Top Show Organizers and Trade Shows Honored at 2021 TSNN Awards

December 13, 2021
trade show, trade shows

The 2021 TSNN Awards wrapped up a spectacular two-day event, held Dec. 1-2 at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., with a few dozen shows and trade show professionals winning awards in a variety of categories.

“TSNN was absolutely thrilled to partner with the Mohegan Sun on this celebratory event,” said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. “It was a much-needed breath of fresh air to celebrate this industry, especially the great people and innovation. The Mohegan Sun team did a fantastic job on the awards and really rolled out the red carpet in a big way for these prestigious attendees!

The first award of the evening, the TSNN Award for Overall Fastest-growing Show for Attendance, was won by IBEX – The International Boatbuilders’ Conference & Exhibition.

"I am so glad I made the effort to attend the TSNN event," said IBEX Show Director Anne Dunbar. "All of us were impressed with the Mohegan Sun Hotel & Casino and their team did an outstanding job of showcasing all the property has to offer.”

Anne

She added, “Plus, it was great to see and spend time with so many industry friends and make new connections. The IBEX Team is thrilled to be honored as the Fastest-growing Show and accepting the award during the final evening gala was a great way to end an exceptional two-day event. Thank you TSNN!" 

MJBizCon was the next award honored on the stage, winning the TSNN Award for Overall Fastest-growing show for Net Square Footage.

The night continued with a bevy of other award winners in the Best of Innovation categories, including:

  • CONEXPO-CON/AGG - Best Use of Technology Winner
  • World of Concrete - Brave, Courageous, Adaptable Winner
  • Channel Partners Conference & Expo - Created a Community Winner
  • Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) 2021 - Hybrid/Virtual Winner
  • The Utility Expo - Savvy Marketing Campaign Winner
  • Dallas Market Center June 2021 Markets - Trailblazer Winner

Individual awards were given to several deserving individuals:

  • Herve Sedky – President/CEO, Emerald – TSNN Industry Icon Award
  • Douglas Emslie – CEO, Tarsus Group – TSNN Humanitarian Award
  • Mary Larkin – President, Diversified Communications – TSNN Women’s Leadership Award
  • Martha Donato – President, Mad Event Management – TSNN Women’s Leadership Award
  • Raymond Rhodes - Global Director, Inclusion & Diversity, RX – TSNN DEO Leadership Award

Mary

“I am genuinely honored to receive the 2021 TSNN Humanitarian award," Emslie said. "It is especially meaningful for me to be recognized by the industry – so many people and organizations across the events industry have generously supported the challenges that I have undertaken for charitable causes over the years."

He continued, "Planning and completing the Event Industry Backyard Ultra this year was undoubtedly my biggest undertaking to date and was only made possible by all the support I received. Together we raised over $42,000, and I was so happy to be able to do something to help those from our industry who were impacted by the pandemic.”

In addition, special awards were given to Clarion's WWIN, Tarsus Group's Offprice Show and Informa's MAGIC show for their unique collaboration in Orlando in February, as well as the TSNN Sustainability Award to Natural Products Expo East.

Part of the evening also celebrated eight Outstanding Show Pros, who were honored for the leadership and innovation.

The show organizers included: Todd Moritz, Martha Donato, Andria Gibbon, Michelle Swayze, Lydia Janow, Dorothy Belshaw, Manolita Moore and Gene O'Neill.

"Thank you so much, Rachel and the TSNN Team for organizing and hosting the 2021 TSNN event – what an experience!" said Manolita Moore, NAVC's vice president of exhibit sales and operations. "The Mohegan Sun venue was outstanding, from the moment I arrived until my departure. The food and restaurant selections were superb and the hospitality from all the staff was unmatched. The event itself was so well orchestrated.”

She added, “As a winner of the Outstanding Show Pro Award, I was so honored and felt really special to be selected amongst the high caliber individuals in the industry. Thank you for hosting this special event, especially in spite of the ongoing global pandemic. Well done! Congratulations!"

 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.