Trade Show Talk Podcast
Trade Show News Network is excited for season two of the "Trade Show Talk" podcast, featuring two episodes each month, focusing on topics important to our community. Host Megan Powers leads discussions with trade show and events industry leaders. We have an opportunity to hear from our peers and industry leaders in an intimate and interesting way through this show. As we all navigate the changing times together as a community, this show will give us the insight and tools we each need to succeed.
info_outline
The Rebranding Journey: From GDC to GDC Festival of Gaming with Informa's Will Wise
04/01/2026
The Rebranding Journey: From GDC to GDC Festival of Gaming with Informa's Will Wise
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 affecting trade shows and events. Register for Legislative Action Day for free . Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk Podcast 02:10 Overview of GDC Festival of Gaming 2026 04:35 Rebranding GDC: A New Era Begins 09:20 Building a Global Community in Gaming 10:16 Media and Digital Platforms Supporting Engagement 12:04 The Importance of a Strong Brand 14:19 Innovative Sponsorships and Activations 19:06 Utilizing Multiple Venues for a Festival Experience 22:44 Sponsored Sessions: A Key Component of GDC 24:50 Creating Memorable Experiences: Concerts and Awards 27:59 Expanding Audience Ecosystem for Success 29:26 Shifting from Exhibitors to Partners 30:49 Evolving Partnerships in the Event Industry 31:43 The Role of Customer Success Teams 32:35 Measuring Sponsorship Success 34:20 International Participation and Feedback 36:40 Innovating for Future Events 38:40 Success Stories from the Event 39:59 Lessons Learned for Future Events 42:17 Year-Round Engagement Strategies 43:49 Personal Insights and Hobbies 46:54 Looking Ahead to Future Events 47:18 Advocacy Update with Tommy Goodwin 50:00 Government Shutdown Impacts on the Industry 52:17 Legislative Action and Industry Advocacy 55:32 Preparing for Legislative Action Day Context This March, the GDC Festival of Gaming took over San Francisco, bringing together attendees from over 85 countries, featuring more than 20,000 attendees, 1100 speakers, 700+ cross-disciplinary sessions, and over 300 brand partners. The event wasn’t just a conference—it was a celebration of creativity, technology, and connection. From vibrant activations in the Festival Hall to city-wide celebrations like the Opening Night at Oracle Park and the Developer’s Concert, this year’s GDC truly redefined what a gaming event could be. One of the standout moments was GDC Diamond Partner AWS' activation at CityView at Metreon, which buzzed with agentic AI demos, game streaming showcases, and the inspiring AWS Women in Games event, where industry leaders shared their perspectives on innovation and inclusion. The Festival also introduced new networking opportunities like GamePlan and GDC Encounters, fostering thousands of meaningful connections between attendees and sponsors. And let’s not forget the major announcements that made headlines—Microsoft’s Project Helix, Google DeepMind’s Genie 3, and Valve’s Steam Machine Verified program, all of which positioned GDC as a platform for breaking industry news. Key Takeaways The rebranding of GDC to the GDC Festival of Gaming reflects industry growth and a focus on community. Will Wise’s consultative approach has transformed partnerships into collaborative experiences. Innovative sponsorship activations have enriched attendee engagement and showcased the latest in gaming technology. Resources Connect with our guests on LinkedIn Guest Bio: Will Wise Will Wise is the head of event & media partnerships, business development, growth strategies, sponsorships & activations, content marketing programs, customer success, revenue operations, and delegate relations teams for Informa Festivals’ GDC Festival of Gaming, Game Developer (media) and GDC Vault (digital content library). Previously Will was Group VP for the Security, Gaming & Transportation events portfolio at RX Global, Managing Director of the IoT Group at Penton Media, and Senior VP of Sales at UBM Tech for Enterprise IT, Cloud Computing, and Engineering events. Guest Bio: Tommy Goodwin Tommy Goodwin is President & CEO for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the advocacy association for the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA’s work on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, event and meeting organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the global business events landscape. Prior to joining ECA, Tommy spent more than 20 years working for several globally recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle, AARP, and the Project Management Institute. Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Group Content, Meetings, Sports, Travel for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees content for , and . These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event, association meeting, experiential marketing and exhibition industries. Tormohlen currently serves as immediate past president of the North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA, DI and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few.
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/40702245
info_outline
At the Helm: dmg events growth playbook with CEO Geoff Dickinson
03/02/2026
At the Helm: dmg events growth playbook with CEO Geoff Dickinson
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 team. The conversation also touches on future predictions for the events industry and Geoff’s personal hobbies that help him recharge. In this month’s advocacy segment, Tommy Goodwin, Executive Vice President of the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance shares updates on tariffs and regulatory clarity, an early preview of the Legislative Action Day (register for free ), and reflections on the recent announcements that Gary Shapiro and Rip Rippetoe will be retiring in 2026. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: Overview of the episode and guest introductions 02:15 – Geoff Dickinson on Revenue and Growth: Insights into DMG Events' post-COVID recovery 05:07 - Career Journey: Geoff’s path from law to leading a global events company 09:16 - Content and Audience Strategy: How DMG doubled revenue through innovation 18:35 - Market Specialization: Deep understanding and sector focus 22:45 - International Expansion: Launching new markets and partnerships 30:15 - Leadership Philosophy: Trust and team management in a global portfolio 46:11 - Transition to Tommy Goodwin: Advocacy and policy updates 49:20 - Legislative Action Day: High participation and impact on Capitol Hill 53:42 - Industry Leadership: Reflections on legacy and collaboration 58:00 - Closing Thoughts: Future outlook and upcoming industry events Key Takeaways Geoff Dickinson's journey into the events industry was unconventional, starting from a law degree to becoming a CEO. DMG Events achieved significant growth post-COVID, focusing on quality over quantity. Content-rich events are essential for engaging diverse audiences and ensuring their return on investment. Partnerships with other organizations enhance the reach and impact of events. Leadership in a global context requires trust in a competent team. Investing in local markets is crucial for successful event execution. The importance of understanding audience segmentation for event planning. Running serves as a mental and physical recharge for Geoff Dickinson. Collaboration among industry leaders has increased post-COVID, fostering a supportive environment. Key Topics: Jeff Dickinson’s strategic vision for DMG Events and post-COVID growth Tommy Goodwin’s advocacy efforts and policy updates impacting the industry The importance of content richness and market specialization Building trusted teams and leadership through collaboration Industry partnerships and international expansion strategies Legislative Action Day and the role of industry advocacy Connect with Our Guests:
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/40286725
info_outline
Ep. 71: SXSW Unplugged with Chief Commercial Officer Peter Lewis
02/01/2026
Ep. 71: SXSW Unplugged with Chief Commercial Officer Peter Lewis
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 industry. In our monthly advocacy update, we talk with Tommy Goodwin, Executive VP for the . We discuss the reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, which is crucial for event organizers. The conversation also touches on international travel challenges, including the visa bond program and proposed social media requirements for visa waiver countries. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is taking comments about the social media requirements proposal through February 9. Email CBP . Registration for ECA’s Legislative Action Day is now open, and trade show professionals can register . Peter Lewis bio serves as Chief Commercial Officer at SXSW, where he leads the commercial strategy and execution across partnerships, customer success, content, communications, sales, marketing, and growth markets. He oversees teams that design and deliver festival experiences, partner programming, brand activations, global sponsorships, and go-to-market operations, ensuring the forward-thinking community that comes to SXSW is deeply engaged and connected. Peter joined SXSW in 2009 and has played a key role in expanding its commercial and creative reach, both in Austin and around the world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk 02:07 Meet Peter Lewis: The Visionary Behind South by Southwest 05:04 Peter's Journey: From Admin to Chief Commercial Officer 07:08 Building a Strong Team for Success 08:18 Exciting Plans for South by Southwest 2026 11:11 Navigating Venue Challenges: A New Era for South by Southwest 14:20 Creating Unique Experiences in Austin 18:12 Economic Impact of South by Southwest 19:21 Brand Partnerships and Activations 22:22 The Evolution of Brand Engagement 24:25 Celebrating 40 Years of Innovation 25:51 International Expansion: South by Southwest Goes Global 28:56 The Secret Sauce of South by Southwest 30:25 The Importance of Community and Connection 32:13 Panel Picker: A Platform for New Voices 34:23 Innovative Sessions and Programming 36:03 The Role of Penske Media Corporation 38:12 Surreal Moments in South by Southwest History 40:13 Unexpected Discoveries and Breakout Bands 43:50 Staying Creative and Avoiding Burnout 45:29 Conclusion and Future Insights Bio: Tommy Goodwin, Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance Tommy Goodwin is Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the advocacy association for the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA’s work on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, event and meeting organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the global business events landscape. Prior to joining ECA, Tommy spent more than 20 years working for several globally recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle, AARP, and the Project Management Institute. Recognized by The Hill in its list of association "Top Lobbyists" every year since 2020, Tommy has also received several industry awards including: CEO Update/Association Trends: Leading Association Lobbyist (2023) American Society of Association Executives (ASAE): ASAE Fellow (2022) DCA Live: Association Innovation Leader (2022) Trade Show news Network: Industry Support Award (2022) MeetingsNet: Changemaker (2022) Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Group Content, Meetings, Sports, Travel for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees content for , , and . These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event, association meeting, experiential marketing and exhibition industries. Tormohlen currently serves as immediate past president of the North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA, DI and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few. Sponsor This episode is brought to you by The Citywide Track powered by TSNN at Connect Spring Marketplace. Planning citywide events that span multiple venues and thousands of attendees? Connect Spring Marketplace has the solution you've been looking for. April 14th through 16th at the Kentucky International Convention Center, Connect Spring Marketplace features the exclusive Citywide Track powered by TSNN—where buyers planning true citywide programs meet the suppliers equipped to handle that scale. This isn't your typical sourcing event. brings together qualified decision-makers who generate over 1,000 room nights, utilize 100,000+ square feet of space, and have the authority to negotiate partnerships on the spot. Whether you're planning association conferences, corporate events, or entertainment programs that take over entire destinations, this is where those complex conversations happen face-to-face with the right partners. Trade Show Talk listeners who qualify for the citywide buyer track get exclusive access with discount code DT1 for 50% off your refundable registration. Connect Spring Marketplace: Where citywide events find their perfect match. If you are a supplier interested in learning more about partnering, email:
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/39955025
info_outline
Sustainability in Trade Shows with Informa's Head of Sustainability Ben Wielgus
01/05/2026
Sustainability in Trade Shows with Informa's Head of Sustainability Ben Wielgus
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 tariffs, international travel and the new planned for May in Washington, D.C. Key Takeaways The Faster Forward program aims for zero carbon and zero waste. Better Stands initiative promotes reusable exhibition stands. Exhibitors, particularly those outside of the U.S.. are motivated by recognition in sustainability efforts. More than 1,000 exhibitors in Europe have been recognized by the Better Stands initiative. Net zero goals require significant carbon emission reductions. Sustainability is becoming embedded in business practices. Informa has reduced carbon emission by 80% in the last decade. Natural Products Expo West, winner of the TSNN Sustainability Award in December 2025, exemplifies comprehensive sustainability efforts. Investing in renewable energy is crucial for sustainability. Tariffs and international travel remain key policy issues for ECA in 2026. New Global Policy Forum launches May 29, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Trade Shows 04:06 Reflecting on 2025: Wins and Challenges 05:55 Unpacking the Faster Forward Program 08:00 Looking Ahead: Sustainability Goals for 2026 09:51 The Game-Changer: Better Stands Initiative 15:29 Net Zero Goals: Current Status and Challenges 25:44 Sustainability in Business: Reality vs. Perception 30:48 Celebrating Success: Natural Products Expo West 33:20 Getting to Know Ben Welgus 36:27 Future Trends in Sustainability for 2026 40:26 Tommy Goodwin's Policy Agenda for 2026 45:00 Global Policy Forum and Future Trends Guest bios Ben Wielgus, Head of Sustainability, Informa plc A 25 year veteran of sustainability in large corporates, Ben Wielgus joined Informa in spring 2016 in the newly created Head of Sustainability role. His briefing: to create a competitive advantage from sustainability, building stronger relationships with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders. In 2023, he was short-listed as Sustainability Leader of the Year in the EDIE awards. Over the last 10 years, FTSE100 member Informa has repeatedly been recognised as one of the most improved businesses in sustainability and is currently listed in the top 1% of sustainable media business according to Dow Jones and MSCI. In 2020, Informa launched its FasterForward sustainability programme setting out an ambitious set of goals to become a zero carbon, zero waste business where sustainability is embedded within each of its products. Informa’s multi award-winning Sustainable Event Fundamentals are now being used across more than 500 events globally. Before joining Informa, Ben spent nearly 15 years working as part of KPMG’s Sustainability Advisory Group. He was responsible for leading dozens of engagements working with senior audiences in large, global organisations helping them understand how sustainability can be an asset that returns on the investment in it rather than acts as a cost. Ben specialises in helping organisations understand how the risks and opportunities from sustainability can affect an organisation’s overall strategy. He works with them to build suitable governance and embed responses to the challenges. About Informa: Informa is a leading business intelligence, academic publishing, knowledge and events business, operating in the Knowledge and Information Economy. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100. Tommy Goodwin, Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance Tommy Goodwin is Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the advocacy association for the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA’s work on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, event and meeting organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the global business events landscape. Prior to joining ECA, Tommy spent more than 20 years working for several globally recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle, AARP, and the Project Management Institute. Recognized by The Hill in its list of association "Top Lobbyists" every year since 2020, Tommy has also received several industry awards including: CEO Update/Association Trends: Leading Association Lobbyist (2023) American Society of Association Executives (ASAE): ASAE Fellow (2022) DCA Live: Association Innovation Leader (2022) Trade Show news Network: Industry Support Award (2022) MeetingsNet: Changemaker (2022) Podcast Host Bio: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Group Content, Meetings, Sports, Travel for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees content for , , and . These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event, association meeting, experiential marketing and exhibition industries. Tormohlen currently serves as immediate past president of the North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA, DI and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few.
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/39615435
info_outline
Countdown to CES 2026: A Preview with CTA President Kinsey Fabrizio
12/01/2025
Countdown to CES 2026: A Preview with CTA President Kinsey Fabrizio
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 Congress in Hong Kong and outlined how CTA is leveraging AI to enhance attendee experiences through the event’s mobile app. Additionally, there's an advocacy update from Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance EVP Tommy Goodwin on the latest government and tariff developments affecting the trade show industry. This episode is brought to my Trade Show News Network and is sponsored by Marriott. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk 01:26 Meet Kinsey Fabrizio: Background and Achievements 02:47 Insights from the UFI Global Congress 05:06 Preview of CES 2026 06:25 Exciting New Features at CES 2026 08:18 The Role of Robotics and Health Tech at CES 12:42 Kinsey's Fabrizio's Journey and Leadership at CTA 22:54 Advocacy and AI in the Tech Industry 30:14 Personal Interests and Hobbies 31:10 Favorite Gadgets and Wishlist 35:27 Travel Tips and Hacks 39:06 Advocacy Update with Tommy Goodwin 39:33 Government Reopening and Tariff Discussions 46:05 Visa Fee and Industry Impact 50:17 Conclusion and Farewell Guest bio: Kinsey Fabrizio Kinsey Fabrizio is president of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, which represents more than 1,200 consumer technology companies and owns and produces CES® - the most influential tech event in the world. In this role, Fabrizio serves on CTA’s Executive board and directs strategy and operations across all business units. Since joining CTA in 2008, Fabrizio has driven transformation at both CTA and CES. As senior vice president, she oversaw CES conferences and show operations, led an expansion of CES products, and spearheaded a modernization of CTA’s membership infrastructure and categories. Earlier in her career, she drove strategic growth in emerging tech categories. A pioneer in the digital health space, Fabrizio created CTA’s Health Division, launched a healthcare provider program for doctors at CES 2015, and debuted CES’s first Continuing Medical Education (CME)-accredited conference in 2019. She also spearheaded the Video Division Board’s 4K and 8K TV initiatives, founded the Content and Entertainment Council, and launched CTA’s Disruptive Innovation Council in 2016 to engage companies with breakthrough technologies and services. Fabrizio’s leadership earned her recognition as one of Washingtonian’s Most Powerful Women in 2025 and a Washingtonian Tech Titan in 2024 and 2025. She also received the 2023 Women in CT Legacy Award for her contributions to the consumer technology industry. Fabrizio is a member of the George Mason University Costello College of Business Dean's Advisory Council and the Washington Economic Club. She holds a BA from George Mason University and an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She lives in Arlington, VA, with her husband and two children. Guest bio: Tommy Goodwin Tommy Goodwin is Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the advocacy association for the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA’s work on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, event and meeting organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the global business events landscape. Prior to joining ECA, Tommy spent more than 20 years working for several globally recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle, AARP, and the Project Management Institute. Recognized by The Hill in its list of association "Top Lobbyists" every year since 2020, Tommy has also received several industry awards including: CEO Update/Association Trends: Leading Association Lobbyist (2023) American Society of Association Executives (ASAE): ASAE Fellow (2022) DCA Live: Association Innovation Leader (2022) Trade Show news Network: Industry Support Award (2022) MeetingsNet: Changemaker (2022) Host bio: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Group Content, Meetings, Sports, Travel for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees content for , , and . These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event, association meeting, experiential marketing and exhibition industries. Tormohlen currently serves as president of the North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA, DI and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few. Keywords: CES, Kinsey Fabrizio, Consumer Technology Association, AI, trade shows, event industry, technology trends, advocacy, digital health, robotics
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/39221945
info_outline
Ep. 68: Taking Calculated Risks with RX CEO Hugh Jones
11/02/2025
Ep. 68: Taking Calculated Risks with RX CEO Hugh Jones
“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 failures to drive innovation and leadership. For context: RX, a division of public company RELX and ranked No. 2 on the Stax Top 20 Exhibition Organizers List (by revenues), produced 282 face-to-face events in 25 countries in 2024, and these events served 41 industry sectors and attracted more than 6 million participants, according to its . Some of RX’s flagship events include New York ComicCon, JCK, ISC West, and FIBO Global Fitness. The episode also features interviews with Legends Global GM Rodney Falk on the Cincinnati convention center's reopening in January 2026 and Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance Executive VP Tommy Goodwin on the U.S. government shutdown's impact on the industry. 00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk 00:34 Meet Hugh Jones, CEO of RX 01:22 Sponsorship Message from Legends Global 02:08 Hugh Jones' Background and Philosophy 04:17 Interview with Hugh Jones Begins 04:24 The Importance of Taking Risks 07:16 RX's Expansion and Acquisitions 08:36 Digital Transformation at RX 11:39 Innovative Approaches in Trade Shows 15:16 Navigating the Pandemic and Strategic Changes 20:25 Value-Based Selling and Customer Focus 29:08 Advocacy, Sustainability, and Talent in the Trade Show Industry 37:40 The Importance of Standardization in Events 40:30 Digital Innovation and Future Trends 44:42 Real-Time Matchmaking and Industry Trends 46:08 AI in Trade Shows: Strategy and Implementation 49:41 Personal Insights: Monday Morning Routine 52:24 Upcoming Events and Travel Plans 54:35 Hobbies and Family Life 55:55 Worst Business Advice Ever Received 58:25 Cincinnati Convention Center Update 01:14:27 Advocacy Update with Tommy Goodwin 01:22:03 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes This episode is brought to you by Legends Global. Legends Global is the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands. Legends Global delivers a fully integrated suite of premium services—from feasibility and consulting to venue management, sales, merchandise, hospitality, partnerships, content and booking. The company’s white-label approach keeps partners front and center while leveraging the power of their global network with more than 450 venues, 20,000 events, and 165 million guests annually. Learn more at . Guest bio: Hugh Jones Chief Executive Officer Every executive has to place bets in order for the value propositions to remain relevant to the customers, but not every bet has to work. Hugh believes that executives learn by both our successes and our failures. That philosophy has served Hugh well over the years since joining RELX in 2011, following the purchase of Accuity where he was Chief Executive Officer. In addition to leading Accuity to become one of the world’s largest and most significant companies in the payment routing and Anti Money Laundering sectors, Hugh has also led Fircosoft, NRS, I.C.I.S, Estates Gazette (EG) and Cirium; and before joining RX he was Global Managing Director within the Risk and Business Analytics Division. Hugh’s philosophy has seen him lead large scale acquisitions and subsequent integrations of many companies that now reside and prosper within the RELX portfolio. Hugh joined RX as CEO at the start of 2020, bringing with him plenty of experience in public company protocol and all facets of business management including P&L oversight, talent development, forecasting, sales execution, technology innovation and product discovery, launch and growth. Hugh’s experience has been invaluable in navigating RX’s response to challenges and his strategic understanding of technological innovation has accelerated the use of digital and data products and services across RX events, as an ongoing core component of RX face to face events. Passionate about building a culture of collaboration, exploring, risk taking, accountability and courage, Hugh champions the creation of a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace for all. versed in public company protocol and all facets of firm management including P&L oversight, talent development, forecasting, sales, technology and product innovation, discovery, launch and growth. A mélange of exceptional investment and overall management qualifications, combined with superior analytical leadership. Accustomed to and effective in high-profile executive roles, making high-stakes investment decisions with world-class clients and customers. Versed in leading investor forums at a publicly traded firm, commercializing data streams, contributing forward-thinking vision and overcoming complex business obstacles. More than two decades of experience building corporate value by creating rich data streams that provide new solutions to difficult corporate challenges. Successful at developing and coaching top executive teams, leading sales efforts, and negotiating complicated corporate and functional business deals with financial institutions, corporations and governmental agencies. • Member of the Young President's Organization (YPO) since 2009 • Served on numerous Boards for the benefit of Private Equity firms • Winner of the 2013 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Financial Services for the Midwest Region • Holds a BA in economics from Yale University cum laude and an MBA from the University of Michigan Guest bio: Tommy Goodwin is Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the advocacy association for the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA’s work on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, event and meeting organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the global business events landscape. Prior to joining ECA, Tommy spent more than 20 years leading social impact, member value, public affairs, and international engagement efforts for several globally recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle, AARP, and the Project Management Institute (PMI). Additionally, he was a research fellow at Harvard Business School focused on the international political and legal environment in which businesses and social enterprises operate. Tommy has a B.B.A. from The George Washington University, an M.B.A. from Auburn University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in European Union Law from King’s College London. He also holds several certifications including a Project Management Professional from PMI, a Certified Meeting Planner from the Events Industry Council, and a Certified Association Executive from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). Recognized by The Hill in its list of association "Top Lobbyists" every year since 2020, Tommy was also named a "Leading Association Lobbyist" by CEO Update/Association TRENDS in 2023. He has also been elected as a Fellow by ASAE (2022), named an "Association Innovation Leader" by DCA Live (2022), received the "Industry Support Award" from Trade Show News Network (2022), and recognized as an events industry "Changemaker" by MeetingsNet (2022). Tommy currently serves on the advisory boards of Factum Global and The Iceberg. He is also a past president of the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics and a past chair of ASAE’s Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council and Advocacy Council. Host bio: Danica Tormohlen Meet Danica Tormohlen, a dynamic force in the trade world who’s been telling compelling stories for more than 30 years. As VP of Group Content at Informa, she’s the mastermind behind Trade Show News Network, bringing the pulse of the industry to life. When she’s not crafting engaging content, you’ll find her behind the microphone hosting the Trade Show Talk podcast, where she chats with industry movers and shakers. A proud Mizzou Journalism School grad (go Tigers!), Danica has left her mark across the events industry landscape, from SISO to Trade Show Executive. Her trophy shelf sparkles with journalism awards, but what really gets her excited is breaking new ground for women in the industry. As a founding member and current president of the Women in Exhibitions Network North America, she’s passionate about lifting others up while climbing the ladder herself. When she’s not reporting on trade shows and events, you’ll spot Danica pounding the pavement as an enthusiastic runner or rolling up her sleeves with the National Charity League, proving that giving back is always in style. Her secret sauce? A perfect blend of journalistic integrity, industry insight, and boundless energy. Catch Danica’s latest thoughts on and , where she’s always sharing industry insights with a personal twist.
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/38878355
info_outline
Episode 67: Obsessing About the Customer with Clarion Events North America CEO Liz Irving
10/01/2025
Episode 67: Obsessing About the Customer with Clarion Events North America CEO Liz Irving
"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. Additionally, there's an update on the current state of the federal budget and tariffs from Tommy Goodwin of Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance. 00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk 00:28 Meet Liz Irving, CEO of Clarion Events North America 01:23 Liz Irving's Early Career and Inspirations 05:04 Liz Irving's Leadership Journey 08:17 Clarion's Culture and Development Programs 13:22 Strategic Acquisitions and Integrations 16:37 Digital Innovation and AI at Clarion 19:26 Industry Involvement and Leadership Insights 23:45 Cion Cares: Giving Back to Communities 24:39 Challenges in Sustainability 25:31 Emerging Trends in Trade Shows 27:25 Growth Strategies for North America 29:33 Innovative Event Experiences 30:30 Personal Insights and Fun Questions 35:00 Advocacy Update with Tommy Goodwin 42:40 Conclusion and Future Episodes This podcast is brought to you by Trade Show News Network and sponsored by Marriott Guest Bio: Liz Irving, CEO, Clarion Events North America Liz’s endless curiosity, desire for learning, and passion for building relationships infuse her responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer of Clarion Events North America. With over 25 years of experience in the events industry, she has transformed businesses through her strategic vision, customer-centric approach, and dedication to deliver measurable commercial outcomes. In her current role, Liz oversees the strategic direction for Clarion's North American business, focusing on customer and behavioral insights, commercial effectiveness, digital platform development, and innovation. She collaborates with portfolio directors to identify growth opportunities that enhance existing events and develop new digital offerings. Liz's forward-thinking mindset ensures that both face-to-face and digital experiences evolve to deliver ever-increasing value for customers and communities. At the heart of Liz’s leadership is a commitment to fostering a culture of employee engagement, collaboration, and innovation. She has built an environment at Clarion that nurtures inclusivity, creativity, and continuous improvement, empowering teams to deliver exceptional outcomes for customers. Recognizing the importance of a thriving workplace culture, Liz prioritizes initiatives that inspire trust, encourage diverse perspectives, and drive shared success. Her efforts have made Clarion a destination for top talent and a hub for industry innovation. Liz’s passion for events began early, helping her father set up his local food distributor events. This hands-on experience sparked a lifelong interest in the industry. She later worked in roles with the Convention & Visitors Bureau during college before joining the corporate events world. Prior to Clarion, Liz spent 14 years at Reed Exhibitions in various marketing leadership roles, including overseeing the leading jewelry media brand, JCK. Liz earned her bachelor’s degree from Niagara University, a master’s degree from the University of New Haven, and a digital marketing certificate from Cornell University. She remains deeply connected to the industry, serving as the Chair of SISO’s Marketing Special Interest Group, a member of SISO’s Board of Directors and UFI- The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry Board of Directors. Liz is an active participant in the Women In Exhibitions Network North American Chapter and several Event Technology Advisory Boards. Outside of work, Liz is dedicated to her family and community. She volunteers with her sons’ sports teams, managing communications and events, and is proud to call Connecticut home, where she lives with her husband, two boys, two dogs, and a cat. Bio: Tommy Goodwin, Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance Tommy Goodwin is Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the advocacy association for the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA’s work on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, event and meeting organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the global business events landscape. Prior to joining ECA, Tommy spent more than 20 years leading social impact, member value, public affairs, and international engagement efforts for several globally recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle, AARP, and the Project Management Institute (PMI). Additionally, he was a research fellow at Harvard Business School focused on the international political and legal environment in which businesses and social enterprises operate. Tommy has a B.B.A. from The George Washington University, an M.B.A. from Auburn University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in European Union Law from King’s College London. He also holds several certifications including a Project Management Professional from PMI, a Certified Meeting Planner from the Events Industry Council, and a Certified Association Executive from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). Recognized by The Hill in its list of association "Top Lobbyists" every year since 2020, Tommy was also named a "Leading Association Lobbyist" by CEO Update/Association TRENDS in 2023. He has also been elected as a Fellow by ASAE (2022), named an "Association Innovation Leader" by DCA Live (2022), received the "Industry Support Award" from Trade Show News Network (2022), and recognized as an events industry "Changemaker" by MeetingsNet (2022). Tommy currently serves on the advisory boards of Factum Global and The Iceberg. He is also a past president of the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics and a past chair of ASAE’s Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council and Advocacy Council. Bio: Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Group Content, Meetings, Sports, Travel for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees content for , , and . These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event, association meeting, experiential marketing and exhibition industries. Tormohlen currently serves as president of the North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA, DI and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few.
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/38422305
info_outline
Episode 66: Terrapinn’s Rise to the Top 20 with guest Greg Hitchen, Group CEO of Terrapinn
09/22/2025
Episode 66: Terrapinn’s Rise to the Top 20 with guest Greg Hitchen, Group CEO of Terrapinn
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 insights into Terrapinn's growth strategy, the importance of event scaling, and the impact of global networking and acquisitions on their success. 00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk 01:17 Meet Greg Hitchen: Group CEO of Terrapinn 02:16 Terrapin's Journey to the Top 20 05:07 The Origin Story of Terrapinn 08:11 Scaling and Revenue Strategies 14:29 Acquisitions and Future Growth 24:12 Evaluating Vendor Integrity 25:00 Scoring Acquisitions and Vendor Integrity 26:47 LinkedIn and Industry Trends 27:21 Terrapinn's Global Presence 30:08 AI in Business Media 33:09 Revenue and Growth Challenges 35:51 Personal Insights and Hobbies 39:39 Industry Events and Networking 41:07 Conclusion and Farewell Special thanks to our sponsor, , for supporting this content.
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/38304335
info_outline
Ep. 65—The Business of Fun with IAAPA VP Alice Mathu
08/29/2025
Ep. 65—The Business of Fun with IAAPA VP Alice Mathu
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 Alliance, provides a timely advocacy update, discussing key issues such as tariffs, workforce development, and potential government shutdowns. 00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk 01:10 Meet Alice Matthew: A Powerhouse in the Global Exhibitions Industry 02:58 Alice's Journey from Kenya to the US 04:06 Discovering a Passion for Events 06:37 Joining IAAPA and Early Career Highlights 10:56 Challenges and Innovations in the Exhibition Industry 20:10 Expanding IAAPA's Global Reach 28:08 Effective Communication with Stakeholders 28:35 Shanghai Show Overview 29:30 Unique Challenges in China 31:20 Middle East Expo Expansion 35:08 Strategic Partnership with Licensing International 38:57 Personal Insights and Fun Questions 44:28 Advocacy Update with Tommy Goodwin 51:23 Government Shutdown Concerns 54:21 Conclusion and Farewell This episode is brought to you by Legends/ASM Global.
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/38027310
info_outline
Ep. 64 Dishing on Events with Lisa Malikow, Senior VP, Restaurant Show for Informa Connect Foodservice
08/01/2025
Ep. 64 Dishing on Events with Lisa Malikow, Senior VP, Restaurant Show for Informa Connect Foodservice
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 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
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/37626700
info_outline
Ep. 63—Inside RX Americas: In Conversation with RX President of the Americas Fernando Fischer
07/01/2025
Ep. 63—Inside RX Americas: In Conversation with RX President of the Americas Fernando Fischer
In this episode of the Trade Show Talk podcast, Host Danica Torman engages in an insightful conversation with Fernando Fisher, President of the Americas for RX. Fernando elaborates on RX's growth strategies, focus on attendee and exhibitor experience, and the implementation of sales analytics and AI tools. The episode also features an interview with Andy Conklin, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Visit Cincy, who discusses the major redevelopment of Cincinnati's Convention District and its impact on future events. Additionally, Tommy Goodwin from the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance provides an advocacy update on legislative progress, tax reform, and tariffs affecting the industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in the exhibitions and events sector, offering a wealth of information on the latest trends and innovations. 00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk 00:26 Meet Fernando Fisher: RX President of the Americas 02:34 RX's Growth Strategy and Focus Areas 04:07 Enhancing Exhibitor and Attendee Experience 06:35 Customer Expectations and ROI Metrics 10:59 Sales Team Training and Readiness 18:53 Innovative Sponsorship and Activation Models 23:19 Spotlight on Cincinnati's Convention District 31:25 Exploring Cincinnati's Sports and Entertainment Districts 32:56 Sharonville Convention District Expansion 33:53 Upcoming Milestones for Cincinnati's New Hotel 35:23 Ensuring Safety and Cleanliness in Cincinnati 38:56 The Importance of Data in Decision Making 45:12 Enhancing Customer Journeys with Technology 53:19 Advocacy Update: Legislative Action Day and Tariffs 58:59 Conclusion and Future Episodes This episode is brought to you by , and .
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/37235545
info_outline
Ep. 62 On Air At Legislative Action Day 2025
06/06/2025
Ep. 62 On Air At Legislative Action Day 2025
Advocating for the Trade Show Industry: Highlights from Legislative Action Day In this episode of Trade Show Talk, hosted by Danica Tormohlen, trade show industry leaders share their experiences from the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance's Legislative Action Day 2025 in Washington, DC. The event saw record attendance with 170 industry leaders from 30 states advocating for key issues such as taxes, talent, and tariffs. The podcast features insights and firsthand accounts from 10 key participants who met with over 130 elected officials to emphasize the economic impact of the trade show industry, which contributes $426 billion annually and supports 2.6 million jobs. Guests discuss the importance of advocacy, share personal stories of their interactions with lawmakers, and highlight the critical need for policies that support workforce development and reduce tariff-related uncertainties. The episode underscores the ongoing commitment required to ensure the industry's growth and competitiveness. 00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk Podcast 00:26 Special Event: Legislative Action Day Overview 01:04 Key Issues: Taxes, Talent, and Tariffs 01:20 Firsthand Accounts from Industry Leaders 02:22 Interview with Tommy Goodwin, Executive VP, Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance 10:38 Interview with Hervé Sedky, President & CEO of Emerald Holding Inc., and Chair of ECA 17:57 Interview with Jeff Quade, President, GES Exhibitions - North America 24:05 Interview with Sarin Bachmann, Senior Vice President, Jewelry Portfolio, RX 28:26 Interviw with Steve Walker, Executive Director, City Wide Sales at MGM Resorts International 34:12 Interview with Martha Donato, Founder & President, MAD Event Management LLC and UFI North America Regional Director 39:43 Interview with , President, General Contracting Division, CSI Worldwide 44:35 Interview with Nicole Bowman, VP, Marketing & Communications, International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) 49:57 Interview with Dan Liberatore, President & CEO, Purpose1 54:30 Interview with Marc Ghafoori, Founder, Alpha Tooth 58:53 Conclusion and Advocacy Call to Action
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/36895380
info_outline
Ep. 61--Navigating the Future: A Conversation with UFI CEO & Managing Director Chris Skeith
04/25/2025
Ep. 61--Navigating the Future: A Conversation with UFI CEO & Managing Director Chris Skeith
In this episode of Trade Show Talk, host Danica Tormohlen interviews Chris Skeith, CEO and Managing Director of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, who started in this role in January 2025I. Skeith shares insights about his career path, including his tenure at the Association of Event Organizers UK, and discusses his new role at UFI, aiming for evolution and not revolution. The conversation highlights his top priorities in his first 100 days, focusing on member needs and improving the organization's functionality. They delve into global trends affecting the events industry, such as talent acquisition, sustainability, and the growing role of AI. The episode also covers UFI's 100th-anniversary celebrations and their significant events scheduled for 2025. Skeith shares his optimism about the future of face-to-face events and provides a glimpse into his personal experiences, including receiving an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to the industry during COVID-19. Our guest Chris Skeith, who has served in the exhibition industry for more than 30 years, is Managing Director & CEO of UFI, The Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, which represents more than 900 organizations in more than 90 countries who build, maintain, and support the world’s market places: trade show organisers, venue owners and operators, service providers, and national, as well as international associations, of our industry. Skeith has built a career in the not-for-profit sector, starting his exhibition career in media auditing at the Audit Bureau of Circulations, where he later led on the development of their auditing products for the event sector. In 2006, Skeith started working in the associations sector in the UK, merging two event associations in the service supplier sector to form ESSA (Event Supplier & Services Association). In 2010, he also became Director of ESSA’s sister association, AEV (Association of Event Venues). In 2014, he took the role of CEO of their sister association, AEO (Association of Event Organisers), which represents UK-based organisers who operate worldwide. During this time, AEO created groups and events which connected the community which grew to over 100 members via special interest groups, and class leading events. He also held several voluntary positions to help raise the profile of the sector to Government and regulators, including Chair of the UK Government’s Events Industry Board for the Department of Culture Media and Sport, member of the Department for Business and Trades Professional Business Services Committee, and Chair of UKEVENTS a partnership of all leading associations in the UK event industry. He has previously served as an UFI Board Member and chair of their associations committee. In the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021, he was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen, for services to the Events Industry. Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Group Content, Meetings, Sports, Travel for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees content for , , and . These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event, association meeting, experiential marketing and exhibition industries. Tormohlen currently serves as president of the North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA, DI and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few.
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/36314015
info_outline
Cuil Bay Capital Chairman Doug Emslie on His Investment in Easyfairs, Market Trends & Growth Opportunities
04/14/2025
Cuil Bay Capital Chairman Doug Emslie on His Investment in Easyfairs, Market Trends & Growth Opportunities
After leading Tarsus Group through multiple decades of global growth and eventually , industry heavyweight Doug Emslie is back with a bold new move: investing in Belgium-based trade show organizer through his investment firm . In an exclusive interview with TSNN, Emslie shares why Easyfairs’ tech-forward, exhibitor-friendly approach and niche market strategy are uniquely positioned to disrupt the U.S. events landscape—and why now is the time to double down on events. From launching industrial shows in Detroit to targeting high-growth verticals and frictionless exhibitor experiences, Easyfairs is making its mark—and Emslie, now a board member, is helping steer the ship.
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/36135985
info_outline
CEO Hervé Sedky on Emerald’s UK Expansion with 2 Acquisitions
03/18/2025
CEO Hervé Sedky on Emerald’s UK Expansion with 2 Acquisitions
Emerald's Strategic Acquisitions in the Luxury Travel and InsureTech Sectors In this episode, Herve Sedky, President and CEO of Emerald, discusses the company's recent acquisition of This is Beyond, which adds several B2B luxury travel events to Emerald's portfolio. The acquisition bolsters Emerald's presence in the luxury market, which is known for its resilience to economic fluctuations. This strategic move also solidifies Emerald's international footprint, particularly in the UK. Additionally, Herve sheds light on another recent acquisition — InsurTech Insights, which focuses on the insurance and technology sectors, further expanding Emerald's international reach and growth in technology-focused events. 00:00 Introduction and Announcement Overview 00:35 Details of the Acquisition 01:17 Strategic Importance of Luxury Market 02:08 Acquisition Process and Competitive Bidding 03:39 Emerald's International Expansion Strategy 06:46 InsureTech Insights Acquisition 09:50 Conclusion and Future Outlook
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/35744515
info_outline
Ep. 60—Celebrating Excellence at the NYIAEE 2024 King's Glove Awards Luncheon with MetroMultimedia CEO Bruno Giaccio & More
11/14/2024
Ep. 60—Celebrating Excellence at the NYIAEE 2024 King's Glove Awards Luncheon with MetroMultimedia CEO Bruno Giaccio & More
In this special episode of the Trade Show Talk podcast, host Danica Tormohlen celebrates the achievements of the 2024 King's Glove Award recipient, Bruno Giaccio, CEO of Metro Multimedia. Recorded at the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Awards Luncheon at the Javits Center in New York, the episode features interviews with several industry leaders including Alan Steel, CEO of the Javits Center; Abby Nero, Regional VP for Map Your Show; Mike Fiorentino, President of Rev Up; Tom Malek, EVP of Client Experience for T3 Expo; and , EVP, New York City Tourism + Conventions. The podcast also highlights the activities and impact of the New York IAEE chapter, emphasizing professional development, networking, and the importance of getting involved. Additionally, the episode includes a segment with Tommy Goodwin, VP of the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance, discussing the implications of the recent election results on the trade show industry. 00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk Podcast 01:01 Upcoming Events and Sponsor Acknowledgements 01:36 Special Episode from IAEE Awards Luncheon 03:38 Interview with Bruno Giacchio 04:32 Bruno's Reflections and Industry Insights 06:48 Legacy and Mentorship in the Trade Show Industry 12:51 Innovations and Future of AV in Events 27:05 Empowering Women in the Industry 27:50 Reflecting on the Pandemic and Industry Challenges 29:52 Honoring Industry Leaders and Achievements 31:02 Sustainability and Innovation at Javits Center 35:58 Navigating the Pandemic and Future Strategies 40:26 Leadership and Legacy at Javits Center 46:34 Insights from the Trade Show Industry 01:01:24 Community Building and Networking 01:02:41 Advice for Young Professionals 01:04:06 Path to the Board 01:06:11 Volunteering with Girls on the Run 01:08:42 Interview with Mike Florentino 01:18:20 Interview with Kelly Curtin 01:32:42 Public Policy Issues with Tommy Goodwin 01:39:26 Conclusion and Farewell
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/33929272
info_outline
Ep. 59 - Leading IMEX Group: In Conversation with CEO Carina Bauer
10/17/2024
Ep. 59 - Leading IMEX Group: In Conversation with CEO Carina Bauer
Trade Show Talk Podcast Host Danica Tormohlen interviews Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, at the IMEX America 2024 event in Las Vegas. They cover Bauer's career journey from her first IMEX Frankfurt show in 2003 to overcoming challenges like digital transformation and sustainability. They discuss empowering teams to stay ahead of trends by attending various events, experimenting with new technologies, and enhancing customer experiences with innovations like Blue Dot technology for Google Maps-style navigation on the show floor. Strategic conversations around attendee engagement were highlighted, noting the increase in pre-scheduled meetings and attendance despite impacts from Hurricane Milton. Plans for future events at Mandalay Bay through 2027 are confirmed, and Bauer’s upcoming engagements include attending a Brand USA event in London and preparing for next year’s goals. Plus, we are introducing a new segment to Trade Show Talk where we discuss the latest public policy issues impacting our industry with Tommy Goodwin, VP of the . Our goal to inform event professionals about ECA’s work on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, and in state houses and city halls nationwide, to advocate for public policies that will allow the exhibitions and conferences industry—which employs 2.6 million Americans and drives $399 billion in spending annually—to continue to serve as growth engines for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and communities nationwide. In this episode, we talk all about the November 5th election in the U.S. Goodwin shared insight on the recent launch of , a one-stop resource for everything the business events industry needs to know about the November 2024 election. Our guest: Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group Bauer is passionate about the business events sector and its impact on the world, taking a particular interest in issues around sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and mentoring the leaders of tomorrow. She also takes a keen interest in leadership development, and organizational best practice and culture. Throughout her career, Bauer has been an active member of the meetings industry. She’s past chair of the AEO Council (2021-2023) and the EIA (2021-2022), as well as past president of the SITE Foundation (2020). She previously served on the Board of the MPI UK Chapter and on global committees for MPI and PCMA. Bauer is the proud recipient of a number of industry awards including the SITE Richard Ross Past Presidents’ Award (2022), PCMA Wayfinder Award (2021) and ICCA Inspirational Women Awards (2018). In 2023, she was inducted into the Events Industry Council Hall of Leaders. Earlier this year, she received AEO’s Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award. Appointed CEO of IMEX Group in 2009 following the expansion of IMEX into America, Bauer has been part of the IMEX team since the very beginning, joining in 2002 as marketing and operations director with the original launch team. She enjoys spending time with her family (she’s a mother to two boys) and traveling for work and pleasure. She is an adventure sports enthusiast with a particular love for climbing and skiing. In her spare time, Bauer works with a variety of local charities and is chair of the Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation—using the power of football to help people get active, learn and stay well throughout Sussex. Connect with her on LinkedIn or email at Our guest: Tommy Goodwin, VP of Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) Thomas F. (Tommy) Goodwin is the Vice President of the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), an umbrella association of leading professional, industry, and labor organizations that represent the unified advocacy voice of the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA’s efforts on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, show and event organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the business events sector. Prior to joining ECA, he spent more than 20 years leading a wide range of government relations and public affairs efforts for several globally recognized organizations, including Oracle, AARP, and the Project Management Institute (PMI). He was also a research fellow at Harvard Business School focused on the international political and legal environment in which businesses operate. Recognized by The Hill as one of Washington, DC’s “Top Lobbyists” each year since 2020, he was also named a Leading Association Lobbyist by CEO Update in 2023, an Association Innovation Leader by DCA Live in 2022, and and one of the Top 21 in 2021 advocacy leaders by The Advocacy Association. Within the business events industry, he received the 2022 Industry Support award from TSNN and was named a 2022 Changemaker by MeetingsNet. He has a B.B.A. from The George Washington University, an M.B.A. from Auburn University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in European Union Law from King’s College London. He also holds a Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), where he is an ASAE Fellow, a Project Management Professional certification from PMI, and a Certified Meeting Professional certification from the Events Industry Council. He is a past president of the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics and a past chair of ASAE’s Advocacy Council. Connect with him on LinkedIn . Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Group Content, Meetings, Sports, Travel for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees content for , , and . These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event, association meeting, experiential marketing and exhibition industries. Tormohlen currently serves as president of the North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA, DI and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few.
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/33485122
info_outline
Ep. 58 — Experience & Exhibit Builder Perspective: CREW XP President & CEO Chris Griffin Talks Advocacy, Ownership & Association Leadership
09/09/2024
Ep. 58 — Experience & Exhibit Builder Perspective: CREW XP President & CEO Chris Griffin Talks Advocacy, Ownership & Association Leadership
In this episode of Trade Show Talk, host Danica welcomed Chris Griffin, President and CEO of , a company that has been providing trade show labor and event services since 1994. He shared his career journey—starting from his first job at Putnam Investments in college to becoming a sales executive at Skyline in Dallas and eventually a business owner. He talked about his company's specialization in turnkey exhibit solutions for other exhibit houses and experiential agencies, highlighting their operations in Orlando, Fla., and Las Vegas. Discussion topics included the industry's response to the pandemic, challenges with labor and cost, visa delays affecting international participation, and the importance of choosing the right business focus. Finally, he offered advice for first-time entrepreneurs, based on his 20+ years of experience as a business owner. Join Griffin at the on Sept. 26 at Chateau Elan in Braselton, GA. The golf tournament is a fundraiser to help families in the exhibition industry who have suffered severe tragedies or face insurmountable medical expenses. Since its inception in 1995, the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classics have provided more than $2 million in assistance to more than . Donate or apply for assistance . Our guest: Chris Griffin, President and CEO, CREW XP Chris Griffin is the President and CEO of , a provider of turnkey exhibit solutions and logistical support. With more than 25 years in the trade show and experiential marketing industry, Griffin is a distinguished leader and advocate. He has authored numerous online and instructor-led courses, training thousands of industry professionals. He has served for a decade on the board of the , including two years as President, and currently holds positions on the Board of Directors for the (EDPA) and as Secretary/Treasurer of the (ECA). A respected industry advocate on Capitol Hill, Griffin is also an active trainer and lecturer, teaching trade show courses at the University of Central Florida and advising the Orange County Convention Center’s Intern Training Program. Under his leadership, CREW XP continues to excel in providing innovative solutions across major event cities in the U.S., with fabrication facilities in Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla. Griffin is also the host the , featuring interviews on business fundamentals that help experiential agencies and exhibitors. Connect with him on LinkedIn . Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Group Content, Meetings, Sports, Travel for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees content for , , and . These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event, association meeting, experiential marketing and exhibition industries. Tormohlen currently serves as president of the North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA, DI and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few. Thanks to our sponsor Connect Marketplace: Where Events Business Get Done. Connect Marketplace is hosting five regional events this fall and winter in Seattle, Los Angeles, Greenville, SC, Frisco, TX and Washington DC. Don't miss your opportunity to join passionate event experts for unparalleled networking, one-on-one business meetings, and inspiring education sessions. Find out more at
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/32969982
info_outline
Ep. 57 - Driving Digital Transformation at Exhibitions: Insights from RX Chief Digital Product Officer Gaby Appleton
07/25/2024
Ep. 57 - Driving Digital Transformation at Exhibitions: Insights from RX Chief Digital Product Officer Gaby Appleton
Gaby Appleton joined Trade Show Talk to share her experience as Chief Digital Product Officer at , a public company that produces more than 400 events in 22 countries. In this newly created position that she’s now held for three years, Appleton and her team have been building and commercializing digital products that enhance the value of RX events, by connecting buyers and sellers across 43 different industry sectors. With more than 20 years of experience in product development, sales and marketing, digital transformation and strategy, she told us she loves tackling complex problems. In fact during the pandemic, she led the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) Covid-19 contact tracing app, which was the second-most downloaded free app in the UK in 2020 with 30 million users. At RX, she has overseen the rollout of the company’s own registration system , the mobile badge-scanning app and an to analyze their results and improve their performance. Most recently, RX introduced , where visitors can capture information about RX exhibitors, sponsors, and their products by scanning Colleqt QR codes at exhibitor booths and at product feature zones with their mobile phones. We talked about the company’s digital strategy and execution. She shared insight on how and when RX determines whether to build proprietary systems vs. buy services from vendors. Find out the scoop on what’s working to increase adoption and engagement of RX’s digital products. Our guest: Gaby Appleton, Chief Digital Product Officer for RX Appleton is a customer-focused digital leader, with board- and C-level experience with more than 20 years of experience in product development, sales and marketing, digital transformation and strategy, gained at RELX, Procter & Gamble, the NHS and McKinsey. She also serves as a non-executive director at LSL plc, one of the UK’s largest providers of services to mortgage brokers, estate agents and lenders. She helps organizations find data-driven ways to serve customers better, and to grow revenues as a result. She loves tackling complex problems, working in networked and global environments, and building empowered teams with high levels of trust and collaboration. She holds a BA from Cambridge University in Natural Sciences, and in her spare time she plays touch rugby and tries to improve her DJ skills. Our sponsor: Connect Marketplace Connect Marketplace: Where Events Business Get Done. Connect Marketplace is headed to Milwaukee from August 27 to 29. Don't miss your opportunity to join thousands of passionate event experts from around the globe for unparalleled networking, one-on-one business meetings, innovative education sessions, and a dynamic tradeshow overflowing with the latest event solutions. Find out more at Connectmeetings.com
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/32295497
info_outline
Ep. 56 - Transforming Live Events: Freeman CEO Bob Priest-Heck Reflects on Innovation, Leadership & the Future of the Events Industry
06/21/2024
Ep. 56 - Transforming Live Events: Freeman CEO Bob Priest-Heck Reflects on Innovation, Leadership & the Future of the Events Industry
Bob Priest-Heck joined Trade Show Talk to share his experience as CEO of , a privately owned global events company that employs more than 4,500. As he prepares to step down from his role on June 28 after 15 years at Freeman and six years at the helm, Priest-Heck reflected on the risks and rewards of his career that spans more than 35 years in the events industry. We talked about the early days when he was on the show management side and had a front-row seat to launching and producing massive tech events during the Internet boom. Under his leadership at Freeman, the company was recognized by , and . He shared insight on succession planning, design thinking and the transformation of live events post-pandemic. Find out the scoop on what’s next for his gap year. Our guest: Bob Priest-Heck, CEO & Board Member, Priest-Heck is known as a visionary leader of people and events. His extensive experience across industries, technologies, and geographies brings a forward-thinking view to people development, business strategy, and the industry at large. Under his leadership, Forbes recognized Freeman as #4 in the Best Employers for Women and also as a Best Large Employer, AdAge listed Freeman as the world’s largest global event marketing company in their World’s 50 Largest Agency Companies list, and Chief Marketer named Freeman to its Top Marketing Agencies of 2022. An advocate of design thinking, Priest-Heck inspires by demonstrating innovation, made possible in a diverse and risk-tolerant environment. He encourages and motivates employees to integrate and optimize new technologies, championing Freeman’s vision to transform the world of live engagements. Priest-Heck has always worked at the forefront of innovation in the events industry. In the emergence of digital technology, he managed and created specialized trade events for early internet developers. He was a contributor when the first user-friendly web browser, Mosaic, was relaunched as Netscape Navigator. He moved to Japan to unveil the first major tech event produced outside of the U.S., NetWorld+Interop, and built a market for disruptive technology events. He helped host the first JavaOne conference for developers while working with Sun Microsystems, acted as an executive coach to Google leadership, consulted UBM (now Informa) on key acquisitions, and helped Dwell magazine expand its media platform into the new world of brand experiences. Priest-Heck continues in the spirit of transformation and is respected for his progressive efforts in technology, advocacy, sustainability, and safety. He is optimistic about the future of the events industry and its evolution as the world’s markets change. At the forefront of the pandemic, Bob brought together over 80 industry leaders to form Go LIVE Together, facilitating legislative action to support the industry. This effort lives on as the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), for which Bob serves as a board member. He also collaborated with John Cordier, CEO of Epistemix, on the creation of EnVision, a conference that brings together top health officials, scientific experts, and industry executives. Most recently, Priest-Heck was part of the CEO advisory group that launched the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP26. Additionally, he has been honored among BizBash’s 2021 Most Influential Event Management & Consulting Professionals, received the 2021 Catalyst Award from Smart Meetings as an agent of change in the meetings industry, and was named by Meetings Today as one of the top twenty 2020 Meetings Trendsetters, recognizing those who stepped up when the industry needed them most. Through Priest-Heck’s leadership, Freeman continues to transform live events, working as a team to reshape experiences — virtual, in-person, or integrated — that unite people for the moments that matter, no matter the format or timeframe. Related:
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/31837582
info_outline
Ep. 55—Elli Riley, VP, HIMSS, for Informa Markets: From Association to Independent Organizer
05/02/2024
Ep. 55—Elli Riley, VP, HIMSS, for Informa Markets: From Association to Independent Organizer
Elli Riley joined Trade Show Talk to share her experience as the VP, HIMSS Global Conference & Exhibition, for Informa Markets. Riley joined the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) in December 2002 and has more than 28 years of experience in the meetings industry. Last summer, the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition was acquired by public company Informa, and Riley joined the Informa team in September 2023. Today Riley is the business lead for the HIMSS Global Conference & Exhibition and oversees the marketing, sales, content and operations teams. In March, the attracted 26,800 healthcare technology professionals and 971 exhibitors across 440,066 square feet of exhibit space at the in Orlando, Fla. We talked about moving from the association to the independent organizer side. She shared insight on what was new at this year’s trade show — the first to be produced under Informa’s ownership. Our guest Elli joined the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) in December 2002 and has more than 28 years of experience in the meetings industry. While at HIMSS, Elli successfully managed the growth of the annual conference exhibition, which doubled in size and number of exhibitors and sponsorships during her tenure at association. She was also part of the core team that launched two of the HIMSS international conferences in Europe and Asia. Last summer, the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition was acquired by Informa, and Elli joined the Informa team in September of last year. After making the move from the association to the independent organizer side, today Elli is the business lead for the HIMSS Global Conference and oversees the marketing, sales, content and operations teams. In March, the attracted 26,800 healthcare technology professionals and 971 exhibitors across 440,066 sq. ft. at the in Orlando, Fla. Elli has a B.S. from Ball State University where she majored in Communications with a minor in Public Relations and is currently seeking her masters degree. She grew up in northeast Indiana and now resides outside Nashville, TN with her husband, two children and two pups. Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Content for . In her role, she oversees content for , and . These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event and exhibition industries. Tormohlen currently serves on the executive committee for the North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few. Thank you to our sponsor! What if you could prove your event is working with hard facts and learn how to make it even better? With Zenus’s Ethical Vision AI, you can protect your budget and have detailed reporting. Learn how that’s all possible at
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/31085728
info_outline
Ep. 54—Honeycomb Strategies CEO Lindsay Arell: Pioneering Sustainability in Live Events
04/18/2024
Ep. 54—Honeycomb Strategies CEO Lindsay Arell: Pioneering Sustainability in Live Events
Lindsay Arell joined Trade Show Talk to share her experience as the CEO of , a consulting firm she launched in 2009 to provide innovative sustainable operational strategies for the hospitality, sports and events industry. Today some of her clients include: SoFi Stadium, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Informa, Emerald, Freeman and VISIT DENVER. In April 2024, she was also appointed chief sustainability officer of , a venue management company that operates more than 350 convention centers, arenas, stadiums and theaters around the globe. We talked about her ambitious plans to execute a portfolio-wide framework for reaching sustainability goals like diverting more than 50% of waste overall and eliminating front-of-house single-use plastic by 2025. She shared insight on sustainability trends and challenges right now and what’s meaningful when it comes to event and venue certification. Find out why she thinks sustainability has (finally) shifted from obligation to opportunity in 2024. Our guest Lindsay Arell has been pioneering sustainability efforts for the live event industry for two decades for professional sports teams, venues and events of all kinds. She began her career in the industry in 2003 as event manager at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. She also worked at Freeman before returning to the Colorado Convention Center as the country’ s first Sustainability Manager for a convention center. Her first big event was the Democratic National Convention, in which the Denver mayor had the goal for the most “sustainable convention in history.” After that success, she launched Honeycomb Strategies in 2009. Honeycomb Strategies is a consulting firm devoted to innovative and sustainable operation strategies for the hospitality, sports, and events industry. Going beyond the environment, the company approaches sustainability as an opportunity to engage and create community. Rather than a checklist, they work with partners to understand their goals, priorities, and impacts of today and for the future. Today some of her clients include: SoFi Stadium, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Informa, Emerald, Freeman, and VISIT DENVER. In 2022, Arell was tapped to led the development of the ASM Global Acts Sustainability Plan, an ambitious, portfolio-wide framework for reaching sustainability goals for the world’s largest venue manager. . In April 2024, she was appointed chief sustainability officer (CSO) for ASM Global. Arell is past Chair of the Event Industry Council Sustainability Committee. She is based in Crested Butte, Colo. Her LinkedIn profile is available . Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Content for . In her role, she oversees content for , and . These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event and exhibition industries. Tormohlen currently serves on the executive committee for the North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few. Thank you to our sponsor! What if you could prove your event is working with hard facts and learn how to make it even better? With Zenus’s Ethical Vision AI, you can protect your budget and have detailed reporting. Learn how that’s all possible at
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/30883198
info_outline
Ep. 53 - In Conversation with U.S. Travel Association President & CEO Geoff Freeman
04/04/2024
Ep. 53 - In Conversation with U.S. Travel Association President & CEO Geoff Freeman
U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman joined Trade Show Talk to share his experience as the leading advocate for the $1.1 trillion U.S. travel and hospitality industry. In this role since September 2022, Freeman talked about recent lobbying wins, including the — welcome news for business events, with average wait times of 400 days for top markets like Mexico, Brazil, India and Columbia. We did a deep dive into the data from a that revealed international inbound travel and domestic business travel will continue to remain below pre-pandemic levels in 2024. Find out what he thinks it will take to bring back international travel to the U.S. and domestic business travel to pre-pandemic levels. Want to know more about what U.S. Travel? Here are links to recent news: Top legislative priorities at U.S. Travel’s Destination Capitol Hill (fly-in): Lower visitor visa wait times, which average 400 days for top source markets Lower customs wait times, which can reach up to two hours at peak times at major U.S. airports Fully fund the office of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism for FY 2025 Advance the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill Bio As president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, Geoff Freeman is the leading advocate for the $1.1 trillion U.S. travel and hospitality industry. In this role, Freeman is charged with ensuring the industry’s full recovery from COVID-19, positioning the industry to seize emerging opportunities in a post-pandemic market environment and further establishing travel as a vital economic force in the United States. Freeman is a seasoned association CEO with a proven track record of building successful organizations that unite member interests, grow member value, increase revenue and unlock growth opportunities. Prior to joining U.S. Travel, Freeman was president and CEO of the Consumer Brands Association, the trade association for America’s $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer products industry. During his tenure, Freeman launched a strategic campaign to transform the association into a powerful, modern advocacy organization aimed at driving growth and delivering sound regulatory and legislative outcomes that benefit industry leaders and consumers. During his tenure, Freeman grew membership by 35 percent and boosted total revenue by nearly 50 percent. Freeman joined the Consumer Brands Association after serving for five years as president and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA). In that role, Freeman led a successful effort to reform and modernize the AGA, build public support for the gaming industry and open new pathways for industry growth. Under his leadership, the AGA spearheaded a multi-year, research-driven campaign to demonstrate gaming’s broad support across the political spectrum and promote the industry’s role in spurring economic growth, job creation and tax revenues in communities across more than 40 states where gaming is legal. That campaign created the tailwinds needed to advance AGA’s signature initiative achieved under Freeman – the legalization of sports betting in the United States. While leading AGA, Freeman drove a 200 percent increase in membership and doubled association revenue. Freeman previously served as COO of the U.S. Travel Association from 2011 to 2013, helping to conceive and lead a campaign that resulted in the passage of the bipartisan Travel Promotion Act, which was hailed as “the industry’s biggest legislative victory in a decade.” In the aftermath of 9/11, Freeman created a blue-ribbon panel headed by former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge to analyze how to improve travel security without compromising travel efficiency. This effort led directly to the creation of TSA PreCheck. Both the Travel Promotion Act and TSA PreCheck demonstrate Freeman’s ability to identify industry opportunities, craft a winning policy response and drive campaigns that succeed in gaining broad support among diverse stakeholders. Freeman’s previous experience includes roles at APCO Worldwide, America’s Health Insurance Plans and Freddie Mac. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Freeman lives in Arlington, Va., with his wife and three children. His LinkedIn profile . Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Content for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees editorial for , and . These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event and exhibition industries. Tormohlen currently serves as a board member for North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few. Thank you to our sponsor! What if you could prove your event is working with hard facts and learn how to make it even better? With Zenus’s Ethical Vision AI, you can protect your budget and have detailed reporting. Learn how that’s all possible at
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/30681183
info_outline
Ep. 52 - Smith + Stone Founder Hillary Smith: Design Thinking Process for Events
03/21/2024
Ep. 52 - Smith + Stone Founder Hillary Smith: Design Thinking Process for Events
joined Trade Show Talk to share her experience as a female entrepreneur in the event industry. In 2008, Hillary co-founded Koncept Events, a destination management company (DMC) that was named an INC 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America in both 2018 and 2019. After building a client base that included Fortune 500 & 100 companies like McKinsey & Company, Bank of America, Proctor & Gamble and Nike, she sold the business in 2019 to , a DMC powerhouse that was itself acquired by PE-firm in March 2023. She talked about joining the PRA team for five years to establish a centralized function for strategy and creative within the organization’s 250+ people across 29 destinations. In 2023, she struck off on her own again and founded . Find out why she launched this new creative leadership and consulting business and how she’s empowering organizations through innovative strategic design processes. Our guest Hillary Smith, CMP, CSEP, has a passion and proven track record of leading and cultivating cultures of creative thinkers. She is an award-winning visionary who has mastered the Design Thinking Process, a method of creative problem solving used by megabrands like Starbucks, Amazon and Apple. Smith has more two decades of experience leading strategy in the meetings and events creative space. She is a true disruptor and change agent with the ability to follow through with tactical implementations. An entrepreneur at heart, Smith co-founded Koncept Events in 2008, a leading destination management company in North America. There, she designed events for many Fortune 500 & 100 companies including McKinsey & Company, Bank of America, Proctor & Gamble, and Nike. Koncept Events was named as one of the INC 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America in both 2018 and 2019. Around that time, PRA acquired Koncept Events, and Smith was brought on to establish the centralized function of Strategy and Creative within the organization of more than 250 people spanning across 29 destinations. Smith is most proud of the team she assembled and the process, tools and overall methodology that ultimately facilitate a safe space for dreamers, thinkers and doers to make an impact in an industry craving rich human experiences. In 2023, Hillary founded Smith & Stone Creative Leadership and Consulting, empowering organizations through innovative strategic design processes. Recognized as a 'creative force,' she effortlessly embodies the audience, crafting custom experiential journeys. As an inspiring speaker and coach, she delivers creative engagements and workshops on journey mapping, persona and empathy mapping. About · has an insatiable hunger for new ideas, and she brings those ideas to life with the precision and exactness of a surgeon by always leading with the “why.” This ensures business strategy and objectives are intentionally and unexpectedly woven into the events she designs. With boundless curiosity and as a true ambassador of the creative process, Smith continues to innovate alongside her team and clients as the Founder of Smith & Stone Creative Leadership & Consulting. Follow the company page on or Instagram @smithandstonecreative Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Content for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees editorial for , and . These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event and exhibition industries. Tormohlen currently serves as a board member for North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few. Thank you to our sponsor! What if you could prove your event is working with hard facts and learn how to make it even better? With Zenus’s Ethical Vision AI, you can protect your budget and have detailed reporting. Learn how that’s all possible at
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/30457633
info_outline
Ep. 51 — RX Sustainability Director Helen Sheppard: Roadmap to Net Zero
03/07/2024
Ep. 51 — RX Sustainability Director Helen Sheppard: Roadmap to Net Zero
Helen Sheppard joined Trade Show Talk to share her experience as Sustainability Director of , a public company that produces 400 events annually in 22 countries across 42 industry sectors. She’s held the position since 2022, but she joined the parent company, RELX, in 2011. She talked about RX’s , which was published on Feb. 29 and outlines how the company will reach net zero no later than 2040. Under her leadership, RX completed energy and waste reporting for 56 venues covering 141 events in 2023, and carbon footprints were completed for 10 events. Find out how she and the RX are implementing an accurate and consistent measurement and reporting system – which is no easy feat. Our guest Helen Sheppard joined RX in January 2022 to lead sustainability globally with a focus on implementing the Net Zero Carbon Events commitments. In her current role, she leads an internal Global Sustainability Council. She has launched an RX Sustainability Playbook and more recently RX’s Net Zero Pathway. She is an experienced sustainability leader, having worked at RELX for 10 years prior to joining RX. During her time with the RELX corporate responsibility team, she was responsible for human rights, engagement on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including the management of the RELX SDG Resource Centre, and advancing inclusion and diversity. She launched a flagship women in technology mentoring programme to improve diversity in the growing technology workforce. She led RELX’s modern slavery statement commitments including living wage assessments and conducted human rights due diligence for the business. She is experienced in ESG (Environmental, Social Governance) indices and benchmarks and has increased transparency in corporate reporting. Sheppard is a fellow of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability and holds an MSC in Development Studies from Birkbeck, University of London. She is an active member of the Net Zero Carbon Events taskforce. She lives in Hertfordshire with her two children, husband and two dogs. Her LinkedIn bio can be found . About RX The company produces 400 events in 22 countries across 42 industry sectors. Some of their most well-known brands include: the PGA Show for the golf industry in Orlando, the JCK Show for the jewelry industry and the , in Las Vegas, for the meetings and events industry in Barcelona, and the ISC brand - which stand for the International Security Conferences & Exhibitions, held in the USA (Las Vegas and New York), Mexico and Brazil – to name a few. On its web site, the company says: is passionate about making a positive impact on society and is fully committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 35,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges. RX Sustainability achievements so far: • Energy and waste reporting: 56 venues covering 141 events in 2023; 36 venues covering 128 events in 2022. • Carbon footprints completed of 10 events. • Production material library developed. RX goals in 2024: • Implement an accurate and consistent measurement and reporting system (carbon model) and align with RELX and RX reporting. • Improve and expand energy, waste and production data collection, prioritising events at top 30 venues. • Establish clear event-related scope 3 reporting boundaries and baseline; prepare to externally report event-related emissions and align with RELX. Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Content for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees editorial for , and . These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event and exhibition industries. Tormohlen currently serves as a board member for North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few. Thank you to our sponsor! What if you could prove your event is working with hard facts and learn how to make it even better? With Zenus’s Ethical Vision AI, you can protect your budget and have detailed reporting. Learn how that’s all possible at
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/30258888
info_outline
Ep. 50 – In Conversation with BlueHive Group President Caitlyn Correia
02/22/2024
Ep. 50 – In Conversation with BlueHive Group President Caitlyn Correia
Caitlyn Correia joined Trade Show Talk to share her experience as President of a private, family-owned corporation that serves as the parent company for BlueHive Exhibits, Continental Woodcraft, Trigon Creative and Lime I&D Services. She’s held the position of president since 2021, but she got her start in the industry a number of years ago. She talked about growing up in the industry, as the third generation of a professional trade show family. Under her leadership, BlueHive is set to have its best year yet, serving 150 clients at 1,000 events across the globe in 2024. Last summer, the company expanded its operations by opening a facility in Las Vegas. As we prepare to head to the ExhibitorLIVE in Nashville, Correira gave us a sneak peek into BlueHive’s presence at the trade show. Our guest As the third generation of a professional trade show family, Caitlyn Correia has been in the industry all her life. Caitlyn was first exposed to the exhibit industry at age four when her father started bringing her to work at the family-owned business and continued to learn about and work in the family company during summer vacations as she grew. After graduating from Endicott College with a BS in Sports Management and an MBA, Caitlyn recognized her passions for working with people and brands and for bringing conceptual ideas and design to life with tangible experiences and event settings, and officially joined the BlueHive Group in a professional manner. During her years at BlueHive, Caitlyn has held a position in almost every department of the company; from the shop where exhibits and event structures are built, to accounting, account management and client services, and marketing. These roles submerged her in the day-to-day operations of the trade show world and the marketing industry, readying her for her current role as President of BlueHive Group and affiliate brand BlueHive Exhibits. As President, Caitlyn oversees the daily operations of the entire BlueHive Group organization and affiliate brands. Along with the CEO, it’s her responsibility to ensure BlueHive Group is following its mission, policies, and procedures, keeping BlueHive relevant, competitive, corporately responsible and financially responsible, as well as supporting innovation and growth in BlueHive Group services and capabilities. Caitlyn is renowned for her keen attention to detail, flexibility to work with different aspects of the company and exceptional interpersonal skills. Her infectious smile is a mainstay of the Hive. Her LinkedIn bio can be found . Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Content for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees editorial for , and . These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event and exhibition industries. Tormohlen currently serves as a board member for North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few. Thank you to our sponsor! What if you could prove your event is working with hard facts and learn how to make it even better? With Zenus’s Ethical Vision AI, you can protect your budget and have detailed reporting. Learn how that’s all possible at
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/30069893
info_outline
Ep. 49 – In Conversation with Tahaluf CEO Mike Champion
02/08/2024
Ep. 49 – In Conversation with Tahaluf CEO Mike Champion
Mike Champion joined Trade Show Talk to share his experience as CEO of , . As head of Informa's Saudi operations and Tahaluf, he has grown revenue from $2 million per annum to projected more than $125 million in four years. How? With two of the largest B2B events in history: and . In November 2023, Cityscape Global debuted with 350 exhibitors, more than 10,000 international investors, an impressive lineup of more than 300 speakers and an astounding 160,000 visitors. After launching LEAP in 2022, the second edition of the annual tech event, dubbed the Digital Davos by Wired, took place Feb. 6-9, 2023, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Over four days last year, LEAP hosted more than 172,000 visitors, 900 exhibitors, 700 speakers from 50 countries who spoke on 11 stages, 500 start-ups and 1,026 investors. With LEAP and Deep Fest 2024 set for March 4-7 — about 4 weeks out — Champion told us registrations are tracking 3X higher than they were last year at this point, and he’s excited about the fact that 53% of attendees are international. In December, Tahaluf announced plans to launch 20 new sectors-specific trade and consumer events in the Kingdom within 18 months. . Find out how he is recruiting and ramping the team at Tahaluf to support the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objective to become a truly diverse economy in six years, creating high-value employment opportunities for Saudi citizens. Champion shares the company’s ambitious plans to leverage Informa's global expertise to create a world-class events sector in the Kingdom to advance economic diversification, provide access to new markets for international businesses, attract foreign investment and support the modernization of business activity in Saudi Arabia. Our guest Mike Champion is CEO of Tahaluf, a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund (EIF). Champion is Co-Creator of LEAP and @HACK (Now Black Hat MEA) — two of the most exciting and large-scale tech events in the Middle East, with extensive experience in commercial conferences and large scale exhibitions. As head of Informa's Saudi operations and Tahaluf, he has grown revenue from $2 million per annum to projected more than $125 million in four years. And the team has won multiple awards, including: 🏆 Best International Show (Middle East and Africa) for LEAP - AEO Excellence Awards 2023 🏆 Best International Conference for LEAP - AEO Excellence Awards 2023 🏆 Organiser Team of the Year for Black Hat MEA - AEO Excellence Awards 2023 🏆 Best Marketing Campaign for LEAP - Middle East Event Awards 2023 🏆 Leading The Way - Regional IM Awards Winner 2023 🏆 Moving Mountains Award for KSA Tech - Regional IM Awards Winner 2023 🏆 Best Marketing Campaign for LEAP - Middle East Event Awards 2022 🏆 Marketing Campaign of the Year - Best in Biz Awards 2022 🏆 Best Tech Event - Stevie® Awards 2022 🏆 Best B2B Event - Stevie® Awards 2022 🏆 Best Launch Event - Stevie® Awards 2022 🏆 Best Conference - Stevie® Awards 2022 🏆 Best Exhibition Experience - Stevie® Awards 2022 🏆 Event of the Year - Best in Biz Awards 2022 🏆 Best Marketing Campaign for @Hack - Regional IM Awards Winner 2021 🏆 'Fresher Thinking' Award for the @Hack Marketing Campaign - Global IM Awards Winner 2021 He has worked in the events industry since 2010, getting his start at an organization called IQPC, a global producer of more than 1,500 events annually around the world. In 2016, he joined the Dubai World Trade Centre as the Director - Exhibitions, where he worked for more than three years. Champion joined Informa in 2019 when he was appointed Regional EVP - MEA Informa Markets, in Saudi Arabia. In January 2023, he was named CEO of Tahaluf. He has more than 13 years experience working throughout the Middle East, North and West Africa, and developing a deep contact network. In January 2024, published a feature story on Saudi Arabia's ambitions to become a regional hub as part of its , and how innovation across the region is creating opportunities for growth and collaboration. , Group Director at , and , Vice President at , were featured on the cover of the January issue talking about the first edition of Saudi Arabia, and how the kingdom is quickly becoming a global events hub. Want to know more? Check out these YouTube videos: His LinkedIn bio can be found . Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Content for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees editorial for , and . These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event and exhibition industries. Tormohlen currently serves as a board member for North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few. Thank you to our sponsor for supporting this content! What if you could prove your event is working with hard facts and learn how to make it even better? With Zenus’s Ethical Vision AI, you can protect your budget and have detailed reporting. Learn how that’s all possible at
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/29862988
info_outline
Ep. 48: In Play: Toy Association EVP Global Market Events Kimberly Carcone
01/26/2024
Ep. 48: In Play: Toy Association EVP Global Market Events Kimberly Carcone
Ep. 48 – In Play: Toy Association EVP Global Market Events Kimberly Carcone EVP Global Market Events Kimberly Carcone joined Trade Show Talk to share her experience overseeing the association’s flagship event, . In 2023, the 118th Toy Fair returned last fall to New York City for the first time since 2020. Held at Javits Center, Toy Fair 2023 attracted about 20,000 attendees to see tens of thousands of products on display by 1,021 exhibiting companies, including nearly 400 first-time exhibitors. The trade show brought buyers from nearly 100 countries together to shop, explore, and see the latest trends and innovations in toys and play across the equivalent of nearly eight football fields filled with toys and games. Carcone shared insight into why the association’s leaders looked to move to New Orleans but then ultimately decided to remain in New York after the announcement of the move was met with strong feelings of tradition and enduring memories of toy business conducted in New York. Find out how she and her team worked closely with Javits to confirm the first available opening in 2025. The next Toy Fair will be held March 1-4, 2025 at Javits Center. The show has confirmed dates in February in both 2026 and 2027. Our guest Kimberly Carcone, Executive Vice President, Global Market Events joined the Toy Association in September of 2007. She has more than 30 years of experience in non-profit and corporate management, event development and execution, sales, marketing, and publishing, in both New York City and Washington, DC. Carcone is a seasoned professional who has succeeded in numerous industries including performing arts & cultural affairs, interior design & architecture, hospitality, travel, pharmaceutical, the legal arena and for the past 17 years, the toy industry. Prior to joining the Toy Association, Carcone served in various leadership positions at ALM Events, a division of American Lawyer Media, E.W. Williams Publications, Miller Freeman, Inc., VNU Business Media, The American Society of Interior Designers and the NYS Council on the Arts for the City of Long Beach. She is a founding member of the Women in Exhibitions North America Chapter, has served on the NYIAEE Board of Directors and was recently named Vice Chair of the newly created UFI North America Chapter. Kimberly currently serves on the Jacob K Javits Customer Advisory Board, the NYC&Co. Tradeshow & Events Committee, UFI Global Congress Advisory Board, Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Advisory Board, and United Inventors Association Advisory Board. She studied Association Management at the George Washington University in Washington DC and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Buffalo State University. In addition to her professional pursuits, Carcone has been a producer of anindependent film, a breeder of thoroughbred racehorses, is a strong supporter of the Arts and remains an avid beach lover. Her LinkedIn bio can be found .
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/29664198
info_outline
Ep. 47 – CEO John Hense: Combining & Growing Nth Degree & Fern Expo
01/11/2024
Ep. 47 – CEO John Hense: Combining & Growing Nth Degree & Fern Expo
Last June, and its PE owners, , bought . John Hense, who joined Nth Degree in 2018 as CFO and was elevated to CEO in late 2021, now serves as CEO over both companies. Hense brings 20 years in leadership roles in growth-oriented companies. His previous three leadership roles were technology-focused with logistics-intensive companies, including Flash Global Logistics, Diligent Delivery Systems and most recently Ship Supply. In this episode of Trade Show Talk, Hense shared his experience as a leader with PE-owned companies from outside the industry and how he’s putting those skills to use in the event and trade show sector. He and Podcast Host Danica Tormohlen talked about the recent acquisition and integration of Fern Expo. Context: Nth degree serves its clients at more than 13,000 event and trade show projects annually while Fern Expo services more than 1,400 events annually, including many top 100 shows and dozens of Fortune 500 companies. Hense told us Nth Degree has doubled its revenues and events since 2019 by implementing technology and a new lead strategy. He talked about how he sees a similar growth trajectory with Fern Expo over the next few years. Find out how the general services contracting company is expanding its services to achieve this aggressive goal. Our guest As CEO of Nth Degree and Fern Expo, John is laser-focused on customer experience and improving it through the initiatives the leadership team takes on. He brings to the role 20 years in leadership roles in growth-oriented companies. His previous three leadership roles were in logistics-intensive companies with a heavy technology focus—Flash Global Logistics (where he was also COO), Diligent Delivery Systems, and most recently Ship Supply. He joined Nth Degree in 2018 as CFO and became CEO in late 2021. He originally comes from Alberta, Canada but lives in Atlanta. John is an active outdoorsman, whitewater kayaker, scuba diver and woodworker. His LinkedIn bio can be found .
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/29443188
info_outline
Ep. 46 – Marsha Flanagan on Taking the Helm as IAEE President & CEO
12/14/2023
Ep. 46 – Marsha Flanagan on Taking the Helm as IAEE President & CEO
After 11 years with the (IAEE), was promoted to president and CEO in November, and she officially took the helm on Dec. 1, during the move-in of the association’s largest event of the year. In this episode of Trade Show Talk, Flanagan shared her experience as a 25+ year association professional. She and Podcast Host Danica Tormohlen talked about the recent IAEE Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition, dubbed The Show for Shows. Held Dec. 5-7 at the , Expo!Expo! 2023 grew year over year, attracting 1,900+ industry professionals (pending verified audit), compared with 1,476 in 2022, and 241 exhibitors in 35,500 net square feet, compared with 233 exhibitors in nearly 31,000 net square feet in 2022. In her first podcast as IAEE president and CEO, Flanagan told us the IAEE team beat all the event’s goals set by its board of directors. While the numbers are still being crunched, Expo!Expo! 2023 might be one of the association’s largest trade shows in terms of revenue on record, she revealed. We also talked about: Her decision to apply for the position and the support from her family How she ended up in the event industry after deciding law school wasn’t the right career path for her What it means to her to be the first woman to lead the 95-year-old association whose members are 65%+ female How and why the association deployed new event tech, like Zenus, to improve the attendee experience with data-driven metrics What’s first on her agenda as she begins her new role: Filling her previous position, succession planning and restructuring Reflections on achievements in 2023 and challenges as the industry gets set to begin 2024 What she learned from her predecessor, David DuBois, and how she plans to create a culture of belonging, passion and purpose Our guest As IAEE’s president, Flanagan is responsible for the management of IAEE’s full-time professional staff, producing the annual business operating plan and budget, overseeing the support of all meetings of governance units, leading business development, directing fundraising efforts, advocating for the industry and the organization’s members, providing organizational leadership and strategic counsel to the board. Also, she serves as the association’s representative with industry coalitions, partner organizations and strategic alliances. Prior to joining IAEE, Flanagan was the Director of Content Strategy and Development at the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), where she was responsible for steering strategy and the development and delivery of all PPAI professional development and editorial offerings. Flanagan spent 6 years in the medical industry serving in various roles overseeing operations, purchasing, revenue cycle management, marketing and business development. Flanagan began her career with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and spent 12 years in various roles including Executive Vice President of Professional Development where she oversaw operations, including all strategic partnerships, the design and delivery of all professional development offerings and meetings management. She was named one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry by Successful Meetings in 2017 and named to BizBash’s Inaugural Top 500 in the Events Industry in 2018 and 2019. In 2021, she was listed in Meetings Today as a 2021 Trendsetter. In 2021, she obtained her GBAC Trained Technician Certificate of Completion from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA. Flanagan received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University and her master’s in education from the University of Arkansas specializing in Meeting, Tourism and Recreation Management. She obtained her Certified in Exhibition Management designation in 2021. Flanagan is a 5th generation Texan, loves sports and the outdoors and spending time with family.
/episode/index/show/tradeshowtalk/id/29076923