Executive vice president of convention for the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Mary Pat Heftman was voted Favorite Show Manager in the first annual Trade Show Exhibitors Association’s (TSEA) Exhibitors’ Choice Awards. Heftman tied the top spot with Karen Chupka of the Consumer Electronics Show.

The NRA’s annual Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show—the largest single gathering of restaurant, foodservice, and lodging professionals—was also awarded an Honorable Mention in the Favorite Show of 2009 awards category voting by exhibiting industry professionals.

“This is a true testament to Mary Pat’s enormous talent, skill, and influence, as well as to the importance of the NRA Show to the industry,” says Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the NRA. “We couldn’t be prouder of her and of our show, and would like to thank exhibitors and the entire industry for showing their support by voting in such great numbers. We look forward to building on this year’s successful NRA Show to create an even better event in 2010.”

Exhibitors from across North America voted online for their favorite trade shows, trade show managers, convention cities, and other categories in June and July.