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.”