From left to right: IAEE Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Cathy Breden, CMP, CAE: 2017 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award Recipient Megan Tanel, CEM; and IAEE Women’s Leadership Committee Chairperson Mindy Abel, CMP, CTA.
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events celebrates another successful Women’s Leadership Forum on 2 May 2017 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. More than 220 attendees sold out this year’s event which featured education sessions for women at all stages of their career.
The 2017 IAEE Woman of Achievement Award was presented to Megan Tanel, CEM during the event. Tanel is Senior Vice President, Exhibitions and Events for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. She has been an extraordinary leader during her more than 20-year career with AEM and within various volunteer roles in the industry. She is a role model and passionate professional whose example leads to the advancement of women in the exhibitions and events industry.
Tanel gives back tremendously through her formal and informal leadership roles within IAEE and beyond. Her consistent dedication and devotion to not only advancing the industry, but representing women in the industry admirably, earned her this year’s Woman of Achievement Award.
“I am humbled and extremely appreciative of this honor that has been presented to me,” said Tanel. “I am surrounded by amazing people throughout this industry and know so many women more deserving of this award than me.
“I go about my job with dedication, determination and a strong willingness to work toward what is right and in the best interest of my members, staff and industry. Regardless of gender, I and my team strive to achieve success in all that we do. But because of gender, sometimes we have to prove ourselves even more. And without a strong team in the office or a strong partnership at home, I wouldn’t be able to accomplish any of this.”
“This year’s Women’s Leadership Forum illustrated why this event continues to sell out each year,” said 2017 IAEE Chairperson Ryan Strowger, CEM. “The outstanding group of speakers offered a diverse mix of education from both informative and interactive perspectives. The attendees were eager to learn and participate – overall, an incredible turnout and event.”
IAEE extends a special thank you to the sponsors of this year’s IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum:
Emerald Sponsor MGM Resorts International Synchronicities – a three-city partnership between Visit Anaheim, Visit Baltimore and Visit San Antonio
Ruby Sponsors Choose Chicago Experient, A Maritz Global Events Company Global Experience Specialists/GES
Pearl Sponsors Feathr Shepard Exposition Services showNets
Supporting Sponsors American Airlines Travel Alberta
Break Sponsor Smart City Networks
Floral Sponsor Convention Plant Creations, Inc.
Photography Sponsor Oscar & Associates
Registration Sponsor Streampoint Solutions
Video Sponsor Convention News Television (CNTV)
About IAEE Trusted since 1928, IAEE provides quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE, and the organization advocates and promotes the awareness of face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. IAEE provides relevant, timely, and innovative education to its members and the industry. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: 4imprint, BearCom, Buttine Exhibition Insurance, Convention News Television, Delta Airlines, New Orleans Morial Convention Center, New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, Orange County Convention Center, Streampoint Solutions and Synchronicities (Visit Anaheim, Visit Baltimore and Visit San Antonio). Visit www.iaee.com for more information.
