Nominations Open for The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year Awards
Irving, Texas – August 5, 5009 – The Expo Group is accepting nominations for its 2009 Show Manager of the Year Awards program, which honors the most innovative and hardworking show managers in the industry. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the SMOTY Awards.

“We started this awards program 10 years ago to bring attention to show managers in our industry who were really making a difference. I suspect this year more than ever before the nominees will have demonstrated leadership, tenacity and perseverance,” says The Expo Group President and CEO Ray Pekowski. “This is a special year for the awards not only because of the 10th anniversary but also because of these unprecedented economic challenges in our industry."

Anyone is welcome to submit a nomination. It’s easy to do online at www.theexpogroup.com/smoty. Nominees need not be clients of The Expo Group and are not solicited based on their nomination. Nominations are judged by an independent panel of industry publishers and noted tradeshow mentors.

For the past 10 years the SMOTY Awards have recognized show managers who make a difference. We honor people like you - or your boss or a colleague - who go above and beyond to create a viable marketplace for exhibitors and attendees.
If you or someone you know deserves this award, nominate before Sept. 5. at www.theexpogroup.com/smoty!

What's important:
Overcoming obstacles
Premier customer service
Innovative practices
Commitment to success

What's not important:
Size of show
Years of experience
Who your contractor is
Being embarrassed to nominate yourself

Wondering what the impact of a SMOTY Award could be on a career?
Let one of our former winners tell you in this quick YouTube video.

The 2009 SMOTY winners will be flown to Houston for the Nov. 12 gala dinner, part of the Tradeshow Week Fastest 50: Celebrating Success! weekend. Honorees will receive the crystal obelisk trophy, industry-wide recognition and a $1,000 donation to the charity or educational institution of their choice.

The Expo Group is a Single Source® partner fulfilling the needs of show organizers, corporate planners, marketers and exhibitors. The Dallas-based company also has offices in Las Vegas, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington D.C.

For more information and/or photos, contact Dana Freker Doody at 972-580-9000 or send an email to ddoody@theexpogroup.com.