DALLAS — Cathy Breden, CMP-F, CAE, CEM, is being honored by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) with the renaming of the IAEE Woman of Achievement Award to the IAEE Cathy Breden Woman of Achievement Award.
“I have such a love for this industry that I have been able to form incredible friendships,” said Breden. “I have had the privilege of working with incredibly accomplished women who embody the commitment to excellence that the IAEE Woman of Achievement Award recognizes. Given that the majority of my career has been spent at IAEE, I am deeply honored that the association saw fit to add my name to this award. I am deeply humbled and humbled by this decision.”
Breden, who serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer, has dedicated 29 years to the association and is also involved in other industry organizations, including serving as chair of the Events Industry Council Board of Directors in 2022. Breden has also been recognized for her valuable contributions to the exhibition industry, including the IAEE President’s Award (2015).
“This year we are celebrating the 10th English:This is the 15th anniversary of the IAEE Woman of Achievement Award, which was created to highlight and celebrate exceptional women in our industry, including IAEE’s Cathy Breden. “Cathy had a vision to create a safe space specifically for women in our industry,” said Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, IAEE President and CEO. “She served as a mentor to many professional women, including me. She guided the team in creating our entire initiative, including our Women’s Leadership Forum, our award, our salary benchmarking, our community discussions and much more. I am thrilled that we are recognizing Cathy’s dedication by naming this award in her honor.”
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Effective June 28 of this year, Breden will retire from the association. In her role, she is responsible for the annual business plan, budget and corporate culture, implementation of the operational plan in accordance with the plan approved by the IAEE Board of Directors, and executive leadership.
She is also CEO of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR).
“I cannot imagine a more deserving person for this honor. I am proud to call Cathy a trusted colleague and friend,” said Marie Browne, IAEE President and RX Group Vice President. “She is an inspiration to me, her team, and countless women in our industry. Her intelligence and leadership, combined with her passion and commitment, have contributed positively to the advancement of women in our industry. I am pleased that future recipients will associate this prestigious award with Cathy and reflect on the path she has paved for so many.”
Previous winners of the award include: Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes, CEM (2023), Lenay Gore (2022), Rachel Wimberly (2021), Nancy Walsh (2020), Julie Pazina, CEM-AP (2019), Jennifer Hoff, CEM ( 2018), Megan Tanel, CEM (2017), Jacqueline Russo (2016), Karen Chupka (2015), and Julia Smith, CEM (2014).
Applications for the 2024 IAEE Awards are open until August 30. Find more information and submit your applications here.