Pederson to Be Honored at TSW Fastest 50

Margaret Pederson, president of Amirexx and a veteran tradeshow organizer, will be honored for her tremendous contribution to the tradeshow industry during the Tradeshow Week Fastest 50 event Nov. 13-15 in Houston.

Pederson, who currently is chairwoman of the Intl. Assn. of Exhibitions and Events, also was chairwoman of the Society of Independent Show Organizers in 2004-2005, making her the only person to have held the top leadership role at both of the tradeshow industry's largest associations.

“What's more, both her terms coincided with some very serious moments in the lives of the organizations,” said TSW Editor-in-Chief Michael Hart. “Many people in business decide during times like these it's all they can do to run their own companies. Margaret, on the other hand, for years has spent substantial amounts of time volunteering and advocating on behalf of the industry – and the industry has been the better for it.”

Pederson, now head of Amirexx, a consultancy that focuses on the events business, also is the former president of exhibitions at Penton Media (formerly Primedia) and she spent 16 years at Reed Exhibitions, eventually serving as senior vice president.

Besides her roles as chairwoman of IAEE and SISO, Pederson has held countless other volunteer positions with those and other industry groups. She is a graduate of Harvard Business School and the University of Virginia who also studied international law at the London School of Economics.

Pederson will be recognized for her contributions during a black-tie gala and awards ceremony Nov. 14 at The Hilton-Americas Houston. During the same event, the overall fastest-growing show and those in three additional categories will be announced.

The annual TSW Fastest 50 event recognizes those shows that have experienced the greatest growth in net square footage during the past three years. At the same time, TSW recognizes one individual each year for his or her achievements in the tradeshow industry. In the past, TSW has recognized, among others, Chris Brown, executive vice president of the Natl. Assn. of Broadcasters; Edward J. “Ned” Krause, president and CEO of E.J. Krause & Associates; and Peter Nathan, president of PWN Exhibicon Intl.

“Certainly, because of all she has given back to the industry, she is deserving of this honor,” Hart said.

The master of ceremonies for the black-tie gala during which Pederson will be honored will be broadcast journalist, former judge and best-selling author Catherine Crier. Earlier in the day, U.S. Travel Assn. President and CEO Roger J. Dow will deliver a keynote presentation where he is sure to comment on the current state of the global travel industry.

Also on the schedule for the weekend is an opening night reception at the House of Blues; a Saturday morning executive-level conference and luncheon at the George R. Brown Convention Center; and a Sunday morning brunch at the Grove Restaurant.

Registration for the TSW Fastest 50 event still is being accepted through Oct. 9. For more information, a list of the 50 winners and to register for this year's event, visit www.tswfastest50.com.