How Mark Johnson is Shaping the Exhibition Industry
Release Date: 12/02/2022
Rebuilding the US Trade Show Workforce with Laura Palker (Part 2)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In Part 2 of this insightful conversation, host continues his discussion with , President of the and a honoree. They explore how the trade show industry is gaining recognition through the modernized , making careers in exhibitions more visible in schools and workforce development programs. Laura shares updates on & codes, the initiative, and the growing role of and veteran outreach in attracting new talent. Jeff and Laura also discuss the training course, its successful launch in Atlanta, and its expansion to more cities. They emphasize why industry leaders must invest in training...
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Rebuilding the US Trade Show Workforce with Laura Palker (Part 1)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In this first episode, host sits down with , President of the , to discuss the critical challenges facing the trade show industry today. They explore the massive workforce shift post-COVID, the impact of the "Silver Resignation", and the need for skilled workforce development. Laura shares insights into the ongoing efforts to secure industry recognition through and codes, the importance of , and how industry associations must work together to secure the future of exhibitions and events. If you're passionate about the future of trade shows and workforce development, this is an episode you...
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Pat Alacqua: Industry Trailblazer and Co-Founder of Nth Degree (Part 3)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In this third episode, welcomes back for a rare look into his ventures since selling . Pat reflects on leadership and his vision for the future. Pat shares how perseverance, determination, and resilience have fueled his successes, including his role in business turnarounds and his recent endeavors. Pat discusses purchasing a local sports complex and transforming it into a national brand through innovative processes for player development, training, and an event model. He talks about his "3C's Process for Faster Growth," as well as his upcoming book, . Pat also reveals plans for an...
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Pat Alacqua: Industry Trailblazer and Co-Founder of Nth Degree (Part 2)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In this second episode, delves into ’s journey as a leader and entrepreneur, exploring the emotional and strategic dynamics of building and eventually selling . In this rare interview, also candidly reflects on the toll of seeing valued team members move-on over time – a natural yet bittersweet reality of leading a fast-growing business in a thriving industry where the demand for trained and skilled professionals constantly grows. Pat discusses the complexities of growth, including the decision to hire people from outside the trade show industry to drive transformation and innovation....
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Pat Alacqua: Industry Trailblazer and Co-Founder of Nth Degree (Part 1)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In this first episode of the three-part series, conducts a rare interview with , co-founder of , exploring the foundational strategies and challenges that defined the company’s early days. Beyond co-founding Nth Degree, Pat has built multiple successful businesses across other industries and continues to collaborate with business leaders through his consulting services and online leadership and business growth tools, guiding them through challenges to achieve sustained growth. Together, they reflect on how the trade show industry has evolved, Nth Degree’s innovative approach to building a...
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Show-Up & Stand Out: Australian Trade Show Strategist, Jessica Turnbull (Part 2)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In Part 2 of this two-part interview, host talks with trade show strategist of in , during . Continuing our enlightening conversation with , we delve deeper into the world of exhibitions and client engagement in Australia. In this episode, you will join us for a conversation about: Insights garnered from advising and training clients on maximising returns The more selective approach to hospitality for trade shows in Australia How to maximize opportunities on the show floor Strategies and tactics that define successful exhibition experiences Gain a deeper understanding of the evolving...
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Show-Up & Stand Out: Australian Trade Show Strategist, Jessica Turnbull (Part 1)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In Part 1 of this two-part interview, host talks with trade show strategist of in , during . During this conversation, shared insights into her journey, having co-founded with her stepfather, Chris Lamb some years ago. Their approach to the business is truly distinctive, placing strategy at the forefront – followed by outstanding design. Their forward-thinking mindset has positioned them ahead of the curve, consistently delivering clear value to their clients. In this episode, we discuss: The significance of a holistic approach to maximize opportunities on the show floor The shifting...
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Three Generations in Mexico with Francisco Collazo (Part 2)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
This is Part 2 of a two-part interview with international industry leader and designer , Partner and CEO of in . In this fascinating conversation, shares his extensive journey into the exhibition industry, tracing the evolution of his career from its inception as a young boy working with his father. More than 40 years later, Francisco’s company is now well into its third family generation and has established an outstanding reputation for themselves globally in the industry. Host asks to share the transformative shifts he has witnessed in the Mexican exhibition landscape over the...
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Three Generations in Mexico with Francisco Collazo (Part 1)
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
This is Part 1 of a two-part interview with international industry leader and designer , Partner and CEO of in . In this fascinating conversation, shares his extensive journey into the exhibition industry, tracing the evolution of his career from its inception as a young boy working with his father. More than 40 years later, Francisco’s company is now well into its third family generation and has established an outstanding reputation for themselves globally in the industry. Host asks to share the transformative shifts he has witnessed in the Mexican exhibition landscape over the years,...
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Inside the Mind of Digital Genius Mazi Farzam
The Global Exhibitor Podcast
In this episode, host interviews digital genius, , CEO of , an agency based in . is focused on the intersection of science, technology, and storytelling. Under his leadership, has built a global reputation for content generation, user experience creation, visual effects, and immersive storytelling. works across a wide range of industries where their work finds application in museums, trade shows, executive briefing centers, and other types of experiences. is from the Middle East, but is an American now, having worked and traveled extensively around the world. He has a fantastic...
info_outlineIndustry veteran Mark Johnson is re-shaping the world of exhibitions with his deep passion, foresight, and encompassing vision for the future. Mark has garnered significant attention with his recent acquisitions of EXHIBITOR Group, as well as Featherlite Exhibits. In this episode, host Jeff Hannah asks Mark about his acquisition of EXHIBITOR Group, and how he is re-imagining the future of it. Mark introduces Dan Raynak as the new CEO/President of EXHIBITOR Group, and talks about the unique and ongoing mission for the company. Mark’s fiery passion for the exhibition industry can be felt as he discusses a more inclusive future for EXHIBITOR – with the introduction of additional tools and resources. Mark also discusses the outlook for EXHIBITORLIVE 2023 and beyond, including future potential show locations.
EXHIBITOR is widely recognized as a producer of educational conferences – and is exploring ways to build upon this globally recognized brand – including potential international expansion of educational programming and CTSM Certification. EXHIBITOR and the EDPA (Experiential Designers & Producers Association) have recently formed a partnership to provide ongoing professional education to EDPA members through EXHIBITOR's Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) program.
Mark Johnson is the Founder / CEO of Star Exhibits & Environments, and also owns several other companies. Mark built an outstanding reputation in the exhibition industry through decades of international work and leadership in industry associations such as EDPA and IFES. He was formerly President (2005) of EDPA (Experiential Designers & Producers Association). He was involved in the creation of the EDPA Foundation, where he continues to serve as Treasurer. He was instrumental in supporting and promoting IFES (International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services) over the years in various ways. Mark has been instrumental in the exhibit design education programs at both Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and Bemidji State University (BSU), from the early stages of development to current day. In 2021, Mark was honored as one of the Ten Most Admired CEOs by the MSP Business Journal.
EXHIBITOR Group is the global leader in trade show and corporate event marketing education. EXHIBITOR does this through many platforms, including: EXHIBITOR Magazine, EXHIBITORLIVE, the Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) program, EXHIBITOR FastTrak, EXHIBITOR eTrak, and others.
A leading global marketing solutions provider, Star Exhibits and Environments values a customer-intimate approach, lasting partnerships, powerful strategic direction, and consistent execution. Star's comprehensive design, fabrication, installation, and property management services support trade show, retail, corporate interior, event and selling environment initiatives.
This interview was recorded live at EXHIBITOR FastTrak in Providence, Rhode Island, with host Jeff Hannah.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markjohnsonstar/