Originally published in Trade Show Executive, Dec 2014 Issue
We often hear that the exhibitions and events industry is small in terms of the number of organizers and vendors who provide services. Certainly, within the IAEE membership this is the case. When we lose a person who has touched so many lives it is deeply felt. We know one another, support one another and, in many cases, we are close friends and more like family than colleagues.
As we celebrate the success of our year in this final month of the year, we must also remember and celebrate the lives of those who have made such an impact on our industry and on many of us in a very personal way.
Let’s start with Jeannie Hayes. While many may not have had the pleasure to know Jeannie; she was the first female to serve as an IAEE chairman. Jeannie was chairman of NAEM in 1980 (now IAEE) and remained active in the association until 2007. Jeannie was instrumental in the development of the Certified in Exhibition Management Learning Program, and she received the association’s highest honor, the Pinnacle Award. Jeannie’s life legacy was giving back to the industry she loved. She was a mentor to many and in her own words, “Thanks for sharing this wild ride with me. I know we were able to do some good and make this a better world, even if in a small way.” She passed away this year at the age of 97.
Jack Wayman passed away this year at age 92. His legacy— Jack led the creation of the association that eventually became the Consumer Electronics Association to founding International CES®. Jack created a legacy by being one of the fathers of the contemporary consumer electronics industry.
There are those who leave us way too young. A.J. Janosko passed away in June 2014 after a tragic accident, which reminds us all to live each day to the fullest. He was 45. Most recently with PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, A.J. made a tremendous impact on those whose lives he touched, which was evidenced by the outpouring of condolences. His many friends quickly set up the A.J. Janosko Education trust to benefit the future education of his sons. He gave the ultimate gift of life by being an organ donor helping to save five other lives.
Brian McNamara passed away in November this year at the age of 58. He was formerly the Senior Vice President at the International Sign Association. He moved to Mason City, IA to open a coffee shop and was having the time of his life. He was a long-time member of IAEE from 1989 to 2012 and he served on many committees including the IAEE Awards Committee, Nominating Committee and as chairman of the former IAEE Services, Inc. Brian was a quiet person but he got things done. His many friends will miss him.
A larger than life Bob Dallmeyer passed away in February at the age of 76 after a short bout with throat cancer. Bob’s passing touched many people. Bob knew no strangers and everyone he met was immediately his friend. His achievements are too numerous to outline here. He touched lives on virtually every continent and his passion for the exhibitions and events industry was evident. He was a mentor and teacher to many. Bob was the author of the Power Lunch Features in this magazine. On the news of his passing, an IAEE Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund was established and currently stands at approximately $47,908. Details on the mission, criteria and how the funds will be distributed will be made available at Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Los Angeles. In the meantime, please consider making a donation to this fund. It is easy to do with your SmartPhone. Send a text to: 41444. Type in the word Bob, and you will be taken to a screen to make your donation.
I hope you will join us on 9 December 2014 at the Opening General Session where we will celebrate the lives of the individuals who have made such an impact on us and the valuable exhibitions and events industry!
Happy Holidays,
David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA
President & CEO
IAEE