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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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