Patricia Farias-Barlow has been selected as the International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ 2012 "Legend of the Industry" for this year's IAEE Krakoff Leadership Institute to be held May30-June 1 at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, D.C., as part of IAEE's Mid-Year Meeting.

The Krakoff Leadership Institute provides professional development for a group of industry professionals who were selected by the Krakoff Leadership Institute Committee as the industry's future leaders based on their application and extensive review.

"Being selected as this year's Legend of the Industry is an enormous honor, and I am extremely excited to be part of this essential program that guides our industry's promising leaders," Farias-Barlow said.

She added, "Having served as the IAEE Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2000 and knowing the emphasis the association puts on developing leaders, I am thrilled to have this opportunity to engage with tomorrow's leaders, collaborate and collectively learn about their outlook and thoughts for the future."  

Each year, IAEE selects a "Legend of the Industry" whose contributions, innovation and leadership have been truly unique and remarkable. An informal setting then allows each participant face-to-face interaction with this industry leader.

Farías-Barlow is CEO of the Puerto Vallarta Convention Center, where she also oversees the Estero El Salado; a natural protected area that includes one of the most important wetlands in the area.

She also is president and CEO of Farias Global Expos, a Mexico City-based independent show organizer and consultant.

Farias-Barlow has extensive experience in the trade show industry.

During her nearly 30-year career in the industry, she has organized more than 150 shows in various industries, such as Telecommunications, Computer Technology, Internet, Electronic Banking, Machine Tools, Security, Oil & Gas, Hospital Equipment, Food, Distance Education, Restaurant, Instrumental Controls, Real Estate and Education.

Presently, she is the official representative of Messe Dusseldorf for Mexico and serves various clients in Mexico and Latin America on diverse issues pertaining to international affairs, show management issues and training, as well as consulting for various venue building projects in the region.

Before founding her trade show company in 1983, she worked in various branches of marketing for eight years.  In addition, she served as COO of Cancunmesse, CEO of Centro Banamex in Mexico City, CEO of Fapezal Exposiciones and Agora Internacional and president of Reed Exhibition Companies for Mexico.

She also is the CEM coordinator for Mexico and is faculty for the program. Under her coordination, 142 students from Mexico have acquired their CEM designation.

She has considerable industry experience as founding President of the Mexican Association of Trade Show Managers (AMOFE, now AMPROFEC).

She was president of the Mexican Chapter of the International Women's Forum (IWF), the first woman and Mexican Board member of the Latin American Trade Show Organizers Association (AFIDA), was Chairman of the International Committee and the Nominating Committee of IAEE, served on the Board of Directors as its first foreign member and was the first non-U.S. chairman for IAEE in 2000.She served on the Board of MPI Mexico Chapter and was a member of the International Task force for IAAM in 2001. She has served on the Board of Directors of IAEE Services, Inc., the Audit Committee, the awards committee, and is presently on the nominating committee and CEM commission and of IAEE.

In addition, she is listed in Who's Who – Mexican Women and Who's Who – Mexico. She was named one of the 25 Women to Know in Tradeshow Week in 2003, as well as one of the Global Movers and Shakers for the same publication in 2005.

She was listed as one of the 10 people who shaped the industry in 2005 by Destinos y Convenciones magazine, amongst other recognitions. Her awards include the IAEE Chairman's Award in 1987, the Distinguished Service Award in 2005;

Special recognition for her outstanding Career was given to her by AMPROFEC in 1992 and again in 2007. She is also the recipient of the "Jim Davie" Merit Award by Destinos y Convenciones in 2007. She was awarded an Honorary CEM for her contribution to the program in 2008 by IAEE. She is a continual speaker on various themes about the Exhibition Industry in Mexico, Latin America, USA, Asia and Europe.

The participants selected for the 2012 Krakoff Leadership Institute are judged on the following criteria:

• Evidence of at least three years of full-time experience in the exhibitions and events industry
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• A personal commitment to, and passion for, the exhibitions and events industry
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• An indication of their willingness and ability to become a thought leader and motivator of others
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• A commitment to remain actively involved in the Institute
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• Insight into how they view the future of the exhibitions and events industry and how they propose to influence that future

This year's facilitator, Tim Durkin, CSP, has been a speaker and seminar leader for nearly 20 years and has worked with organizations of every size and mission concentrating in the manager and senior manager levels. In his work, he has helped coach and guide leaders in improving results at Exxon/Mobil, Ernst & Young, KPMG, IBM, General Motors, GE, Ford, UT Southwestern Medical Center and hundreds of others organizations.

Stephen Covey, author of all-time best selling business book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People”, calls Durkin: "one of the most amazing people I have ever met."

Prior to becoming a professional leadership facilitator, Durkinwas the vice president of Trade Shows and Conventions and then executive vice president of administration for the Dallas Market Center, which is one of the busiest exhibition centers in the United States.

Graduates of the 2012 Institute will be recognized at Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition ton tap Dec. 4-6 in Orlando. For more information, visit www.iaee.com/events/leadershipinstitute.