Momentive Software's Rich Vallaster Earns IAEE Bob Dallmeyer Educator of the Year Award

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Oct. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Momentive Software, the leading technology partner accelerating innovation and powering the future for mission-driven organizations, today announced that Rich Vallaster, QAS, AAiP, CEM, Senior Director of Industry Relations and Thought Leadership, has been named a 2026 recipient of the Bob Dallmeyer Educator of the Year Award from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events^® (IAEE).

The award recognizes IAEE members who show outstanding creativity, a positive attitude, and the ability to transfer knowledge through clear communication and innovative teaching. It promotes lifelong learning among exhibition and event industry professionals.

Vallaster has spent his career helping associations and event organizers make smarter decisions about how they grow, engage, and deliver value. He teaches regularly in IAEE’s Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) program and has 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.

Vallaster speaks regularly at ASAE Annual, ASAE MMC + TEC, AMCI, PCMA, and Expo! Expo!, and his expertise has been featured in outlets including the New York Times, Trade Show Executive, Skift Meetings, Associations Now, and Convene. He wrote the foreword to Marlys Arnold’s exhibition book, Build a Better Trade Show Image. Vallaster holds an MBA from Mount St. Mary’s University, along with the CEM, Certified Association AI Professional (AAiP), and Qualified Association Specialist (QAS) designations.

“I’m honored to receive the Bob Dallmeyer Educator of the Year Award, especially knowing what Bob gave to this industry and to IAEE,” remarked Vallaster. “Education is how our community grows stronger, and I’ve learned as much from the people I’ve taught as they’ve learned from me. I’m grateful to Momentive for believing that giving back is part of the job. And the legacy of Bob Dallmeyer, whose name is on this award, is a reminder that education is how we raise the bar for our entire industry.”

“Event and association professionals build their careers on what they learn from people who generously share what they know. Rich does that every day, in the classroom, on stage, and inside Momentive. Complex topics become clear, learning becomes practical, and everyone in the room walks away better prepared. This award reflects the trust he has earned from his peers, and we couldn’t be prouder to have him on our team,” said Tawny Kotchko, SVP of Corporate Marketing at Momentive Software.

Honorees will be recognized at the IAEE awards ceremony during Expo! Expo!, IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition, on November 16–18, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

About Momentive Software

Momentive Software amplifies the impact of more than 37,000 mission-driven organizations across 30+ countries, supporting over $14 billion raised and 287 million members served annually. Nonprofits and associations rely on Momentive’s AI-powered software and services to engage their communities, simplify operations, and grow revenue. Designed to help organizations connect more, manage more, and expect more, Momentive’s solutions span fundraising, learning, events, careers, volunteering, accounting, certification, and association management. Momentive partners with organizations that believe “good enough” is never enough—so they can bring on better outcomes for everyone they serve. Learn more at momentivesoftware.com.

Media Contact

Momentive Software | Heather Noll | heather.noll@momentivesoftware.com

About IAEE

Trusted since 1928, IAEE provides quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, corporate event marketers and exhibition suppliers. IAEE members represent more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world, and the organization advocates and promotes the awareness of face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. IAEE provides relevant, timely and innovative education to its members and the industry. Learn more at www.iaee.com.