The International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) announces this year’s roster of scholarship and grant recipients from its education assistance programs designed to fund the ongoing journey of experienced exhibition and event professionals, as well as those new to the industry and secondary students interested in joining the industry.
“We are thrilled to support this exceptional group of scholars and professionals as they advance their careers in the exhibitions and events industry,” said IAEE President & CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. “These scholarships and grants represent IAEE’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent at every stage, from high school students discovering our dynamic industry to seasoned professionals expanding their global expertise. Each recipient brings unique perspectives and tremendous potential, and we look forward to seeing the innovative contributions they will make to shape the future of face-to-face events worldwide.”
The Helen Brett™ Scholarship was established by Robert Kolinek, CEM, CMP and named for his grandmother who was a pioneer in the trade show industry. Its purpose is to assist individuals who are exploring the study of exhibitions and events management with the end goal of advancing their career in this field. This year’s application and selection process resulted in 26 scholarships being awarded: 23 to undergraduate students and three to graduate students.
The 2025 Helen Brett Scholarship Recipients are:
Undergraduates
Abigail Cantrell
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
Akanksha Jha
The University of Texas at Austin
Alana May
Louisiana State University
Allison Segarra
University of Houston
Amanda Jagwandan
University of Central Florida
Anna-Laura Whitaker
University of Houston
Arthur Henrique Queiroz de Paula
University of Central Florida
Avery Quilty
Auburn University
Dania Maria Alvarado Soler
University of Central Florida
Desiree Robertson
Georgia State University
*Also received an internship for Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2025 in Houston, Texas.
Ellee Marsh
Stephen F. Austin State University
Ellyse Laren McChensey
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Erin Flores
University of North Texas
EunSeo Ko
Grace College
Haley Herbolsheimer
Montana State University
Juhi Sawant
Georgia State University
Kayce Ford
Stephen F. Austin University
Kyra White
Iowa State University
Lauren de Pena
University of Denver
Morgan Berger
Ohio University
Sarah Geffen
University of Denver
Shah Fabian
Eastern Illinois University
Skylar Dryden
San Diego State University
Graduates
Angelika Bazarnik
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Maria Molitor
University of Sioux Falls
Margaret Thompson
New York University
The Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund supports international exhibition and event industry education and professional development. The fund is designed for event professionals worldwide including young professionals, professionals new to the industry and those interested in learning about the global marketplace.
The 2025 Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund Grant recipients are:
Kelley Jo Mynatt
Exhibit Sales and Operations Manager
North American Veterinary Community (NAVC)
United States
Nelliah “Nelly” Paulser
Exhibition and Events Coordinator
Graphic House Zim
Zimbabwe
The IAEE DE&I Scholarship was established by IAEE member Rochelle Richardson, CEM, who is passionate about setting children up for success. The purpose of the scholarship is to promote and bring visibility to the exhibitions, meetings and business events industry for graduating high school students of diverse backgrounds and from under-served and economically and socially disadvantaged communities in order to create an equal opportunity for the recipient to achieve a two-year or four-year college-level education program.
The 2025 IAEE DE&I Scholarship recipient is:
Tatiana Lopez-Cunningham
Thomas Jefferson High School
San Antonio, Texas
*Accepted to attend University of Miami and majoring in public relations with a focus on hospitality and event management.
Learn more about IAEE’s scholarship and grant opportunities here.
About IAEE
Trusted since 1928, IAEE provides quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE, and the organization advocates and promotes the awareness of face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. IAEE provides relevant, timely and innovative education to its members and the industry. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: 4imprint, Convention News Television (CNTV), eShow, Freeman, GES | onPeak, Grit Productions and Expositions, IMEX, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Risk Strategies Company | Buttine Insurance, Snöball and Swapcard. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.
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Media Inquiries:
Mary Tucker
Sr. Communications & Content Manager | IAEE
+1 (972) 687-9226
mtucker@iaee.com