NJSBA’s Annual Workshop Conference is the culmination of a monumental, year-long collaborative effort. The event requires seamless coordination with thousands of stakeholders including NJSBA’s staff, conference speakers, industry partners, the extended team at the Atlantic City Convention Center and crucial input from NJSBA members.
NJSBA’s Workshop Power Duo Garners Awards Lou Schimenti, NJSBA associate director of exhibitions and cooperatives, and Lauren Cuervo, the Association’s senior director of connection, received national honors for their work on the NJSBA’s annual signature event, Workshop. Cuervo also earned an NJSBA Employee Champion Award.
Since 2023, Lauren Cuervo, NJSBA’s senior director of connection, and Lou Schimenti, the Association’s associate director of exhibitions and cooperatives, have been at the helm of this extensive undertaking. They have focused on driving improvements and significantly enhancing the value of the event for both school leaders and industry partners.
“Bringing Workshop to life each year is a true testament to the unwavering commitment and exceptional creativity of our dedicated team,” said Cuervo. “From the initial strategic planning to the meticulous execution on-site, every individual involved works tirelessly to create an unparalleled experience. Their collective passion and dedication are the foundation of this event’s enduring success.”
Awards and Accolades Underscore Team’s Impact The excellent work behind Workshop has garnered significant recognition. In 2024, Cuervo received an NJSBA Employee Champion Award for her 18 years of teamwork and commitment to the Association.
“Lauren’s extraordinary leadership and unwavering dedication were instrumental in making Workshop 2024 one of our greatest successes,” said NJSBA Executive Director Dr. Timothy Purnell. “She inspired her team to perform at its best and fostered a collaborative spirit that ensured everything ran smoothly.”
NJSBA Champion Awards are given to individuals who exemplify outstanding dedication and effort in areas such as teamwork, leadership, innovation and other qualities that help the Association advance its mission to promote the achievement of all New Jersey public school students.
Workshop also earned national acclaim, by recently being named one of the fastest-growing trade shows in the nation by Trade Show Executive magazine. Schimenti accepted this award on behalf of the team in Orlando, Fla., in May.
“We’ve made a concerted effort to not only attract new vendors, but also to ensure our exhibitors see tangible value in their participation,” said Schimenti. “Expanding the exhibit floor has been a strategic move, allowing us to showcase a wider array of innovative solutions and resources to our schools. It’s exciting to see that growth recognized nationally, and it speaks to the hard work of our entire team and the quality of our partners.”
Previous honors include Association TRENDS’ 2023 top honors for Workshop’s promotional package and exhibitor sales kit, and Eventeer’s 2022 runner-up award for best nonprofit event.
Now entering its 73rd year, this decades-old event has experienced remarkable new energy and significant growth in the years following the global pandemic.
From 2022 to 2024, exhibitor participation increased by more than 15 percent and net revenue for the show increased by 17 percent. Every dollar generated from Workshop, as well as all NJSBA fee-based products, services and training, is directly reinvested into the Association. This allows for the continuous enhancement of the vital resources NJSBA provides to local public school districts.
“We’re incredibly excited about what Workshop 2025 has in store for the education community,” Cuervo added. “We’re continually focused on getting better and take pride in incorporating valuable feedback from both members and vendors. We’re ready to reveal fun and engaging new features that will make this year’s event an unforgettable experience.”
