Awards

2024 IAEE Award Winner Scott Crawford Elevates Industry Standards through Visionary Leadership

Scott Crawford’s remarkable 23-year IAEE journey has positioned him as one of the industry's most respected voices. As the Chair of the IAEE Southeastern Chapter and a Senior Vice President at GES, this IAEE Chapter Merit Award Winner brings a unique dual perspective that combines corporate success with association leadership.

2024 IAEE Award Winner Leigh Ann Simpson Leads and Inspires While Giving Back

What does it take to transform community service across an entire region while juggling multiple leadership roles? IAEE Volunteer of the Year Leigh Ann Simpson, CMP is a dynamic force behind the IAEE Southeastern Chapter’s expanded outreach whose innovative approach to mobilizing volunteers and resources has redefined what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

2024 IAEE Award Winner Christen Tye is a Fierce Chapter Advocate

IAEE Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter leader Christen Tye is passionate about bridging chapter engagement with professional development in ways that are taking the chapter to new heights. In this exclusive interview, we uncover how this IAEE Chapter Merit Award winner’s leadership approach is creating ripple effects throughout the exhibitions and events community.

2024 IAEE Award Winner Dr. Chin-Hsun (Ken) Tsai is Transforming Tomorrow’s Industry Leaders

The intersection of technology and experiential learning has found a champion in Dr. Chin-Hsun (Ken) Tsai, whose pioneering approach has redefined exhibition and event management education. This IAEE Bob Dallmeyer Educator of the Year has not only elevated Iowa State University's Event Management Program to national prominence, but fundamentally influenced how the next generation of professionals prepare for an ever-evolving industry.

2024 IAEE Award Winner Fill it Forward is Revolutionizing Reuse Culture

Every scan of a Fill it Forward product diverts waste from landfills and funds clean water projects worldwide, turning simple daily habits into powerful forces for change. Discover how this IAEE Innovative Business Solution Award Winner is leveraging technology and high-quality, made in the USA bottles to track environmental impact while partnering with major organizations to eliminate millions of single-use items from the waste stream.

2024 IAEE Award Winner Julie Pazina Aims to Move Mountains

In the dynamic world of civic engagement, Julie Pazina stands as a beacon of hope and innovation. Her journey from conservation advocate to State Senator reveals a powerful narrative of how passionate leadership can bridge policy, education and community empowerment. This IAEE Humanitarian Award Winner is not just changing policies – she's cultivating a more resilient and inspired future.

2024 IAEE Award Winner Sarah Griffin Embodies Purpose-Driven Leadership

When leadership meets passion, extraordinary things happen. Sarah Griffin has transformed the Rocky Mountain Chapter through innovative strategies, mentorship and a commitment to bringing fresh energy to professional development. Learn how her commitment to setting new standards for chapter engagement earned her the 2024 IAEE Chapter Merit Award.

2024 IAEE Award Winner Richard Smith is a Master of Turning Connection into Sales

Richard Smith transformed his role at World of Concrete into record-breaking sales by combining traditional relationship building with digital innovation. From earning the nickname “Mr. Concrete” to receiving IAEE’s Outstanding Marketing & Sales Award, he reveals the strategies that define and multiply his passion for – and incredible success in – the exhibitions and events industry.

2024 IAEE Award Winner Gwen Venable Inspires Women to Break Barriers

Gwen Venable was bestowed the 2024 Cathy Breden Woman of Achievement Award because she exemplifies what leadership and empowering women is all about. Here, she shares her journey from chapter volunteer to industry changemaker, offering invaluable insights on mentorship, innovation and creating pathways for the next generation of industry leaders.

2024 IAEE Award Winner Brendon Winters is an Engagement Powerhouse

What happens when fresh perspective meets dedication? In just eight months, Brendon Winters transformed the IAEE Washington, D.C. Chapter's digital presence from modest to magnificent, earning him the IAEE Chapter Merit Award. Discover how this social media newcomer turned inexperience into advantage, revolutionizing chapter communications and setting new standards for member engagement.

2024 IAEE Award Winner Josie Z. Caldwell is Fearless

From pioneering gamified learning approaches to expanding industry education across international borders, Josie Z. Caldwell knows what it means to be an effective instructor. Her innovative teaching methods and dynamic influence have earned her the prestigious IAEE Bob Dallmeyer Educator of the Year Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to professional education in the exhibitions and events industry.

IAEE Spotlight on 2023 Chapter Merit Award Winner Ray Baum

Chapter leader and champion Ray Baum has dedicated himself to making sure the IAEE DFW and Southwest Chapters deliver powerful benefits to their members. In this interview, the Chapter Merit Award winner shares why he loves being at the forefront of IAEE’s initiatives.

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