New York, USA – Patricia Farias Barlow, CEM, CEO of the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center, has been named the 2012 Pinnacle Award winner by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events.

IAEE’s awards program recognizes professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the exhibitions and events industry. Farias Barlow was recognized as an individual who, over the years, has furthered IAEE's objectives of advancing exposition management through the promotion of education, the dissemination of knowledge, and the introduction or development of innovative techniques, as well as for her dedication to the perpetuation of the highest ideals, trust and professionalism in this specialized field.

Farias Barlow has been in the exhibitions and events industry for more than 30 years. Among her achievements during her career in the industry are, owning an independent show organizing company (Fapezal) and conducting over 150 industry trade shows in Mexico and Latin America, including Telecommunications, Computer Technology, Internet, Electronic Banking, Machine Tools, Security, Oil & Gas, Hospital Equipment, Food, Distance Education, Restaurant, Instrumental Controls, Real Estate and Education.

Formerly, Barlow was the president of Reed Exhibition Companies Mexico and general director of Centro Banamex, where she was involved in the planning, construction and implementation of the venue, which opened with an occupation rate of 70 percent.

Presently, in addition to being the CEO of the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center, Patricia is the official representative of Messe Dusseldorf for Mexico and serves various clients in Mexico and Latin America on diverse issues pertaining to international affairs, show management issues and training, as well as a consultant for various venue building projects in the region.

The Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center provides the destination with a state-of-the-art facility for conventions and exhibitions. With an investment estimated at $43 million USD, the Convention Center occupies 42 acres in a convenient location, only a five minute drive from the airport and close to Puerto Vallarta’s major hotels and historic downtown area with its fine dining establishments, art galleries and eclectic shopping options. It offers over 105,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibition space. Gran Salon Vallarta, the Convention Center’s main meeting hall, offers close to 54,000 square feet of space and can be subdivided into eight fully equipped, sound-proofed rooms.

The complex offers 670 car parking spaces as well as a separate lot reserved exclusively for motor coaches, accommodating up to 50. The Convention Center also offers a host of services required by large groups such as an exhibition area, private meeting rooms, simultaneous translation equipment, a research center, cafeteria, a cultural and educational center, workshop, the latest technology, and first class service in elegant surroundings.

In 2012, the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center was the host of Mexico’s Tianguis, the country’s premiere tourism conference, and the World Economic Forum on Latin America, which brought close to 900 top regional and global leaders from 70 nations to the seaside city.

To learn more about the Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center, rental opportunities, and upcoming events, visit CicPuertoVallarta.com.

The winners will be honored at the IAEE Annual Networking Luncheon and Awards Presentation to be held during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, December 4-6, 2012.

About IAEE

Since 1928, IAEE continues to provide 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, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE. Through the 2006 consolidation with the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), IAEE delivers valuable industry research reports. For more information, visit iaee.com.