Michelle Roddie, Vice President of Operations, Mid-America Events & Expos, Inc. and Kocina Marketing, is one of five outstanding show managers who will be presented with The Expo Group Show Manager of the Year (SMOTY) Award on Nov. 12 in Houston.

“From serving babies to seniors, this year’s SMOTY winners have taken care of their clients with professionalism and creativity, using innovative practices to make a difference,” says The Expo Group President and CEO Ray Pekowski. “We are humbled to help honor these show managers who toil, often unrecognized, behind the scenes to make their tradeshows a viable marketplace that benefits their industry and the economy as a whole.”

Roddie’s nomination made clear her dedication to the Seniors Expo, by writing, “Her candid, positive, direct and approachable nature can restore things to better than new, and she’s a cheerleader who rallies her team around every turn. A first meeting with Michelle is unforgettable, and quickly people grow to love and respect her very much.”

Honorees receive $1,000 for their favorite charity as well as the iconic SMOTY crystal obelisk. Roddie has chosen Just One More Day to receive her donation. More can be learned at www.justonemoreday.org. Since the beginning of The Expo Group SMOTY awards program, more than $50,000 has been raised for various charities.

The SMOTY awards are open to anyone in the exhibition and events industry responsible for producing a tradeshow, regardless of any affiliation with The Expo Group. This year’s nominees were suggested by co-workers, vendors, exhibitors, board members and themselves.

All nominations were judged by an independent panel consisting of Michael Hughes, Associate Publisher, Tradeshow Week; Sam Lippman, President, Integrated Show Management & Marketing; and Donna Sanford, Publisher, EXPO Magazine.

Five award winners will be honored at a gala dinner, sponsored in part by the Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau and Wyndham Jade.

The Star Tribune has recognized Roddie's outstanding achievement. http://www.startribune.com/local/south/64669227.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU