Jacqueline Russo
Russo selected as Legend of the Industry
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DALLAS — [May 13, 2010] The International Association of Exhibitions and Events announced that Jacqueline Russo has been selected as the 2010 "Legend of the Industry" for this year’s IAEE Robert L. Krakoff Future Leaders Institute to be held August 6-8, 2010 at the JW Marriott Hill Country in San Antonio, Texas. IAEE and official sponsor, Champion Exposition Services, will provide career development for industry professionals who were selected by the Future Leaders Committee as up-and-comers based on their application and extensive review.
 Each year, IAEE selects a "Legend of the Industry" whose contributions, innovation and leadership have been truly unique and remarkable. An informal setting then allows each Institute participant one-on-one time with this industry leader.
"As our industry changes and grows, helping great leaders emerge is key to both the success of IAEE and the member businesses we represent," says Russo. "Being chosen as the Legend of the Industry is a tremendous honor, and I look forward to meeting with and mentoring those individuals whose efforts will enhance exhibitions and events for many years to come."
Russo is vice president of Kuehne & Nagel Inc., one of the world's leading logistics companies. She oversees the direction of the exhibition/special event division. Russo has been in the international exhibition industry for over 20 years, having served as IAEE chair in 2003. She currently serves on the IAEE Audit Committee, International Special Interest Group and the Senior Executives Programming Task Force as vice chair. Additionally, Russo serves on the board of the Exhibition Industry Foundation and chairs the Helen Brett Scholarship Committee. She speaks frequently at industry events and is an active member in other industry associations.
The participants selected for the 2010 Institute are judged on the following criteria:
- Evidence of at least three years of full-time experience in the exhibitions and events industry
- A personal commitment to, and passion for, the exhibitions and events industry
- An indication of their willingness and ability to become a thought leader and motivator of other
- A commitment to remain actively involved in the Institute
- Insight into how they view the future of the exhibitions and events industry and how they propose to influence that future.
Institute alumni will also participate in a program of events designed to develop leadership skills and broad industry knowledge, create a close support network among participants, and enhance requisite motivational and communications skills. Graduates of the 2010 Institute will be recognized at Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held 7-9 December 2010 in New Orleans, La. For more information, visit www.iaee.com/futureleaders.
Chuck Schwartz
Schwartz to be inducted into SEMA Hall of Fame
 DALLAS — [May 2010] — IAEE Robert L. Krakoff Future Leaders Institute "Legend of the Industry" and Former Chairman Chuck Schwartz, CEM, chairman of ConvExx, 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.
IAEE President Steven Hacker, CAE, said, "I have known Chuck for almost two decades and am thrilled that SEMA has chosen him for its Hall of Fame. 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 was created in 1969 to recognize members of the automotive specialty-equipment industry whose ingenuity, enthusiasm, integrity and hard work formed the industry’s foundation and shaped its growth over the past four decades.
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/or the general stature and growth of the industry with a high degree of integrity.
In addition to Schwartz, Van Woodell, president of Weathers Auto Supply and Richard "Dick" McMullen, McMullen Advertising, will be inducted into the SEMA Hall of Fame. Inductees will be officially recognized at the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser on Friday, 23 July 2010 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, Calif. More information is available at www.sema.org/gala.
"Chuck Schwartz defines leadership. Through his hard work, he demonstrates mastery of show management through his actions," said 2010 IAEE Chairman Chris Meyer, CEM, CMP. ”When I was going through the CEM Learning Program, he mentored me through the process, and he has mentored many other industry professionals, too. 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 after-market trade event in the world, which draws more than 50,000 domestic and international buyers, and the fourth largest national trade event. Recently, ConvExx partnered with the California Truck Association to provide show management services to the International Trucking Show, and ConvExx has provided management services to NASCAR for a summit.
He was the co-founder of Epic Enterprises in 1979, where he produced, owned and organized trade shows, conventions and special events. In 1996, Epic Enterprises was acquired by Production Group International (PGI). 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 tirelessly worked to spread the news to hotels on the value of exhibitions and their economic impact, and the importance of IAEE’s membership. In 2004, IAEE recognized him with the association’s highest honor, the Pinnacle Award, and he was named Legend of the Industry for IAEE's Robert L. Krakoff Future Leaders Institute in 2007.
Shelly Justice
CMT CEO named Small Business Person finalist
 ATLANTA, Ga. — [May 21, 2010] The Metro Atlanta Chamber and Atlanta Business Chronicle have honored outstanding small-business professionals in Atlanta since 1986 and this year Shelly Justice was named as a Small Business Person of the year 2010 Finalist.
To be considered for the award, nominees must have been in business at least three years, have fewer than 100 employees and less than $40 million in annual revenue, as well as be an active member in the community and a chamber member. The chamber announced the winner and finalists at its Small Business Day on May 20.
The following is an article about Justice as it appeared in the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
As president and CEO of Convention Models & Talent, Inc., Justice can ring up a fire-eater, stilt walker and a Marilyn Monroe look-a-like. But what she really wants to do is assist clients, like Nokia, Heineken, Procter & Gamble Co.and GE make an impact at conventions and various events.
"You have about five seconds to capture the attention of someone who walks into your booth - then precious minutes to tell them what you do," said Justice, a finalist for the Metro Atlanta Chamber's 2010 Small Business Person of the Year award.
And while Justice's database is colorful and diverse, one of the reasons she's been successful is her ability to provide professional, personable and well-trained staff.
Companies need exposure, but they want to cut costs. CMT provides an alternative that not only saves money but can make more of an impact at a trade show.
"They're Type 'A' personalities. They engage. Something some sales reps don't do because they're busy on their iPhones or BlackBerrys," she said.
Justice served as a spokesperson for various clients, and while working at tradeshows noticed client needs were changing. They needed well-rounded talent who were more than just fun to look at. Spokesmen and — women who could attract a crowd, deliver a message and make a professional impression were rare.
Justice decided to change that and founded CMT in 2001. "You can't just be a pretty face. You have to be knowledgeable about the brands and the company."
Justice's goal is to grow the firm to $10 million. To do so, she's forming an advisory board. "We're a young company," she said. "Sometimes I feel like we're cowboys."
That high energy level has served them well but to grow the business, Justice, who never took a business class in college, will need more than energy. "I have to bring in the big guns to get to a higher revenue-generating [level]."
Click to see Shelly's Finalist video
Brian Quinn
TheWit Hotel welcome new senior director of sales
 CHICAGO (March 23, 2010) — TheWit Hotel brand welcomes Brian Quinn as Senior Director of Sales of theWit Hotel in Chicago. Quinn brings more than 22 years of experience in sales and marketing at luxury properties to his position at theWit Chicago.
After graduating from the University of Texas in Austin, Quinn quickly climbed the sales management ladder, holding positions at a number of high-end resorts, ranging from ski destinations – such as Colorado’s Copper Mountain Resort and the Snowmass Resort Association — to tropical getaways, including Westin properties in Maui, Hawaii, and Los Cabos, Mexico.
Quinn’s 16 year relationship with the Westin brand went on to encompass roles as national sales manager for the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco and, after a brief stint with San Francisco’s Palace Hotel, a return to the Los Cabos property in 2003 as director of sales and marketing. In 2007, Quinn came to Chicago, to serve as director of sales and marketing of the Westin Michigan Avenue, where he led the hotel to its highest-ever group booking levels.
Quinn accepted the position with theWit Hotel in 2010. Of the brand’s flagship Chicago property, Quinn says, “There’s no comparison to theWit. It’s fresh and new, and the guest response speaks to the success of the brand, engaging guests on every sense level and in doing so, leaving them feeling thrilled with their experience. Every corner you turn is a ‘wow.’”
Jim Tolbert and Wahid Razaq
San Diego North CVB adds two new national sales vets
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (May 11, 2010) — The San Diego North Convention & Visitors Bureau has added industry veterans Jim Tolbert and Wahid Razaqi to its team, and partnered with Washington, D.C. marketing firm JSP Marketing. Bringing over 30 years of combined hospitality experience to the Bureau, National Sales Managers Razaqi and Tolbert will be responsible for pursuing targeted vertical niche markets to capture new group business for the San Diego North region.
Tolbert, who more than 20 years of hotel and resort management experience, formerly worked at luxury properties in southern California and Phoenix, serving as a sales manager at the Island Hotel, Four Seasons Aviara and La Costa Resort and Spa.
His prior industry experience includes management positions in conference services and catering operations at The Phoenician Resort, The Wigwam Resort and Sheraton Crescent Hotel in Arizona. Using his extensive knowledge of the San Diego market, Tolbert will be handling accounts and business development in the local region, as well as targeting business in the national life sciences industry.
Razaqi will be concentrating on the military sectors both locally and based in Washington D.C., giving special attention to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps.
Razaqi’s previous employment as sales manager for government accounts at the Doubletree Club Hotel in Mission Valley and the Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island has made him a seasoned professional in the military and government markets, booking over 4,000 total room nights in 2009 for agencies including the U.S. Border Patrol, Department of Veteran Affairs and Internal Revenue Service.
With the hiring of Razaqi and Tolbert, the Bureau is strategically continuing to boost the region’s connections and influential role in government and biotechnology. San Diego is home to 10 percent of the nation’s life sciences industry, along with the largest concentration of Naval facilities in the world including U.S. Navy ports, Marine Corps bases and Coast Guard stations.
“San Diego North’s strong ties to these sectors make our region the ideal place to bring industry related events, meetings and conferences. As our new sales managers, Razaqi and Tolbert will utilize their niche market expertise and established personal contacts, helping us tap into and capitalize on these promising markets and ultimately bringing substantial business to the region,” said Larry Kaufman, vice president of sales at the San Diego North Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The Bureau is also furthering national sales efforts through its new partnership with JSP Marketing, a Washington, D.C.-based firm, to increase San Diego North’s presence in the mid-Atlantic region and influence the associations based there to bring their business to San Diego. JSP Marketing specializes in representing mid-size cities such as Santa Clara and Grand Rapids, helping to bring large events and meetings to those destinations.
“Washington D.C. has the highest concentration of national trade associations in the United States, making it a key region to maintain a sales presence in. With an unrivaled proximity to the core of these organizations, JSP Marketing will serve as an advocate for San Diego North, drawing on their connections to the key decision makers who plan annual meetings for these groups,” said Kaufman.
Bill Lemmon
Lemmon joins Hargrove’s Chicago office
 CHICAGO — [May 6, 2010] — Hargrove, a national general services contractor, announced the addition of Bill Lemmon to the Hargrove team as a national sales executive.
Hargrove is in the unique position of having experienced steady growth in the past few years in spite of the economic downturn. The company attributes its growth to an integrated product offering, quality service and creativity.
Lemmon is the latest to join Hargrove’s growing team of experienced leaders in the industry who share a common vision and commitment to its client base. Lemmon has more than 15 years experience within the meetings and convention industry and was most recently the director, trade show sales for the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau.
“We anticipate Bill making significant strides in the national marketplace from the Hargrove Chicago office,” said Tim McGill, CEO of Hargrove. ”Our clients increasingly rely on us to engage with them in a partnership which produces innovative ideas that move the show forward. Bill has a solid background to not only support these needs, but also contribute to Hargrove’s continued growth.”
Prior to his time at the CCTB, Lemmon was an account executive at Hargrove and is now returning to expand upon his previous success.
“I’m glad to return to a wonderful company that has proven to be a compelling option for show organizers— especially as they work to overcome the challenges of the economic downturn,” Lemmon said. ”The timing for Hargrove to open a mid-west office couldn’t be better, and I look forward to reaching out to national associations and Chicago-based clients to offer them our services.”
Last updated
July 3, 2010 9:36 PM
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