MIAMI — Trade Show Executive (TSE) magazine has named Colleen Leonard, NSSF® Manager of Conferences and Events, as a 2023 TSE Trailblazer, an honor that recognizes future leaders in the trade show industry.

TSE Trailblazers are selected by a panel of TSE editors based on various criteria, including demonstrable excellence in trade show management, innovative contributions, problem-solving and achievements within the last year. The program is open to non-executive-level staff of show management.

The Trailblazers were honored this week at TSE’s Fastest 50 Awards and Summit at the Miami Beach Convention Center and will be featured in an upcoming issue of Trade Show Executive magazine.

“Colleen is a big part of the success of NSSF’s conferences and events, so we’re very proud to see her receive this great recognition by Trade Show Executive,” said Melissa Schilling, NSSF Managing Director of Exhibitions and Conferences.

Leonard has been with NSSF since 2018 and assists in the planning and management of NSSF's various conferences and events that take place across the country. Prior to NSSF, she held event management roles in the professional sports and entertainment arenas. She is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University.

NSSF’s conferences and events include the SHOT Show®, Range-Retailer Business Expo™, Import/Export Conference and Marketing and Leadership Summit, among others.

This is the second time an NSSF employee has been honored as a TSE Trailblazer. Melissa Schilling was a member of the inaugural class of Trailblazers in 2018.