The Expo Group recently named Karla Little, the founder and producer of the Fine Furnishings Shows in Providence, Rhode Island and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a 2005 Show Manager of the Year. Karla was awarded this honor in recognition of her success,
innovative practices, exemplary customer service, and ability to overcome obstacles. She was honored at a gala dinner on November 30 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Atlanta.

Show manager of the Year (SMOTY) trophies are awarded yearly in five categories based on the size of the show. Karla won in Tier III, which included shows with 301 to 700 exhibit booths. Each winner receives a trophy and recognition industry-wide. In Addition, The Expo Group makes a $1,000 donation in each winner's name to the charity or educational institution of his or her choice. Karla's charities of choice included The Furniture Society, The Fuller Craft Museum and the Craft Emergency Relief Fund.

In the last five years, The Expo Group has honored 24 show managers for their dedication and ingenuity. "The Expo Group SMOTY award is all about the person, not their show," says The Expo Group President and CEO Ray Pekowski. "I cannot stress this enough. We recognize individuals who work tirelessly on behalf of their attendees and exhibitors to create a viable marketplace."