IAEE Congratulates 2018 Helen Brett™ Scholars and Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund Grant Recipients

Honorees Recognized at Expo! Expo! in New Orleans

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events™ (IAEE) announced the 2018 recipients of the Helen Brett™ Scholarship and Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund Grant. The honorees will be recognized at the Annual Networking Luncheon and Awards Presentation during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition to be held 11-13 December 2018 in New Orleans, La.

“This year’s honorees have demonstrated the interest and dedication to exhibitions and events that reflect a bright future for our industry,” said IAEE President & CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. “IAEE is proud to provide the financial support these future leaders need in order to continue their growth and development.”

The Helen Brett™ Scholarship was established by Robert Kolinek, CEM, CMP, and named for his grandmother who was a pioneer in the trade show industry. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist individuals who are exploring the study of exhibitions and events management with the end goal of advancing their career in this field.

IAEE congratulates this year’s Helen Brett Scholars:

Courtney Daniels is a sophomore studying Sports Entertainment and Event Management at Johnson & Wales University (JWU). From a young age, Daniels had a fascination with the planning and execution of all types of events. She competitively figure-skated starting at the age of eight and in August 2017 she achieved the United States Figure Skating Association’s double gold medalist status, the highest level in figure skating. Daniels spent most of her summers prior to this intensely training at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, N.Y.
“It’s important to note that figure skating has had a huge impact on my life as it took up much of my free time and required a great deal of dedication. This accomplishment not only required constant dedication and perseverance through difficult challenges, but showed me the meaning of hard work and the rewards that come with it,” said Daniels. “I have overcome many physical and mental obstacles from this sport and become a much stronger person as a result.”

Daniels’ goal this year is to broaden her knowledge within the field of event management by maintaining her 4.0 GPA at JWU, and working with both corporate and non-profit organizations to gain invaluable experience.

Rita Ellis is a rising sophomore specializing in Event Management within the Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management major at Johnson & Wales University. She is enrolled in the Honors Program and SHARP (Special Honors and Rewards Program), and thoroughly enjoys the education and hands-on experience she is receiving at JWU. She consistently volunteers for events in the New England area in addition to serving on the executive board of the Live Events Association as Director of Membership. Ellis is also an active member of the Student Advisory Council for the College of Hospitality Management.

Ellis wishes to follow in Helen Brett’s footsteps and have a random act of kindness spiral into a lifelong legacy of success and advancement in the exhibitions and events industry. She is extremely grateful and appreciative for receiving this scholarship, and is confident that this award is a big stepping stone toward her future goals.

“I realize that through my own drive and determination I can make big accomplishments,” said Ellis. “I thank the Helen Brett Scholarship Foundation for its assistance in not only paying for my education, but for opening my eyes to all the exhibitions and events industry has to offer.”

Thanh Vo is an international student from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In the Fall of 2015, she came to the United States as an exchange student from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Media Production and Management. She recently started a new major and is pursuing her Applied Associate Degree in Science in Hospitality, Exhibition, and Event Management at Richland College. Vo has produced various events for her school and participates in many clubs and activities, including the HEEM (Hospitality, Exhibitions & Events Management) Club and the HEEM Scholarship and Silent Auction. She served as the Social Media Student Chair in 2017 and 2018.

Vo also participates as a student leader with two honor society groups. She is the Chapter President of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) and Vice President of Scholarship of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). Her responsibilities with NSCS and PTK are organizing chapter/officer meetings, facilitating the growth of the chapter to platinum status, and planning a new member induction ceremony for more than 200 honors students.

Vo will be graduating in May of 2019 from Richland College and plans to transfer to The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) to obtain a double major in Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, Concentration in Meetings and Trade Shows and Bachelor of Science in Business Administrative, International Business.

The Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund supports exhibitions and events industry education and professional development by providing a challenging and engaging educational experience for young professionals, professionals new to the exhibitions and events industry, those that are intellectually curious about trends and opportunities, and those that are interested in learning about the global marketplace. Each year, applicants for grants are required to submit detailed information regarding their employment and experience in the exhibitions and events industry, as well as their intent for continued education and development of their career.

IAEE congratulates this year’s Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund grant recipients:

Elena Estudillo is Administrator for the IAEE Mexico Chapter and will be using her grant award to attend Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2018 in New Orleans, La.

“This opportunity to live the Expo! Expo! experience with a full meeting pass and having the possibility of participating in its wide educational program is so enriching for the professionals of this wonderful exhibitions industry,” said Estudillo. “For me, this not only represents a moment, but it has a value that will last forever, since the knowledge acquired in this experience, both theoretical and experiential, will mark a before and after in my professional career.”

Tiffany Hale is Expo Manager for the National FFA Organization and will be using her grant award to attend IAEE’s 2019 Krakoff Leadership Institute.

“Receiving a grant from the Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund is a true honor,” said Hale. “I’ve learned so much during my first few years in this industry and I’m grateful for the opportunity to attend the 2019 Krakoff Leadership Institute. I’m confident that this opportunity will help me grow personally and professionally, while building a foundation of leadership skills needed to continue my career in the exhibitions and events industry for years to come.”

Jacyln Halu, CMP is Sales Manager for Complete Show Services – Las Vegas Expo and will be applying her grant award toward earning her Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation.

“I am grateful for being awarded the IAEE Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund Grant to earn the premier global (CEM) designation to accommodate my career goals to develop my expertise, specialized in exhibition management,” said Halu.

Visit www.iaee.com for more information about the Helen Brett Scholarship and Bob Dallmeyer Education Fund.