International Association of Exhibitions and Events Unveils 2016 Helen Brett Scholars
September 12, 2016
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events has unveiled the recipients of the 2016 Helen Brett Scholarship awards: Sarah Chung, Jordan Lacey and Mackenzie Thompson.
The Helen Brett Scholarship was established by Robert Kolinek and named for his grandmother, Helen Brett, who was a pioneer in the trade show industry.
The purpose of the scholarship is to assist individuals who are exploring the study of exhibitions and events management with the end goal of advancing their career in this field.
“It is incredibly rewarding to honor my grandmother’s legacy by offering this opportunity to future industry leaders to advance their career,” said President and CEO of Helen Brett Enterprises Robert Kolinek.
The scholarship serves to promote the exhibitions and events industry by attracting college-level students into the field of study and encouraging their pursuit with financial support.
Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis based on field of study, recommendations and educational achievement. Preference is given to those expressing an interest in exhibitions and events management and those enrolled in degree programs which are viewed as particularly relevant to this field.
Sarah Chung recently graduated from Richland College with honors with an associate’s degree in Applied Science in Travel, Exposition and Meeting Management and a certificate in Hospitality and Tourism. She will continue her studies at the University of Las Vegas.
“Winning this Helen Brett scholarship means so much to me because it has given me the opportunity to further my education," Chung said. "This gives me the motivation to be the best as I can be and help others as those who helped me. Trade shows have always been very fascinating to me because one day nothing is ready but magically everything is beautiful structured and ready to go. The smallest details go unnoticed.”
Jordan Lacey is a senior honors student in the Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management program at Johnson and Wales University.
She recently wrote and published her senior honors thesis, The Glass Ceiling for Minorities in The Hospitality Industry.
Lacey’s internship experience includes The Big Apple Circus, Beyond The Stars Dance Convention, YouNow, and The U.S. Open. She is also the founder of her own non-profit organization, Light The Candle and she strongly believes in giving back to the community around her.
“I got my first job in the exhibitions and events industry at the age of fifteen as an event host and learned quickly that this was the industry for me," Lacey. said "My parents always taught me that if you are going to do something, do it BIG. So I did just that. I got an internship every year, accelerated my way to college and I am not done yet with my plans. I have plans to enter the New York City venue scene and make a difference.”
Mackenzie Thompson is a second year student in the Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management program at Johnson and Wales University (Providence campus).
In addition to being an IAEE member, she is a member of Women in Sports and Events (WISE) and also serves as vice president of The Johnson and Wales University MPI Student Chapter.
“I hope to be planning events that bring people as much excitement as I felt from creating them," Thompson said. "I’m all about adding a unique twist, something that people have never seen before. As my freshman year came to a close I became much more familiar with the idea of a career in the sports field. Because of this award I will be able continue closer with IAEE and MPI to see what luxury suite directors are really all about.”
The 2016 Helen Brett Scholars will be recognized during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held Dec. 6-8 in Anaheim, Calif.
Click here for complete information about the Helen Brett Scholarship.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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