Editorial Note: Originally published in the July 2026 issue of Trade Show Executive magazine.
I’d like to begin by recognizing the TSE’s Fastest 50 Award winners featured in this issue – congratulations!
For me, this highlights something very important about our industry. When you strip away the technology, the logistics and the floor plans, what remains at the center of every successful trade show and/or event is people. Yes, we build experiences, but behind every square foot of exhibit space and every impactful session are individuals and teams who commit themselves to making it happen.
That’s why I want to talk about something that doesn’t always make it onto the agenda at our executive meetings: the power of recognition.
Recognition isn’t a soft topic; it’s strategic. When we acknowledge the work of a colleague, a supplier who went the extra mile, an organizer who cracked a nagging problem, or a professional who brought a fresh idea to the table, we reinforce the standard of excellence that’s reflected throughout our industry.
Think about the moments in your own career when someone recognized your work. Maybe it was a simple acknowledgment in front of a group, a note from a peer you respected, or a formal recognition that reinforced what you do matters. It probably shaped how you showed up the next day – and the day after that. That’s not coincidence; it’s human nature. And it’s one of the most underutilized levers we have as leaders in this space.
It’s no secret that our industry is competing for talent along with managing tighter budgets, adapting to shifting attendee expectations and integrating technology at a challenging pace. In environments like this, culture becomes a competitive advantage. And recognition is one of the simplest, most direct ways to strengthen culture – not just within our own organizations, but across the broader community.
Cultures that celebrate achievement and recognize contributions don’t just create positive environments, they create stronger industries. They encourage innovation, elevate standards and remind people that their work matters. Just as importantly, they send a message to the next generation entering this business that this is an industry where effort, creativity, leadership, and impact are recognized and valued.
That’s also why I’m such a champion of what IAEE does through its awards program. When we nominate someone, we make a statement about the kind of industry we want to be part of. We’re building a record of excellence that inspires the next generation of trade show professionals to aim higher.
This month, I encourage executive leaders to take a closer look around your organizations. Who has delivered results that deserve greater visibility? Who has led through challenges with consistency, resilience and grace? Who is making this industry better through the way they show up every day?
If someone immediately comes to mind, consider nominating them for an IAEE award before the deadline at the end of this month. Industry-level recognition brings visibility and credibility that internal appreciation alone often can’t match.
These moments cost nothing and compound over time into something that shapes how our entire community sees itself. Every time one of us rises, the whole community rises with them. Let’s keep lifting.
Brian Pagel
2026 IAEE Chairperson
Executive Vice President
Emerald
