2009 TSW Fastest 50 Winners Named
Houston will play host to a celebration-filled weekend Nov. 13-15
-- Tradeshow Week, 8/3/2009
These days, everyone could use some good news. That’s exactly what 50 tradeshow managers recently received when they were informed their shows were among Tradeshow Week’s Fastest 50 winners this year.
Shows from the United States and Canada will be recognized during the TSW Fastest 50 event Nov. 13-15 in Houston, which also hosted the inaugural celebration in 2003.
Vicki Taylor, president of TaylorWorks, which owns and manages The Tulsa Wedding Show (Aug.), said she couldn’t quite process the fact her show actually had won.
“There are huge, industrial shows that win, and then, we’re a small, niche show,” she added. “It really was a surprise.”
The overall fastest-growing show and the fastest-growing in the trade, association and consumer show categories will be announced at a black-tie gala awards ceremony and dinner Nov. 14 at the Hilton Americas-Houston, host hotel for the TSW Fastest 50 weekend.
To qualify, shows must have demonstrated growth from 2006 through 2008.
Biennial or triennial shows may include statistics from 2005 or 2006. Results were calculated with a formula that takes into account both actual square footage increases and percentage of growth.
Chris Torsy, meetings manager for the Society of Petroleum Engineers, which manages the Offshore Technology Conference, another winner, said she was pleased with the honor, although the experience was bittersweet because of the death earlier this year of Sally Goldesberry, the show’s longtime manager.
“Sally was obviously a leader (who) helped us pull it all together,” she added.
Torsy attributed the show’s growth to a strong industry, as well as OTC being a well-known international conference.
“We are very honored,” she added.
The Nov. 13 opening night reception will take place at the Foundation Room of Houston’s House of Blues.
Saturday’s breakfast, executive-level conference, lunch and keynote talk will be at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Registration for the event opens Aug. 10. To register and for more information, go to www.tswfastest50.com.
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