New “50 Over 50” Awards Celebrate the Industry Leaders Shaping the Future of Events
The 50 Over 50 recognition program is launching to honor the most innovative, influential, and inspiring event professionals over the age of 50 — those whose experience, creativity, and mentorship continue to drive the exhibitions and events industry forward.
Presented by Gather Voices and Silver EPG, with Trade Show News Network (TSNN) and Informa Connect as official media partners, and IAEE as the official Community Partner, 50 Over 50 celebrates the generation ensuring continuity in the industry and helping to mentor the next wave of event professionals.
Unlike many recognition programs, 50 Over 50 is completely free to enter, with no pay-to-play elements. Honorees will be chosen through a transparent, criteria-based judging process guided by a detailed rubric that evaluates innovation, leadership, mentorship, and lasting impact.
Nominations open December 1, 2025, with the program officially launching during IAEE’s Expo! Expo! in Houston. Winners will be announced in early 2026 and celebrated at Connect Marketplace.
“Experience and wisdom are powerful assets in an industry built on connection,” said Michael Hoffman, founder of 50 Over 50 and CEO of Gather Voices. “This program recognizes the people who have built our field, who continue to innovate, and who ensure that knowledge is shared with the next generation.”
“TSNN is proud to support 50 Over 50 as a media partner,” said Danica Tormohlen, VP of Content for Trade Show News Network. “This initiative shines a light on the leaders, many of them behind-the-scenes, who have shaped our industry while continuing to champion innovation, mentorship, and collaboration.”
“The 50 Over 50 list is about celebrating those who’ve done—and are still doing—the work,” said Brendon Winters, Co-Founder of Silver EPG. “It honors the mentors, the quiet champions, and the innovators who are ensuring the exhibitions and events world thrives for decades to come.”
“The 50 Over 50 initiative aligns with IAEE’s mission to celebrate those whose thought leadership and mentorship help shape the future of exhibition professionals. We are proud to support an effort that not only honors accomplished leaders but also highlights those who guide and inspire the industry’s emerging talent through their generosity, guidance, and commitment to others,” said IAEE President and CEO, Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM.
For more information or to submit a nomination starting December 1, visit https://50over50.info
About Gather Voices Gather Voices is a video-technology company whose mission is to strengthen human relationships — one video and one community at a time. Through its software platform and kiosk solutions, Gather Voices helps event planners and associations collect, manage and share user-generated video at scale — making it easy for event teams to co-create stories with their communities.Learn more about Gather Voices here.
About Silver EPG (Event Professionals Group) Silver EPG is a community and resource hub for seasoned event professionals — whether actively working, transitioning roles or shifting into consulting or part-time work. With a mission to empower the “next chapter” for event-industry leaders, Silver EPG supports networking, career coaching, business-launch opportunities and advocacy — ensuring the expertise of this generation remains engaged and impactful. Learn more about Silver EPG here.
About Trade Show News Network (TSNN) Trade Show News Network is an online news source focused on the global trade-show, exhibition and events industry, founded in 1996. It maintains one of the most extensive industry databases and provides timely reporting, strategy insights and directory information to thousands of industry professionals worldwide. Learn more about TSNN here.
About IAEE
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events is the global association for the business of trade shows and exhibitions. IAEE serves organizers, exhibitors, and suppliers with education, industry standards, advocacy, and trusted research that support the growth and professionalism of the exhibitions ecosystem. With members in more than 50 countries, IAEE champions the value of face to face commerce and provides the community, insights, and tools that help event professionals succeed.