To be recognized during Expo! Expo!, IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition taking place Dec. 9-11 in Los Angeles, Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) Foundation announced the recipients of the 2014 Helen Brett Scholarship awards.
Awarded to Taylor Dudley, Hope McKendry, Abigail Rubin and Kathleen Sands, the scholarship serves to promote the exhibitions and events industry by attracting college-level students into the field of study and encouraging their pursuit with financial support.
“The CEIR Foundation is committed to fostering and supporting the next generation of the exhibitions and events industry. The Helen Brett Scholarship continues to be the gold standard of the community, opening doors for students pursuing a career focused in this area,” said Jackie Russo, chairperson, CEIR Foundation’s Helen Brett Scholarship Committee. “Based upon the outstanding applications received from this year’s Helen Brett Scholars, we are proud to say the future of the exhibition industry looks very bright.”
The Helen Brett Scholarship was established by Robert Kolinek, CEM, CMP, and named for his grandmother, Helen Brett, who was a pioneer in the tradeshow industry. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis based on field of study, recommendations and educational achievement. Preference is given to those expressing an interest in exhibitions and events management and those enrolled in degree programs that are viewed as particularly relevant to this field.
Taylor Dudley will be graduating from the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College with a degree in Event Management in May 2015
“I want to work on the operations side of show management for a large show such as InfoComm, Solar Power International or Surf Expo. My internships at the Orange County Convention Center and InfoComm International have taught me so much about the possibilities and opportunities that are available in this industry,” said Dudley. “I love the idea of bringing professionals together to share ideas and technologies. I am looking forward to my future in exhibitions and events after graduating.”
Hope McKendry is a junior at Johnson & Wales University North Miami Campus studying Sports, Entertainment and Event Management
“I have had many opportunities to expand my knowledge of the exhibitions and events industry by volunteering at multiple events such as BizBash Live: The Expo and the Jazz in the Gardens festival. I’m also working with Make-A-Wish Southern Florida as a Special Events Intern,” McKendry shared. “My passion for the exhibitions and events industry pushes me to continue to learn more every day. I’m extremely appreciative of the Helen Brett Scholarship so I may continue my education in this amazing industry.”
Abigail Rubin started her professional career in 2013 at Johnson & Wales University where she volunteered at her first event less than a month after classes started.
“I currently work with campus events that prepare me with real world knowledge of a career in the business. I also volunteer much of my time on the weekends to events that are more complex than ones we plan and produce on campus,” said Rubin. “My goal is to be as inspiring and successful as Helen Brett was in her career. I would consider myself very lucky if I could help others and carry-out a passion close to my heart as she did.”
Kathleen Sands is a student at Johnson & Wales University.
“I am passionate about exhibitions and events management. It is something I truly love. I enjoy all elements of exhibitions and events management: planning, research, design, travel and customer service,” Sands stated. “In particular, I enjoy the fast pace and excitement that is intrinsic with exhibitions and events management. I enjoy being kept on my toes and having the never-ending opportunity to learn new material and meet thousands of inspiring individuals throughout my work in the industry.”
The CEIR Foundation is a non-profit foundation dedicated to ensuring the success of the exhibitions and events industry as the premiere marketing medium by supporting research, promotion and education.
