each year, the Awards Committee has the privilege of recognizing IAEE members who shine their talent and commitment on the organization and the industry,” said Kellie Shevlin, CEM, IAEE Awards Committee Chairperson and Executive Director of Craft Beverage Expo. “It is an honor for us to bestow these distinctions upon our very deserving colleagues.”
David Adler, CEO, BizBash Media, received the association’s Pinnacle Award, in recognition of achievements in the field of exhibitions and events management. Adler BizBash in 2000. The Pinnacle Award was established in memory William Hunt Eisenman, Founder and Past President of the association.
The inaugural recipient of IAEE’s new Humanitarian Award is Aaron Bludworth, President & CEO of Fern. The award recognizes a member who demonstrates commitment to equality and social responsibility. “Aaron’s reputation for his commitment to aiding his fellow human beings stretches far and wide across the exhibitions and events industry,” noted Tom Cindric, Jr., CEM, IAEE Chairperson and President of Exhibitions, Winsight LLC. “Aaron never misses an opportunity to provide a helping hand, and he truly represents the spirit of this award.”
Other awards and recipients are:
Distinguished Service Award: Ryan Strowger, CEM, Chief Events and Industry Officer, The Optical Society.
Chapter Merit Award: Michael Cox, Executive Vice President, Fern; John Tisdale, President, nvytes, a division of Marcord Inc.; and Erika Welling, CEM, General Manager, PRA.
Bob Dallmeyer Educator of the Year Award: KV Nagendra Prasad, CEM, COO, Hyderabad International Trade Exhibition Centre, and President, Indian Exhibition Industry Association.
Volunteer of the Year Award: James “Jim” Letchworth, CEM, Senior Sales Manager, GES.
Innovative Business Solution Award: The Deondo Company for its Nook Event Pods.
Outstanding Marketing & Sales Award: the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) for its Customer Service/Exhibitor Engagement Department.
Young Professional of the Year Award: Kimberly Zonca, CEM, Client Manager, AGS Exposition Services. This award recognizes excellent professional performance by IAEE members 35 years of age or younger.
Reach Kellie Shevlin at (202) 288-8898 or kellie@craftbeverageexpo.com.
