The IAEE Pinnacle Award was established in memory of the late Founder and Past President of IAEE (formerly NAEM) William Hunt Eisenman, and is presented by IAEE in recognition of extraordinary achievement in the exhibitions and events management field. The award recognizes an individual who, over the years, has furthered IAEE’s objectives of advancing exhibitions and events management through the promotion of education, the dissemination of knowledge and the introduction or development of innovative techniques, and who has been dedicated to the perpetuation of the highest ideals, trust and professionalism in this highly specialized field.

Eligibility and Rules:

• The nominee must be an active member of IAEE or currently employed by an IAEE member company in good standing, or have been a member of IAEE for at least 5 years.
• The nominee must be or have been directly involved in, or associated with, the exhibitions and events management field for at least 20 years.
• This award may be made posthumously.
• The nominee’s personality and popularity is considered only in the context of how these qualities assisted in making contribution(s) that shaped the industry. The final selection is based on merit.

An important qualification of this leader is that the industry would not be what it is today without their contributions. Therefore, it is essential that the individuals nominated be of such caliber to maintain the integrity of this prestigious award.

Examples of Qualifying Data:

• An important qualification of this leader is that the industry would not be what it is today without his/her contributions. Therefore, it is essential that the individuals nominated be of such caliber as to maintain the integrity of this prestigious award.
• The nominee is a pioneer who helped to shape the industry, and whose efforts continue to contribute to the overall industry.
• The nominee must be a role model for the industry.
• Examples of accomplishments include but are not limited to:
• Founded an organization to benefit the industry.
• Developed new techniques for use in the industry.Served as spokesperson to advance the industry.
• Opened new marketplaces or established a creative vision that resulted in the growth of the industry.
• The contributions made by the nominee can be documented.

Questions you will be asked in the nomination form:

• Is the nominee currently an active IAEE member in good standing?
• If Yes, has the nominee been an IAEE member for at least 5 years?
• If No, was the nominee an IAEE member for at least 5 years at some point in his/her career?
• Has the nominee been directly involved in or associated with the industry for at least 20 years?
• Detail how the nominee significantly impacted, or is currently impacting and shaping, the industry through his/her contributions as outlined in the award criteria.
• You will also be able to upload up to 3 files for supporting documentation and/or testimonials.
  

Past recipients of the IAEE Pinnacle Award:

1981    Donald S. Vaughn
1986    Jeanne W. Hayes, CEM
1988    George F. Schuyler, CEM
1989    William W. Mee
1991    Donald J. Walter, CEM
1993    Douglas L. Ducate, CEM, CMP
1994    Edward P. Greeley, CEM
1995    Janet H. Wright, CEM
1996    Richard K. Swandby
1999    Galen Poss, CEM
2001    Gerald G. Kallman, Sr.
2002    Gary Shapiro
2004    Peter Nathan, CEM
             Chuck Schwartz, CEM
2005    Tom Corcoran
2007    Edward J. Krause III
2008    Robert Dallmeyer, CEM
2009    Sandy Angus
2012    Patricia Farias Barlow, CEM
2013    Rossi Ralenkotter
2014    Vinnie Polito
2016    Dennis Slater
2017    Charles McCurdy
2018    Carol Fojtik, CEM
2019    David Adler