Jennifer Hoff Named 2018 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award Honoree
May 1, 2018
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events celebrates another successful Women’s Leadership Forum April 30-May 1 at the InterContinental Washington, D.C. – The Wharf in Washington, D.C.
More than 220 attendees sold out this year’s event, which featured education sessions for women at all stages of their career.
The 2018 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award was presented to Jennifer Hoff, CEM, president, Taffy Event Strategies during the forum.
“Jen took a leap of faith when she launched Taffy Event Strategies. She knew she had the knowledge, skills, and a bit of courage to be successful,” said IAEE Executive Vice President and COO Cathy Breden, CMP, CAE.
She added, “As a female business owner, Jen demonstrates that faith in yourself, and a circle of trusted friends and mentors, goes a long way toward achieving success. Her leadership in IAEE, and other organizations, shows that building relationships is a key to success in the exhibitions industry. I’m pleased to have Jen not only as a colleague, but also a good friend.”
Hoff’s career has been focused on producing trade shows and conferences. Until 2012, she spent 19 years at National Trade Productions (NTP) starting off as a conference organizer, received multiple promotions throughout her career and rounding out her contributions as Executive Director, Industry Relations.
In this capacity, Hoff was part of the NTP executive team and contributed to the strategic direction of the company, client and industry relations, staff recruitment, internal processes and direction.
Most recently, Hoff launched a full-service trade show and event management company, Taffy Event Strategies.
Taffy Event Strategies produces exhibitions and conferences including Coverings and ASPE-The American Society of Plumbing Engineers Expo.
Prior to that, she worked with VP International to launch new events in a variety of market segments. Highlighted events include Coverings, ASPE Expo, U.S. News STEM Solutions and Hospital of Tomorrow Summit.
Hoff has contributed extensively to IAEE on both the local and national levels. She served as Chairperson of the Washington, D.C. Chapter and served on the chapter’s Program Committee.
She has served as a member and chairperson on multiple IAEE committees and task forces throughout her more than 20 years as an IAEE member. Hoff currently contributes to the IAEE FutureScaping Task Force and the CEIR Research Council, as well as serving as a member of the CEM Faculty.
She contributed to IAEE’s Art of the Show Textbook, 3rd Edition and has instructed the “Introduction to Exposition Management” course at Northern Virginia Community College.
Nearly a dozen IAEE members submitted testimonials on Hoff’s behalf applauding her business acumen, leadership skills and generous mentorship, earning her this year’s Woman of Achievement Award.
“I am honored to receive the IAEE Woman of Achievement Award,” Hoff said. “I value the network of woman peers I have developed through my involvement with IAEE. I am proud to be part of an industry that recognizes and supports the achievement of women.”
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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