Emerald President and CEO Hervé Sedky and Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie will be celebrated for their incredible advocacy, support and achievements in the trade show industry at the 2021 TSNN Awards Dec. 1-2 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.
Sedky has been named the 2021 TSNN Awards Industry Icon Award honoree, given to an individual in the trade show industry who has displayed exemplary leadership.
Emslie will be celebrated at the awards with the inaugural Humanitarian Award for the incredible effort he put forth during a fundraiser he spearheaded to raise more than $42,000 for the events industry during its time of need.
There is no doubt that Sedky, who is the current chair of the Society of Independent Show Organizers, stepped forward immediately when the pandemic began and has not wavered throughout with his continued wisdom and support.
“I am both humbled and inspired to be awarded the TSNN Industry award this year. If there is one thing that the last 20 months have taught us is how much we value human connection. Whether we were holding on to our loved ones at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic or hard at work organizing safe and innovative ways to do business, we were reminded of something we already knew: we are at our best when we embrace a common purpose,” Sedky said.
He added, “For me, our common purpose – our drive – was to lift up small businesses at a time they needed it most, all the while working closely with public health professionals to ensure that we used every creative tool at our disposal to do so thoughtfully and safely. I am grateful for all that we were able to do and know that this award also belongs to my phenomenal team at Emerald.”
Prior to Emerald, Sedky spent six years as President of the Americas for events giant, Reed Exhibitions (RX), leading more than 100 sector leading exhibitions and events in North and South America each year, as well as the company’s global quirky pop culture & lifestyle focused offshoot, ReedPop.
Before his time at RX, he spent over 20 years at the American Express Company, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President and General Manager of American Express Global Business Travel, as well as on American Express’ senior management team.
He also serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Children’s Health Fund, is on the board of the French Cultural Center/Alliance Française and is an active member of his community.
Earlier this year, as the pandemic wreaked havoc on the livelihood of many people in the trade show industry, Emslie hatched a plan to run 5k an hour for 24 hours straight and livestream everything during an event dubbed the ‘Event Industry Backyard Ultra’.
During the event , which was held June 8-9, with more than 50 in-person and remote runners, dozens of speakers and a huge worldwide audience, Emslie raised more than $42,000 for event industry nonprofits, including the Meetings Industry Fund and EventWell.
“I am genuinely honored to receive the 2021 TSNN Humanitarian award. It is especially meaningful for me to be recognized by the industry – so many people and organizations across the events industry have generously supported the challenges that I have undertaken for charitable causes over the years,” Emslie said.
He added “Planning and completing the Event Industry Backyard Ultra this year was undoubtedly my biggest undertaking to date and was only made possible by all the support I received. Together, we raised over $42,000, and I was so happy to be able to do something to help those from our industry who were impacted by the pandemic.”
Besides raising funds for the industry, Emslie was the chair of the Society of Independent Show Organizers until April 2021 and has had a very active role in supporting and advocating on behalf of the trade show industry.
Prior to Tarsus Group, he previously held senior positions at Blenheim Group plc and, after its takeover, United Business Media plc. He is a past Chairman and Director of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), as well as past Chairman of the Events Industry Alliance.
Sedky and Emslie will both be feted at the 2021 TSNN Awards gala dinner celebration, along with shows that will receive various TSNN Innovation Awards and individuals who will be named Outstanding Show Pros.
For more information or for sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.T-awards.com.
The exhibitions industry is racing to help those in need by running for a good cause. Set for June 8-9 for a 4 p.m. start in the U.K. (11 a.m. EDT), the 
