IAEE Robert L. Krakoff Future Leaders Institute “Legend of the Industry” and former chairman Chuck Schwartz, CEM, will be inducted into the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) Hall of Fame this summer. This honor is bestowed only on those individuals whose integrity and vision have significantly contributed to the growth and innovation of the automotive specialty-equipment industry.
“I have known Chuck for almost two decades and am thrilled that SEMA has chosen him for its Hall of Fame,” said Steven Hacker, CAE, IAEE president. “Chuck always gives 110 percent of his time and energy to putting forth the best meeting and exhibition for SEMA attendees every year, and I know how much detail and attention is dedicated to making everything appear seamless. It has been an honor to work with Chuck throughout the years and I congratulate him on this distinctive honor.”|
SEMA’s Hall of Fame nominees must have contributed to the industry on a national level and have been involved with the industry, or SEMA, for a minimum of 10 years. In addition, nominees must have made significant contributions toward enhancing technology, professionalism, dignity and the general stature and growth of the industry with a high degree of integrity.
“Chuck Schwartz defines leadership,” said Chris Meyer, CEM, CMP, IAEE Chairman. “Through his hard work, he demonstrates a mastery of show management with his actions. When I was going through the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) Learning Program, he mentored me through the process. He speaks regularly at exhibitions and events industry forums and inspires others through his dedication and enthusiasm. I am proud to be his colleague in our industry.”
Schwartz began his trade show career in 1976, after 20 years in the retail automotive aftermarket. During his career, he has organized and managed more than 200 trade exhibitions including the SEMA Show, the largest automotive aftermarket trade event in the world.
The show draws more than 50,000 domestic and international buyers and is the fourth largest national trade event. He was the co-founder of Epic Enterprises in 1979, where he produced, owned and organized trade shows, conventions and special events.
Schwartz is a member of IAEE’s Summit Club and a member of IAEE’s elite Platinum Circle for having maintained 25 years of continuous membership. During his tenure as chairman of IAEE in 1999, he worked to educate hotels on the value of exhibitions, their economic impact and the importance of IAEE’s membership. In 2004, IAEE recognized him with the association’s highest honor, the Pinnacle Award. He was also named a Legend of the Industry for IAEE’s Robert L. Krakoff Future Leaders Institute in 2007.
With a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers, IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE.
SEMA’s Hall of Fame was created in 1969 to recognize members of the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose ingenuity, enthusiasm, integrity and hard work have formed the industry’s foundation and shaped its growth over the past four decades.
For more information, visit www.sema.org or www.iaee.com.
