SHL Student Wins IAEE’s 2021 Helen Brett Scholarship

Makayla Layne is a  junior majoring in hospitality management in the School of Hospitality Leadership, and with her degree, she plans to concentrate on conventions and special events management. According to Layne, she chose this concentration because “of its power to bring people together and create special, one-of-a-kind events for clients.”

Because of her pursuits, Layne has received the 2021 Helen Brett Scholarship from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events. The Scholarship includes up to $5,000 in tuition assistance and the potential to intern at IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition

About the Helen Brett Scholarship

The Helen Brett scholarship was established by  Robert Kolinek, CEM, CMP, and named for his grandmother, Helen Brett, a pioneer in the exhibition industry. The Scholarship promotes the exhibitions and events industry by attracting college-level students into the field of study and encouraging their pursuit with financial support.

“My grandmother, Helen Brett, was one of the first female trade show organizers in the industry,” said Kolinek. “As a third-generation family business owner, I am very proud to continue her legacy through awarding scholarships to those who share my grandmother’s passion for trade shows.”

“Helen Brett showed all women that if you work hard and do what you love, you can pursue your dream job in the events industry,” Layne says. “I will forever be grateful to IAEE for investing in me and other students with dreams and educational value as big as mine. Thank you!”

Each year, scholarships are awarded to individuals exploring the study of exhibition management with the end goal of advancing their careers in this field.