AEM’s Megan Tanel Receives 2017 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award
May 16, 2017
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events recently celebrated another successful Women’s Leadership Forum May 2 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md.
More than 220 attendees sold out this year’s event which featured education sessions for women at all stages of their career, as well as the 2017 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award was presented to Megan Tanel, CEM during the event.
Tanel is senior vice president, Exhibitions and Events for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
She has been an extraordinary leader during her more than 20-year career with AEM and within various volunteer roles in the industry. She is a role model and passionate professional whose example leads to the advancement of women in the exhibitions and events industry.
Tanel gives back tremendously through her formal and informal leadership roles within IAEE and beyond. Her consistent dedication and devotion to not only advancing the industry, but representing women in the industry admirably, earned her this year’s Woman of Achievement Award.
“I am humbled and extremely appreciative of this honor that has been presented to me,” Tanel said. “I am surrounded by amazing people throughout this industry and know so many women more deserving of this award than me.
She added, “I go about my job with dedication, determination and a strong willingness to work toward what is right and in the best interest of my members, staff and industry. Regardless of gender, I and my team strive to achieve success in all that we do. But because of gender, sometimes we have to prove ourselves even more. And without a strong team in the office or a strong partnership at home, I wouldn’t be able to accomplish any of this.”
2017 IAEE Chairperson Ryan Strowger, CEM, said, “This year’s Women’s Leadership Forum illustrated why this event continues to sell out each year. The outstanding group of speakers offered a diverse mix of education from both informative and interactive perspectives. The attendees were eager to learn and participate – overall, an incredible turnout and event.”
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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