Ep. 64 Dishing on Events with Lisa Malikow, Senior VP, Restaurant Show for Informa Connect Foodservice
Release Date: 08/01/2025
The Rebranding Journey: From GDC to GDC Festival of Gaming with Informa's Will Wise
Trade Show Talk Podcast
In episode 73 of Trade Show Talk, host Danica Tormohlen explores the transformative , highlighting innovative event strategies, sponsorship activations, and industry insights with Will Wise, Vice President of Sales/Partnerships for the Gaming Vertical at Informa Festivals. Discover how the rebranding, global community, and creative activations are shaping the future of gaming events. In this month’s advocacy segment, Tommy Goodwin, President and CEO of the provides an in-depth update on industry advocacy, government shutdown impacts, and upcoming legislative initiatives...
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At the Helm: dmg events growth playbook with CEO Geoff Dickinson
Trade Show Talk Podcast
Episode 72: At the Helm: dmg events growth playbook with CEO Geoff Dickinson In this episode of Trade Show Talk, host Danica Tormohlen engages in a comprehensive conversation with Geoff Dickinson, CEO of . They discuss Jeff's unique journey into the events industry, the impressive growth of dmg events post-COVID, and the importance of investing in the local markets where the company produces exhibitions. Geoff shares insights on creating content-rich events that engage diverse audiences, the significance of partnerships in the industry, and his leadership approach in managing a global...
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Ep. 71: SXSW Unplugged with Chief Commercial Officer Peter Lewis
Trade Show Talk Podcast
In this episode of Trade Show Talk, host Danica Tormohlen speaks with Peter Lewis, Chief Commercial Officer of (SXSW). They discuss Peter's journey from an administrative assistant to a key leader in one of the world's most influential cultural gatherings. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities SXSW faces as it prepares for its 40th anniversary, including venue changes, economic impact, brand partnerships, and international expansion. Peter shares insights on building a strong team, creating unique experiences, and the importance of community engagement in the event...
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Sustainability in Trade Shows with Informa's Head of Sustainability Ben Wielgus
Trade Show Talk Podcast
In Episode 70 of Trade Show Talk, Host Danica Tormohlen speaks with Ben Welgus, Head of Sustainability at , about the evolving landscape of sustainability in the trade show industry. They discuss the , the launch of the , and the goals for 2026, including the importance of achieving net zero emissions. The conversation highlights the significance of sustainability in enhancing business value and the need for industry-wide collaboration to create a positive impact. In our monthly advocacy update, we talk with Tommy Goodwin, Executive VP for the . They discuss , including an update on...
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Countdown to CES 2026: A Preview with CTA President Kinsey Fabrizio
Trade Show Talk Podcast
In the 69th episode of the Trade Show Talk podcast, host Danica Tormohlen interviewed Kinsey Fabrizio, president of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and producer of the Consumer Electronic Show (CES). They discuss what’s new for CES 2026, which is expected to welcome more than 140,000 attendees from 150+ countries to Las Vegas in January. The 2026 tech extravaganza will debut the CES Foundry focused on AI and quantum technologies, a show sector that will be held at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Fabrizio shared insights from her recent trip to the UFI Global...
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Ep. 68: Taking Calculated Risks with RX CEO Hugh Jones
Trade Show Talk Podcast
“At RX, we celebrate failure, which is kind of a strange thing to say,” said RX CEO Hugh Jones on the November 2025 edition of Trade Show Talk. Why? “Failure is actually a part of the executive process and making great choices,” he said In this episode, Host Danica Tormohlen delves into this topic and more with Jones, who shares the company's recent growth and strategic bets in the trade show industry. Jones discusses a broad range of topics, including RX's expansion into Saudi Arabia, digital product development, and the importance of celebrating...
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Episode 67: Obsessing About the Customer with Clarion Events North America CEO Liz Irving
Trade Show Talk Podcast
"I spend a lot of time talking about customer obsession,” Liz Irving, CEO of Clarion Events North America, said in this episode of Trade Show Talk with host Danica Tormohlen. They discuss Irvings's extensive career in the exhibition industry—from her beginnings helping her father to her current role leading the fourth largest independent trade show company. She shares insights on Clarion’s approach to leadership, culture, digital transformation, and sustainability. She also highlights the importance of customer obsession, innovation, and meaningful experiences. ...
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Episode 66: Terrapinn’s Rise to the Top 20 with guest Greg Hitchen, Group CEO of Terrapinn
Trade Show Talk Podcast
In this episode of Trade Show Talk, hosted by Danica Tormohlen and brought to you by Trade Show News Network, we engage in an insightful conversation with Greg Hitchen, Group CEO of , a global events company. Greg shares his journey and the strategic moves, including acquisitions and industry diversification, which have propelled Terrapinn into the top 20 exhibition organizers globally by revenues. We discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, geopolitical factors, and the evolving landscape of trade shows. Listen in as Greg provides valuable...
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Ep. 65—The Business of Fun with IAAPA VP Alice Mathu
Trade Show Talk Podcast
In this episode of Trade Show Talk, host Danica Tormohlen interviews Alice Mathu, VP of Business Development and Partnerships at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). Mathu shares her remarkable career journey from Kenya to the U.S. and dives into IAAPA's global expansion, including their highly anticipated events in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The conversation also highlights the innovative strategies and attractions at IAAPA's flagship Expo in Orlando. Additionally, Tommy Goodwin, EVP for the Exhibitions and Conferences...
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Ep. 64 Dishing on Events with Lisa Malikow, Senior VP, Restaurant Show for Informa Connect Foodservice
Trade Show Talk Podcast
Join host Danica Tormohlen on Trade Show Talk as she dives deep into the trade show industry with Lisa Malikow, Senior Vice President, Restaurant Show for Informa Connect Foodservice. Malikow shares her impressive career journey, behind-the-scenes highlights from The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, and innovative ideas that have shaped the event. Also, don’t miss an exclusive update from Tommy Goodwin, executive vice president for the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA), on recent legislative wins and industry developments. Tune in for...
info_outlineJoin host Danica Tormohlen on Trade Show Talk as she dives deep into the trade show industry with Lisa Malikow, Senior Vice President, Restaurant Show for Informa Connect Foodservice.
Malikow shares her impressive career journey, behind-the-scenes highlights from The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, and innovative ideas that have shaped the event.
Also, don’t miss an exclusive update from Tommy Goodwin, executive vice president for the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA), on recent legislative wins and industry developments. Tune in for valuable insights and the latest industry trends!
00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk Podcast
00:26 Guest Introduction: Lisa Malikow
01:08 Lisa's Career Journey
04:10 Early Career and First Trade Show Experience
05:20 Advancing in the Trade Show Industry
09:46 Highlights of the The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show
11:46 Fun and Engagement at the Show
15:51 Innovative Attendee Experiences
27:52 Future Plans and Content Focus
30:18 Introduction to the Mats O Council
30:54 Challenges and Community in Large Show Organizing
35:50 MATSO Meetings and Events
39:09 Rapid Fire Fun Questions
45:29 Advocacy Update with Tommy Goodwin
53:13 Conclusion and Farewell