Industry Leaders Recognized for Outstanding Contributions
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has announced its 2025 award winners, with Dennis Smith of NuernbergMesse North America receiving the Pinnacle Award and Bob Priest-Heck, former CEO of Freeman, earning the Lifetime Achievement Award. The honors represent IAEE's highest recognition for contributions to the exhibitions and events industry.
"This year's award recipients represent the very best of our industry," said IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. "They are leaders who have not only achieved remarkable professional success but have also dedicated themselves to advancing the exhibitions and events community as a whole."
Pinnacle Award Recognizes Long-Term Dedication
Dennis Smith, CEO/Managing Director of NuernbergMesse North America, receives the Pinnacle Award for over 20 years of exceptional leadership and volunteer service across numerous committees and leadership positions, including serving as IAEE Chairperson in 2023. The award recognizes IAEE members who have furthered the organization's objectives through education promotion, knowledge dissemination, and innovative technique development while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
Lifetime Achievement Honors Industry Transformation
Bob Priest-Heck, recently retired from his role as Chief Executive Officer of Freeman, receives the Lifetime Achievement Award for delivering 30+ years of transformative leadership and strategic vision. According to IAEE, Priest-Heck has fundamentally shaped the exhibitions and events industry through operational excellence, digital innovation advocacy, and fostering purpose-driven organizational cultures. The award recognizes members who have changed the industry's direction and made significant operational impact during their careers.
Additional Award Categories Recognize Diverse Contributions
IAEE announced winners across multiple categories, including the Bob Dallmeyer Educator of the Year Award, presented to Matthew Kalb of T3 Expo and Dr. Thomas C. Padron of California State University, East Bay. The Cathy Breden Woman of Achievement Award goes to Kara Dao of JDC Events, while the Innovative Business Solution Award recognizes Honeycomb Strategies for its HIVE data management platform.
Leslie Johnson of Visit Milwaukee receives the Outstanding Marketing & Sales Award for achievement in marketing activities, revenue performance, and customer service. The Chapter Merit Award recognizes four recipients: Tara Brashear of Shepard, Ryan Lovell of Freeman, Kristin Martinez of Fast Forward Event Productions, and Julie Sullivan of ACIS Group.
Awards Ceremony at Expo! Expo!
The 2025 award winners will be celebrated during the awards ceremony at Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition, scheduled for 8-10 December 2025 in Houston, Texas. The winners were selected through careful review by the IAEE Awards Committee and approval by the IAEE Board of Directors following an open nomination process among IAEE members.
Based on reporting by IAEE. Read the original article.