By TSNN News

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events recently unveiled this year’s recipients of its individual awards program, which recognizes IAEE members and member companies who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry.

The recipients will be honored during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held Dec. 6-8 in Anaheim.

“It is an honor to recognize the exceptional IAEE members who go above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in our industry,” said 2016 IAEE Awards Committee Chairperson Doreen Biela, CEM. “Their level of surprise, excitement and humility in learning that their achievements have impacted others is truly inspiring.”

This year’s award winners were selected after careful consideration and review by the IAEE Awards Committee and approval by the IAEE Board of Directors, following an open call for nominations earlier in the year. The following outstanding individuals were selected for recognition:

The Pinnacle Award recognizes an IAEE member who, over the years, has furthered IAEE’s objectives of advancing exhibitions and events management through the promotion of education, the dissemination of knowledge and the introduction or development of innovative techniques, and who has been dedicated to the perpetuation of the highest ideals, trust and professionalism in this highly specialized field. The award was established in memory of the late Founder and Past President of IAEE (formerly NAEM) William Hunt Eisenman, and is presented by IAEE in recognition of extraordinary achievement in the exhibitions and events management field.

This year’s honoree is Dennis Slater, President of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Slater embodies the significance of this award with more than 30 years of experience in the industry and as a member of IAEE. His professional accomplishments with AEM have propelled the organization’s growth to boast 900 corporate members and $32 million in annual revenue. Slater is well known as a generous mentor, and his contributions to IAEE span decades as he has served in various leadership roles. He has made an indelible mark on IAEE’s success both domestically and abroad, and is called upon regularly to share insights and best practices with colleagues as a speaker and panelist at numerous industry events.

The Merit Award recognizes IAEE members whose ideas and/or work have benefited IAEE as an organization in some special way, and is generally reserved for those who have stepped forward at the chapter/local level. This year’s recipients are Bob Hancock, General Manager, Atlanta of onPeak andDana Kirkhart, CEM, Client Solutions Manager of Freeman.

The Bob Dallmeyer Educator of the Year Award honors IAEE members who possess outstanding creativity, a positive attitude, and the ability to transfer knowledge through good communication skills and innovative teaching to promote life-long learning to exhibitions and events industry professionals. This year’s recipient is Al Lomas, CMP, CMM, CFE, CEM with Certified Consulting Service.

The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes IAEE members who have dedicated their time to the progress and fulfillment of the charge of a committee or task force on which they serve. This year’s award recipient is Mindy Abel, CMP, CTA, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Development of Visit Anaheim.

The Outstanding Achievement in Industry Leadership Award recognizes IAEE members who have made an extraordinary personal or professional commitment that materially contributes to the advancement of the exhibitions and events industry. This year’s recipient is Walter Yeh, CEM, Executive Vice President of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA).

The Outstanding Achievement in Innovation in Business Solutions Award recognizes achievement in the creation of new and innovative business solutions. This year’s award recipient isFeathr, honored for its marketing platform built exclusively for the needs of event organizers.

The Outstanding Achievement in Marketing & Sales Award recognizes an IAEE member’s outstanding achievement in marketing and sales activities including outstanding performance in total event revenue/profit, advertising revenue, attendance, sponsorship revenue, exhibit space sales and customer service. This year’s award recipient is Jenn Ellek, CMP, Senior Director of Trade Marketing & Communications of the National Confectioners Association.

The Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes excellent professional performance by IAEE members 35 years of age or younger who have committed their time to advancing the standing of young professionals in our industry. This year’s award recipient is Alex Land, CEM, Sales Executive, Eastern Region – Trade Show Corporate & Association of the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority.

Click here to see this year’s winners! Details about Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2016 may be found at www.myexpoexpo.com.