The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Awards Opens Nominations

March 21, 2018

The Expo Group, an exhibitions and events partner that invests in growth, is now accepting nominations from across the industry for The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year (SMOTY) Awards. The awards program annually recognizes great leaders in events and trade shows.

“Honorees of the SMOTY Awards wow everyone with their commitment, innovation and excellence,” said President and COO of The Expo Group Randy Pekowski.

He added, “This awards program is a way for us all to recognize people who don’t always receive accolades in the press or within our industry associations. By presenting these awards and making donations to the award winners’ choice of charities, we contribute to elevating the importance of the business events profession and the meaning of bringing buyers and sellers together face to face.”

To nominate a show manager, please visit theexpogroup.com/smoty. There is no fee attached to nominating and anyone responsible for the production of a trade show is eligible regardless of any affiliation with The Expo Group.​

Self-nominations are accepted; all are presented to our panel of independent judges.

“It was truly an honor to be recognized for the SMOTY Award and I feel very humbled to in the company of the previous SMOTY Award winners,” said 2017 honoree Tom Carbott of MHI. “It is very generous for The Expo Group to sponsor this program and to support the charities designated by the SMOTY Award winners.”

This year, the SMOTY trophies will be presented Aug. 11 during the TSNN Awards in Louisville. Honorees receive complimentary registration and travel to that event, as well as a $500 donation to their favorite charity or educational institution.

Previous SMOTY winners are featured at theexpogroup.com/smoty and include managers of events with as few as 50 booths to well over 2,000 from across the United States.

The deadline to nominate is June 15.

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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