Smart Women in Meetings magazine included Thomas among its 2019 Smart Women in Meetings Award winners

Fairfax, Va. – The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) is proud to announce Director of Exhibit Services Rachel Thomas, CEM, has been named a 2019 Smart Women in Meetings Award winner in the “Rising Star” category. The award honors women in the early stages of their career who are already making their mark on the meetings industry.

Now in its fourth year, the Smart Women in Meetings Awards recognizes the meetings industry’s top female professionals in seven categories: Hall of Fame, Visionaries, Industry Leaders, Innovators, Entrepreneurs, Stellar Performers and Rising Stars. Nominated by their industry peers and colleagues, and ranked against hundreds of remarkable, qualified meeting candidates, these award winners have earned top honors for their commitment and significant contributions to the meetings industry.

Thomas joined the SGIA staff in 2018 to oversee the SGIA Expo and PRINTING United trade show floors. Her prior experience, as Manager of Exhibits for the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), included work on three trade shows, including NBAA-BACE, one of the 10 largest trade shows in the United States.

“Rachel is always looking for innovations — either behind-the-scenes or outward-facing — that will improve our customers’ experiences,” said Lexy Olisko, Vice President, Expositions, SGIA. “She’s been a great addition to our team.”

“As the leader of a woman-owned business under the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, I am honored to promote such a worthy cause for my fellow women in meetings to celebrate our industry, and support and salute each other’s goals and accomplishments,” said Smart Meetings founder and CEO Marin Bright. “The Smart Women in Meetings Awards are especially close to my heart. I am proud to provide a platform for all the women in our industry who drive change and celebrate our progress together as one united community.”

Smart Women in Meetings Award winners are featured in the March issue of Smart Meetings magazine, and will receive on-stage honors at the Smart Women in Meetings Awards gala on May 8 in Las Vegas.