Lawson Hockman Selected as 2015 IAEE Legend of the Industry; Krakoff Leadership Institute Wraps Up in Palm Beach
August 18, 2015
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events completed its Krakoff Leadership Institute and Krakoff Advanced Leadership Institute, held Aug. 15-18, at the Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Fla.
Each two-day program provided a highly interactive curriculum that develops participants' leadership skills through group participation.
In addition, IAEE selected a "Legend of the Industry" whose contributions, innovation and leadership have been truly unique and remarkable.
An informal setting then allowed each participant face-to-face interaction with this industry leader.
This year's "Legend" is Lawson Hockman, CEM, vice president industry relations, IMN Solutions.
After 45 years in the exhibitions and events industry, Hockman's experience spans the non- and for-profit arenas in all areas of management and development with a strong emphasis on association operations and financial management, convention/trade show management, membership development, marketing, sales and publications management.
"Lawson is a greatly accomplished member of the industry and indelible source of knowledge," said 2015 IAEE Chairperson Megan Tanel, CEM. "The wisdom he imparted regarding creating a network with your peers and building relationships with your suppliers will serve as a valuable asset to this year's institute graduates as they continue to hone their leadership skills."
In his role at IMN Solutions, Hockman consults with clients on association management, trade show and meeting management, sales and marketing, vendor selection and vendor contract negotiation, and advance and on-site management.
Prior to joining IMN Solutions in 2000, he was COO for the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), where he managed the day-to-day operations.
Prior to ADAA, Hockman was COO for the Environmental Industry Associations (EIA), where he was responsible for overall operations including financial management and oversight, personnel administration, meetings, exhibitions, educational programs, membership, marketing and publications.
Prior to joining EIA in 1989, he was with the National Electrical Association (NECA) for more than 19 years, holding positions as membership director, convention/exposition director and assistant director for Labor Relations.
Hockman is an Air Force veteran and a graduate of Shepherd University.
Graduates of the 2015 Krakoff Leadership Institute will be recognized at Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held Dec. 1-3 in Baltimore, Md.
Partner Voices
HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates.
Water Stewardship Efforts
MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship.
In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step.
MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas.
MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030.
From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts.
Caring for One Another
MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include:
Unserved perishable prepared foods from events
Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens
Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses
The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.
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