The IAEE Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes excellent professional performance by someone who has committed his/her time to advancing the standing of young professionals in our industry.

Examples of this may include but are not limited to:

• Communicating with peers and superiors to help encourage more companies to actively pursue and encourage participation by younger professionals in the exhibition and event industry and to become more actively involved in IAEE.
• Helping to better promote our businesses through social networking.
• Introducing, embracing or responding to new technologies for their companies, chapter or industry to facilitate promotion and communication particularly to younger employees or potential attendees.
• Providing feedback and input for educational programs they would like to see at their companies or at IAEE meetings, etc.
• Taking a leadership role within the IAEE community and/or industry.

Eligibility and Rules:

• The nominee must be an active member of IAEE or currently employed by an IAEE member company in good standing.
• The nominee must be 35 years of age or younger.
• Self-nomination is not permitted. Nominations submitted without supporting documentation will not be eligible for consideration.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Actions demonstrating or exemplifying the goals and objectives of IAEE to help attract younger people to our industry.
• May have collaborated with others on a specific chapter committee or task force for young professionals.
• Performance demonstrates planning, development and delivery of committee/task force charge that encourages or facilitates the attraction and growth of young industry professionals.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the topics and work to further the cause of young professionals in the industry.
• The body of contributions made by the individual and its potential impact on the organization or the industry.

Questions you will be asked in the nomination form:

• Is the nominee currently an active IAEE member in good standing?
• Is the nominee 35 years of age or younger?
• Detail how the nominee has positively impacted the industry as a young professional through his/her outstanding contributions and performance, and how he/she stands out as a future leader in years to come.
• You will also be able to upload up to 3 files for supporting documentation and/or testimonials.
  

Past recipients of the IAEE Young Professional of the Year Award:

2011    Greg McCormack, CEM
             Julie Pazina
2012    Lauren Bauer
             Kristy Breaux
             Mary Higham, CEM
2013    Rebecca Orens, CEM
2014    Barbara Myers, CAE
             Jennifer Paine Pekowski, CEM
2015    Cassie Thompson
2016    Alex Land, CEM
2017    Bill McGlade, CEM
2018    Tara Allen, CEM
2019    Kimberly Zonca, CEM