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.
“Every scholarship and grant we award is an investment in the future of our industry, and this year’s recipients represent the very best of what that future can look like,” said IAEE President & CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. “IAEE is proud to stand behind these students and professionals as they build their careers, because when we invest in talent today, we’re strengthening the exhibitions and events industry for decades to come.”
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 24 scholarships being awarded: 20 to undergraduate students and four to graduate students.
The 2026 Helen Brett Scholarship Recipients are:
Undergraduate Students
Kimberly Berduo-Velasquez
Delaware State University
Shaylyn Bratcher
Georgia State University
*Also received an internship for Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2026 in Milwaukee, Wis.
Lily Daecher
Pennsylvania State University
Sarah DeCorte
Stephen F. Austin State University
Madison Edwards
Texas A&M University
Graydin Frankel
University of Central Florida
Isabelle Gates
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Ivy Huang
Georgia State University
Amanda Jagwandan
University of Central Florida
Madison Judd
Boston University
Lilly Kassinger
Washington State University
Andrii Larkin
Georgia State University
Eva Lubben
Iowa State University
Sophia Papaleo
University of Houston
Yael Plinik
University of Central Florida
Paige Putnam
DePaul University
Siena Santamaria
High Point University
Allison Segarra
University of Houston
Caroline Wilkins
Auburn University
Hosoo Yeo
Texas A&M University
Graduate Students
Veronica Flug
Iowa State University
Qingrou Lin
Iowa State University
Sean Stouffer
San Diego State University
Linan Zhang
Iowa State 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 2026 Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund Grant recipients are:
Hayley Rollins, CMP
Manager, Meetings & Administration
National Association of State Aviation Officials
United States
Emily Wrinkle, CMP, DES
Meetings Manager
Raybourn Group International
United States
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, Brown & Brown, Convention News Television (CNTV), eShow, Freeman, GES | onPeak, IMEX, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Snöball and Swapcard. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.
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Media Inquiries:
Mary Tucker
IAEE Sr. Communications & Content Manager
+1 (972) 687-9226
[email protected]