DALLAS — Since joining the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) 25 years ago, Lenay Gore has given her time and efforts quietly and generously, serving on nearly every committee of the association, both at the national and section levels. Now, as she retires from her role as senior director of meetings and trade shows for the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), she has been named an IAEE 2022 Woman of Achievement.
The prestigious award, which recognizes a woman who has paved the way for the advancement of women in the exhibition and events industry, demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the industry and her community, was presented at a luncheon last week at the IAEE Women’s Leadership Forum in National Harbor, Maryland.
“I am honored and humbled to receive the IAEE Woman of Achievement Award,” said Gore. “I have been blessed with an extraordinary career and am grateful to have been involved in this wonderful industry. To my friends and colleagues in the trade show industry, thank you all and the IAEE for your support over the years. What a great way to begin my retirement!”
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Gore has had a long career in the exhibition industry, with more than 25 years on the supplier side. This included roles at the San Diego Convention Center, IEP (now PRG), GES, the Washington DC Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Renaissance and Hilton Hotels, before joining APTA in 2008 as director of meetings and conventions. She was promoted to her current role as senior director of meetings and trade shows in 2016, leading a team responsible for six major exhibition meetings and more than 35 smaller meetings each year. APTA’s triennial EXPO and Annual Meeting attract more than 15,000 attendees. At IAEE, she served on the IAEE Services Board for many years, including a term as chair, and earned the association’s Distinguished Service Award in 2009.
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Last year, the Woman of Achievement Award was presented to Rachel Wimberly, Executive Vice President of Business Development at Tarsus Group, USA. Previous recipients can be found here.
Contact Lenay Gore at [email protected]