CHICAGO — Recognition programs and initiatives are a draw for young professionals, who are looking for not only fulfillment in their work but also acknowledgment that they’re executing their responsibilities well and validation that they’re making an impact to their organization and industry.
According to research from Gallup, recognition is a low-cost, high-reward initiative, as it increases productivity, employee engagement and company loyalty in recipients.
Trade Show Executive (TSE) took a look at some of the recognition programs in the trade show industry to provide a rundown of initiatives young professionals can apply to and be nominated for.
Application-Based Programs
The Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) 20 in Their Twenties program recognizes young professionals in the business events industry who represent the best and the brightest.
This program accepts applications and has clear criteria and instructions for submissions. Among the criteria is that the applicant must be employed full-time in the meetings, conventions and business events industry and demonstrate leadership qualities, among others. Notably, they do not need to be a member of PCMA to apply.
Those selected for the 20 in Their Twenties get registration, housing and airfare covered for Convening Leaders, opportunities to participate in PCMA events, discounted registration to attend CL in following years, a crystal trophy and more.
TSE talked with Cole Sales, Marketing Manager at eShipping and Founder of Brand Repairman, who was named to the 20 in Their Twenties Class of 2023. Click here to hear more about Cole’s experience!
UFI Next Generation Leadership Grant
UFI’s Next Generation Leadership Grant recognizes the next wave of leaders in the exhibition industry who show initiative in driving change and innovation. Each year there is a theme to explore, and selected individuals work through a seven-month long project with fellow recipients that accumulates with a presentation at the UFI Global Congress.
Each year, professionals can apply by submitting a signed form of support from your company, an application serving as a CV and a video describing how you’d fulfil the year’s mission, as well as personal and professional motivations for wanting to be a part of the accelerator program.
We spoke with 2022 UFI NGL Grant Recipient Joe Kowalsky, Event Director at CloserStill Media, and a 2024 TSE Trailblazer, about his experience. Click here to learn more from Joe!
Nomination-Based Programs
Other recognition programs and awards are nomination-based, so while you may not be able to self-nominate, you can still be honored with them or nominate a fellow professional who deserves to be celebrated.
IAEE Young Professional of the Year Award
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events recognizes a professional who commits their time to advancing the standing of young professionals in the events industry. Whether that be through encouraging companies to actively pursue participation from young professionals, or embracing and promoting the use of new technologies or becoming involved with IAEE in communities, committees, or providing programming feedback, the individual selected for this annual honor must have a passion for getting other young professionals more involved and engaged in the industry.
TSE talked with Lauren Miller, CMP, CEM, Manager, Event Services at Smithbucklin, who won the IAEE Young Professional of the Year Award in 2023. Find out more about the IAEE Young Professional of the Year Award experience here!
TSE’s Women to Watch and Trailblazers Programs
Trade Show Executive (TSE) also has nomination-based recognition programs for young professionals in the trade show industry. The Women to Watch initiative recognizes up-and-coming women who demonstrate leadership, champion innovation and drive success at their organizations. The Trailblazers program is a mixed-gender recognition program that identifies emerging leaders who are making big impacts on their organizations and showing promise of being part of the next wave of leaders in the industry.
“I enjoyed the conference program and networking opportunities available at the TSE Fastest 50 Awards. It was great to have the opportunity to meet others who work in the event industry, learn more about their experiences, and come home with some ideas for improvement for my own shows,” said Adam Horne, Digital Marketing Manager | Construction & Strategic Markets, at Informa Markets said. Horne was named a 2024 TSE Trailblazer and attended the 2024 Fastest 50 Awards & Summit as part of his recognition.
