Rich Vallaster Receives Bob Dallmeyer Educator of the Year Award

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Oct. 19, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Rich Vallaster, Senior Director of Industry Relations and Thought Leadership at Momentive Software, has been named a 2026 recipient of the Bob Dallmeyer Educator of the Year Award from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). This recognition underscores Vallaster’s dedication to education and his significant contributions to the exhibition and event industry.

Vallaster’s career has been marked by a commitment to helping associations and event organizers make smarter decisions. He has been a regular instructor in IAEE’s Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) program and has also taught in the undergraduate and accelerated MBA programs at Hood College. In 2024, he was appointed to the IAEE CEM Commission, and he will serve as its chairperson in 2027. He previously served on the board of directors of IAEE as the Chair of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) Council.

The award, which will be presented at the IAEE awards ceremony during Expo! Expo! on November 16-18, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, recognizes IAEE members who demonstrate outstanding creativity, a positive attitude, and the ability to transfer knowledge through clear communication and innovative teaching. Vallaster’s expertise spans a wide range of topics, and his teachings have been featured in various publications, including the New York Times, Trade Show Executive, Skift Meetings, Associations Now, and Convene.

Tawny Kotchko, SVP of Corporate Marketing at Momentive Software, expressed pride in having Vallaster on the team.

Momentive Software, a leading technology partner accelerating innovation and powering the future for mission-driven organizations, supports over 37,000 mission-driven organizations across 30+ countries, helping them raise over $14 billion annually and serve 287 million members. The company’s solutions span fundraising, learning, events, careers, volunteering, accounting, certification, and association management, designed to help organizations connect more, manage more, and expect more.

This recognition highlights the importance of education and knowledge sharing in the exhibition and event industry, and it underscores the impact that individuals like Rich Vallaster have on shaping the future of these organizations.