IAEE Congratulates Lenay Gore

Recipient of the 2022 Woman of Achievement Award

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) announced Lenay Gore, former Senior Director of Meetings and Trade Shows with American Public Transportation Association (APTA), as its 2022 Woman of Achievement Award winner during today’s luncheon at the IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum in National Harbor, Md. The IAEE Woman of Achievement Award recognizes a woman who has led the way in the advancement of women in the exhibitions and events industry, exhibited outstanding leadership, and made significant contributions to the industry and her community.

“I am honored and humbled to receive the IAEE Woman of Achievement Award,” said Gore. “I have been fortunate to have an extraordinary career and I am grateful for the involvement with this wonderful industry. To my friends and colleagues in the trade show industry, I thank you all and IAEE for the support over the years. What a great way to start my retirement!”

From left to right: IAEE Women’s Leadership Committee Chairperson Shauna Peters, CEM; IAEE Chairperson Carrie Ferenac; IAEE Woman of Achievement Award Winner Lenay Gore; and IAEE Executive Vice President and COO Cathy Breden, CMP, CAE, CEM.

Gore started at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) in 2008 as the Director of Meetings and Conventions after serving on the supplier side of the industry for more than 25 years. She led a team responsible for six major meetings with exhibits and over 35 smaller meetings each year.  In addition, APTA’s triennial EXPO and annual meeting attracts over 15,000 attendees and uses over 285,000 NSF of exhibit space. Prior to joining APTA, Gore worked for San Diego Convention Center, IEP (now PRG), GES, the Washington D.C. Convention and Visitors Bureau, and both Renaissance and Hilton Hotels.

With more than 30 years of industry experience, Gore has been a dedicated IAEE member for over 25 of those years. She has served on almost every committee the association has to offer, on both the national and chapter levels. She also served on the IAEE Services Board of Directors for many years, including a term as chairperson. Gore is also in the HSMAI DC Hall of Fame and won IAEE’s Distinguished Service Award in 2009.

“I’ve worked with Lenay in her volunteer leadership roles over the past 20 years and have always been impressed with how she can hone in on what’s being discussed and provide her perspective,” noted IAEE Executive Vice President and COO Cathy Breden, CMP, CAE, CEM. “When she agrees to do something, she is all in. She is deserving of this award and I wish her all the best as she transitions into retirement.”

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 and Snöball. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.

Mary Tucker
Sr. Communications & Content Manager | IAEE
+1 (972) 687-9226
mtucker@iaee.com

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