The Exhibition Industry Foundation (EIF) congratulates the recipients of this year’s Helen Brett Scholarship: Hannah Howard, Pamela Kerns and Jason Logie.
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. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist individuals who are exploring the study of exhibition management with the end goal of advancing their career in this field.
“The Exhibition Industry Foundation appreciates budding talent and is proud to encourage these students to pursue greater opportunities in the exhibition industry,” said Kolinek. “I am very excited about this year’s recipients and look forward to their future achievements in the exhibitions and events industry.”
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. 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 the exhibition management industry field and those enrolled in degree programs that are viewed as particularly relevant to this field.
“I have a very ‘black and white’ approach to life, which is why I fit so well into today’s tradeshow industry,” said Hannah Howard, a student at Pennsylvania State University. “Historically, tradeshows were often viewed with a shade of gray as executives struggled to quantity the ROI provided from their marketing activities. Today’s tradeshow industry understands the need for a ‘black and white’ approach to marketing, especially with an economic climate where marketing budgets are often the first ones cut. Metrics that clearly track lead generation, website traffic growth, and awareness by segment are what more executives are looking for when deciding where to spend their marketing dollars. Today’s tradeshow industry understands this, and so do I.”
“Just as Helen Brett had as her mission to develop a relationship of trust and honor with her exhibitors, I too feel that the relationship between the promoter and the exhibitor is paramount,” said Pamela Kerns, who attends Collin College and the University of North Texas. “This trust and honor is necessary to produce a quality show for the attendees. Without it, a negative attitude permeates the show. But when the exhibitor feels the show management is partnering with him/her and truly cares about promoting the exhibitor’s business, then not only is there a positive attitude at the show, but the exhibitor is eager to return to next year’s show. My goal is to be involved in producing quality expos in the future and to continue Helen Brett’s mission of relationship building with trust and honor.”
“I hope to be able to combine what have become my three favorite aspects of the hospitality industry: international hospitality management, sales, and meetings and events,” said Jason Logie, a student at Pennsylvania State University. “I plan on focusing specifically on careers within the exhibition industry that will afford me the opportunity to keep this global perspective in mind. It is my belief that my operational knowledge, combined with my global experiences and my passion for working with people, will enable me to have a successful career in the exhibition industry.”
The 2011 Helen Brett Scholars will be recognized during Expo! Expo!, IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held December 6-8, 2011, in Las Vegas, Nev.
