AEM’s Megan Tanel Chosen as 2018 TSNN Awards Industry Icon Honoree

May 9, 2018

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ Megan Tanel has been named the 2018 TSNN Awards Industry Icon Honoree and will be celebrated at an awards gala held during the Aug. 10-12 weekend in Louisville, Ky.

“I am beyond humbled to be receiving the TSNN Industry Icon Award,” Tanel said.

She added, “I look to each day to continue to learn more about myself and how I can continue to improve and be relevant while advocating for my members, our services and events in general. I am thankful for the opportunities I've had and continue to have at work and at home.”

Tanel has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality and trade show industries and currently is responsible for overseeing AEM trade shows and show partnerships, U.S. and globally, and event education/meeting programs.

She has served as director of AEM’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG exposition, which focuses on the construction industries and is the largest event of this type in the Western Hemisphere, and ICUEE-The Demo Expo, the largest event focused on the utility equipment industry, and as show manager of the AEM-produced World of Asphalt Show & Conference, helping launch the inaugural 2001 event.

AEM’s exhibition presence also extends to Latin America, India and Africa.

Tanel will be celebrated for her achievements during the 2018 TSNN Awards gala, along with more than 50 of the fastest-growing shows in the U.S. and Show Manager of the Year award winners.

“TSNN is proud to honor Megan as the industry icon award honoree at the 2018 TSNN Awards in Louisville,” said Tarsus Media President Rachel Wimberly. “She is an absolute powerhouse in our industry, not only for all of her success at AEM, but also for the many ways she continues to give back.”

Tanel is a member of the IAEE International Association of Exhibitions and Events and PCMA Professional Convention Management Association.

She was 2015 chair of the IAEE International Association of Exhibitions and Events and has served as IAEE Education Committee Chair.

She has been on the IAEE Board since 2010 and is a graduate of the IAEE Krakoff Leadership Institute.

In 2017, she received the IAEE Woman of Achievement Award and IAEE Distinguished Service Award, and she has been recognized with numerous trade show honors from leading industry media.

Tanel joined AEM in 1995 in the exhibitions area. She also served a stint as national sales manager for Loews Hotels, where she helped launch the first-ever House of Blues Hotel, in Chicago, Ill.

The three-day 2018 TSNN Awards celebration will kick off Aug. 10 with an opening party at the brand new Old Forester Distillery in Louisville’s famed Whiskey Row, followed by an engaging education conference the next morning and gala that evening where Tanel, along with the fastest-growing shows and SMOTY winners, will be feted.

The celebration ends on Aug. 12 with a fun brunch at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.

TSNN could not have this amazing weekend without the support of our sponsors! Please click HERE to see all the great companies that will be at the awards.

For more information, please visit www.T-awards.com.

For sponsorship information, please contact John Rice – jrice@tsnn.com.

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.