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OUR 2024 AWARD WINNERS

Southwest Showcase congratulated our 2024 Award winners, a leading industry peer and state-of-the-art meeting destination. These award recipients will be recognized on Wednesday, January 29 during the 2024 Southwest Showcase General Session.

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2024 Industry Professional of the Year Award

Meaghan Rhame, CMP, M.Ed.
Director of Education and Events
Texas Self Storage Association (TSSA)

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Meaghan Rhame, CMP, M.Ed., is an experienced association planner with over 15 years of expertise in event planning and organizational oversight.

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Meaghan’s journey into the industry began serendipitously. While pursuing her master’s degree, she accepted what was intended to be a temporary job while completing her college coursework. However, she quickly discovered her passion for event planning and nonprofit work. Her dedication and aptitude led to increasing responsibilities and promotions within her former organization, TCEA.

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In 2015, Meaghan earned her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation. She has since held numerous leadership roles within the industry, including serving on the IAEE-Central Texas Chapter Board of Directors (2015–2018) and the MPI Texas Hill Country Chapter Board (2017–2022 and 2023–2024), where she served as President during the 2020–2021 term. Additionally, she has contributed to the Southwest Showcase Steering Committee and Board of Directors for a combined seven years.

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Meaghan’s professional achievements have earned her several accolades, including MPI THCC Planner of the Year (2018), President’s Award (2019 and 2024), and recognition as part of IAEE Expo! Expo!’s “20 Under 30” program for two consecutive years. Under her leadership, TCEA received MPI THCC’s Venue of the Year Award in both 2016 and 2019.

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A firm believer in giving back, Meaghan is an active member of MPI, TSAE, and ASAE, and she consistently volunteers to support the industry she loves. She values the opportunity to contribute to the profession, noting that the rewards of volunteering far outweigh the effort invested.

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Meaghan’s attention to detail, ability to manage multiple event timelines simultaneously, and commitment to excellence have driven measurable growth for the associations she has served. Currently, she serves as the Director of Education and Events for the Texas Self Storage Association (TSSA), where she continues to make a meaningful impact.

2024 Most Exciting Meeting Destination Change

Arlington Convention Campus

Arlington CVB

Arlington, Texas

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The Arlington CVB has created a new Convention Campus with several NEW major projects for the betterment of the meetings and expo industry.  Among these projects are a new, larger home for the Arlington Museum of Art, the opening of the new National Medal of Honor Museum, the new 888 room Loews hotel and the brand-new Arlington Convention Center.

 

  • The new Arlington Convention Center features a total of 365,000 square feet of meeting, expo and event space including the largest ballroom in DFW.  The event space will feature the latest in technology and offer 65,000 in outdoor lawn event space featuring outdoor video walls, food trucks and space for outdoor receptions and parties

  • The new Loews hotel at the Convention Center features 888 guest rooms and suites, 5 restaurants, Health club & Spa, 2 tier resort pool with cabanas, fire pits, swim up bar and waterslide as well as Loews kids club activities.  (The Hotel and convention center are connected by sky bridge to the LIVE! hotel, Texas LIVE and Globe Life Field.)

  • The National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas will serve as the premier national institution dedicated to the stories, impact, and legacy of the service members who went on to become Medal of Honor recipients.  Convention attendees in Arlington will be able to volunteer for various activities while in town for their meetings.

  • Arlington's former expo hall is now the NEW home of the Arlington museum of Art which will now be located in the Entertainment district.  The museum will increase in size from 6000 to over 48,000 square feet.

  • Choctaw Stadium, formerly the ballpark at Arlington has been repurposed and  is the new home of the Arlington Renegades XFL Team and the MLS Soccer team, North Texas SC.  The venue will also host concerts and UIL sporting events throughout the year.

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