APPA Employee Named IAEE Rookie of the Year

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Andy Darmohraj, executive vice president and COO of the American Pet Products Association (APPA), announced that Christopher Bonifati, attendee services coordinator at APPA, has received the 2017 International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Rookie of the Year Award.

The Rookie of the Year Award recognizes excellent professional performance by an IAEE member with three or less years of full-time exhibitions and events industry experience.

“It’s very rewarding to see one of our staff members honored by such a prestigious association in the trade show industry,” Darmohraj said. “We’re proud of Chris’ contributions to the Global Pet Expo team and look forward to his continued growth and success in event management.”

This year’s award winners were selected after careful consideration and review by the IAEE Awards Committee and approval by the IAEE board of directors, following an open call for nominations earlier in the year.

“We continue to be impressed by the accomplishments of the many nominees and want to congratulate this year’s honorees,” said 2017 IAEE Awards Committee Chairperson Patricia Farias Barlow, CEM. “On behalf of the Awards Committee it’s exciting to see our IAEE members continue to represent the best that the exhibitions and events industry has to offer.”

In his position, Bonifati assists new buyers with Global Pet Expo registration by reviewing proof of business and providing aid throughout the process. He also maintains the buyer database and contributes new ideas to help streamline the registration process. Bonifati earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He’s an active member of Habitat for Humanity and the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.