Nominations Open for The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Awards

April 20, 2017

Nominations now are open for The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Awards. Deadline to submit is June 21.

All event professionals in associations and corporate entities with authority for bringing attendees and exhibitors together are eligible.

Since 2000, the crystal SMOTY obelisk trophy has been presented to those behind-the-scenes pros creating amazing experiences within their exhibition and convention.

Each winner also is honored with a donation to their favorite charity and recognition industry-wide. Since 2000, over $80,000 has been donated to charity by The Expo Group in honor of SMOTY winners.

Four trophies will be presented this year at the Trade Show News Network Awards, held Aug. 21-23 in conjunction with Connect Expo in New Orleans.

Tier I: 1 to 200 booths

Tier II: 201 to 700 booths

Tier IV: 701 to 1500 booths

Tier V: 1501 or more booths

“Rewarding outstanding event professionals regardless of the size of their show or their membership in any organizations is the simple objective of the SMOTY Awards," said The Expo Group President and COO Randy Pekowski.

He added, “I am always impressed by the nominees, whose achievements are examples from which we all can learn.”

SMOTY awards are open to all trade show managers, not just clients of The Expo Group. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged.

An independent panel of judges reviews all candidates for their innovative practices, commitment to success, premier customer service and ability to overcome obstacles.

Nominations must be submitted by June 21 at SMOTY NOMINATIONS

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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.