Who’s moving up at event-related organizations and companies throughout the global trade show industry? Take a look at our latest roundup of people news to help you stay in the know. 

The Opus Group

Global experiential agency network The Opus Group has named Kim Kopetz as its new president and CEO. Bringing more than 25 years of experience to her role, Kopetz will lead all The Opus Group’s brands — Opus Agency, MAS, TENCUE and Verve. She succeeds Mitch Barns, who has been CEO since April 2021 and will remain a board member. 

A long-time leader in the corporate events and experiential brand marketing industry, Kopetz first joined Opus in 1998 and has excelled in a wide variety of roles that have touched nearly every part of the business. In June 2020, she was named president of Opus Agency, and in October 2022, became president and COO of The Opus Group.

Cvent 

Meetings, events and hospitality technology provider Cvent has appointed Andreas Heckmann as its new chief customer officer, responsible for leading Cvent’s global client services organization with a focus on customer experience and client satisfaction. 

Bringing nearly 25 years of SaaS-based client experience to his new role, Heckmann most recently served as executive vice president of customer solution support and innovation at SAP, where he played a pivotal role in guiding SAP through the crucial transition from on-premise software to cloud solutions and leading the integration and transformation of all of SAP’s cloud acquisitions and SaaS/PaaS solutions.   

Event Leaders Exchange 

The Event Leaders Exchange (ELX), an invite-only community for global heads of events from the world’s largest corporations, appointed Nicola Kastner as its new CEO. 

Renowned for her expertise in event marketing strategy, Kastner brings a wealth of experience and accolades to her leadership role at ELX. Most recently, she was the founder of The Event Strategist, a boutique event strategy advisory firm, and before that, held various roles on both the brand and agency sides of the business, including as global vice president of event marketing strategy for SAP.  

As CEO, Kastner will spearhead ELX’s strategic direction, enhancing its global presence and reinforcing its position as a thought leader in the event industry. She will also focus on expanding ELX’s exclusive member base, maintaining the intimate and collaborative nature of the community while introducing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

ASM Global 

Global venue and event strategy and management company ASM Global has appointed Steve Rader as the new general manager for the Anchorage Convention Centers, comprising the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center and the William A. Egan Civic and Convention Center, which have been managed by ASM Global since 2000. 

A seasoned leader with nearly two decades of experience in the Alaskan hospitality and events space, Rader most recently served as general manager of the Lakefront Anchorage and the McCormick Scottsdale hotels, and before that, as general manager of the Hilton Anchorage. He has also held various leadership positions with Anchorage Marriott Downtown, WeTravel and Holland America. 

CSI DMC 

CSI DMC promoted Cara Pratt to chief business development officer, tasked with working with the destination management company’s 14 regional offices to help create a unified and cohesive business development strategy. 

A destination management professional for more than 12 years, Pratt previously served CSI DMC as vice president of business development and became a partner in 2018, using her extensive experience in planning events in Boston to help grow the CSI DMC team and open three new offices around New England. Prior to CSI DMC, she served as vice president of business development for Destination Partners Inc. 

Sphere Entertainment 

Live entertainment and media company Sphere Entertainment Co. welcomed 30-year creative professional Ned McNeilage as chief creative officer of the Las Vegas-based, next-generation entertainment medium Sphere.

In his new role, McNeilage will help shape Sphere’s creative and brand strategy, leading its in-house creative design studio and brand teams, and overseeing all Sphere brand strategy and creative, including content that runs on the Exosphere, the venue’s fully programmable LED exterior, featuring artistic content created by Sphere and renowned artists, as well as branded content. 

Prior to joining Sphere Entertainment, McNeilage served as chief creative officer at VML, where he worked on innovative campaigns for leading brands including Microsoft, IBM and Google in addition to overseeing multiple offices. Prior to VML, he served as chief creative Officer at BBH LA. 

Iventis

Collaborative event and venue planning solutions provider Iventis welcomed Matthew Wilson to its senior leadership team as chief revenue officer. Based in the UK, he brings expertise in driving business growth and fostering strategic partnerships from his background in technology and extensive experience in the events industry. 

Prior to Iventis, Wilson served as director of sales and marketing at D2i Systems Ltd., where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s commercial strategy and led successful partnership initiatives.

Have some trade show-related people news to share? Please send announcements and high-resolution headshots to lisa.savas@informa.com.

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Ask Amy Calvert about her path to the C-suite, and she will share a common thread that has persisted throughout her professional journey: a steadfast love and respect for the human connections that business events can foster.

Calvert started her career in the hospitality sector, gaining experience working for the InterContinental Hotels Group and Loews before transitioning into the destination marketing world, serving in various leadership positions on the Visit Baltimore sales and services team for more than 15 years before taking the helm of the Events Industry Council (EIC) as its president and CEO in April 2019.

“It’s such an honor to now lead a global federation with members from every sector of the global business events industry, all connected around a shared vision of events as a catalyst for growth, advancement and positive change in support of our global society and most specifically, our workforce,” Calvert said.

A strong advocate for equitable, sustainable and responsible practices in the global business events industry and the communities it serves, Calvert works to support EIC’s mission to support the industry through advocacy, research, professional standards and recognition. Additionally, she provides strategic oversight for EIC’s Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) programs, the EIC Centre for Sustainability and Social Impact, the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) Commission, EIC Global Awards and Hall of Leaders.

We enjoyed sitting down with Calvert to hear about her first five years at EIC, how and why sustainability became a major focus for the organization and why female industry leaders are and will continue to be key in moving the sustainability needle forward.

You have served the Events Industry Council as CEO for five years now. What has leading the organization been like for you and what accomplishments are you most proud of?

It has been an extraordinary five years. A year into my role, the COVID pandemic arrived, and our $1.6 trillion industry was completely disrupted. Our Board had just completed a Vision exercise in the fall of 2019. Thankfully, we had this to anchor to as we began to navigate our role in supporting our sector and our people. Going through something of this magnitude reinforced to our leadership and members the relevance of our organization’s true purpose and ability to impact in a way that proved our relevance.

Our volunteer leaders came together through what we deemed a ‘collective consciousness’ to listen, learn, adapt and provide incredibly valuable resources and a forum for global collaboration. It was a reminder of the essence of what we do and why what we do matters so deeply. Being able to bear witness to this incredible act of generosity was a gift that I will also look back on with gratitude.

Now, we must continue to reflect on the learnings from this time to ensure we do not fall back into routines and patterns that no longer serve us well. While demand and performance remain strong compared to our industry’s high-water mark in 2019, we recognize the need to turn our vision into action and focus on building up those fierce learnings. Leading EIC during this time has been a profound honor, and I am so fortunate to have the support of an incredible Board of Directors, as well as an extraordinary group of volunteer leaders who all give so much to the organization and our shared industry.

When and why did sustainability become an important focus for EIC, and what kind of role have you played in that evolution?

It is always so interesting to me to look back on this particular journey for EIC, and it is important to acknowledge the significant contribution of so many thought leaders who continue to lead and model the way for our industry. Thanks to many incredibly inspired volunteer leaders and team members, we have been leading and evolving here for many years.

We released our first Green Meetings Task Force Report in 2004, and it was the first of its kind for the meetings industry, providing specific guidance and best practices for suppliers and planners seeking to create more sustainable events. In 2016, the Green Meeting Industry Council evolved into what is now our EIC Centre of Sustainability and Social Impact.

The Centre, with the support of the Sustainability and Social Impact Committee, has led the way for our industry in terms of providing valuable resources and standards for sustainable events and planning, including the Sustainable Event Professional Certifica­­te (SEPC) and the Sustainable Event Standards. These have become the incredibly important professional development resources, offering a framework for collaboration and a standard worldwide for sustainability and regenerative practices aligned with the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). We hope these resources and the engagement around them will build ambition and serve as a catalyst for change.

It appears that many of the leading experts and proponents of event sustainability are female – do you believe this to be true and if so, why do you think that is?

Studies continue to support that women are often more significantly impacted by issues facing our environment, particularly in areas where large portions of the population are living in marginalized communities that are under-served and at-risk. So, it is extremely important that we lend our voice with urgency to solving the most pressing challenges facing our global society.

We believe our sector is uniquely positioned to be a force for good in the world. As women rise into leadership roles in any sector, I believe we will continue to see an alignment of strategic priorities to values and purpose. In the events industry specifically, where the integration of sustainable, regenerative and inclusive practices is gaining prominence, female professionals bring a multifaceted perspective that emphasizes not only economic viability but also social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

When it comes to sustainability, where do you envision the trade show, meetings and events industry in five years?

Sustainability in trade shows and global business events is poised to undergo significant evolution, driven by an increasing awareness of environmental responsibility and a growing demand for sustainable, regenerative and inclusive practices. As businesses and consumers alike prioritize eco-conscious and socially just choices, event organizers will be compelled to integrate these values-based experience and actions into every aspect of event planning and execution. This shift will encompass various facets, including venue selection based on environmental criteria, adoption of renewable energy sources, reduction of waste through recycling and composting initiatives and incredibly meaningful community impact efforts and much more.

I’d like to see us all work together to think of this as a holistic journey we take together through a collaborative effort, to be motivated by beginning to take meaningful action without feeling responsible for solving for everything at one time alone.

What does sustainability mean to you personally?

I am incredibly honored and grateful to be in a position to help champion our sector’s values and priorities for the greater good. The most important thing for all of us to remember — and something that I try to practice daily — is the notion that each of us can live our values and lead from where we are and that often it is the daily intentions, rather than the grand gestures, of one person that can shift the course of another’s life for the better. We all have tremendous capacity to have influence when we believe in our hearts that to be true.

We indeed live in a fractured world and therefore we need more effort to engage in ways that help break down barriers, foster greater empathy and understanding and have the ambition to really drive change. Events can be an accelerator for those connections and actions. We know this discussion is more than the idea of reducing one’s carbon footprint. While that is of course a significant and important target, it’s truly about a shift in one’s mindset to leave this world in a better place than we found it.

Spring kicked off in the trade show industry with organizations and suppliers announcing key staff promotions, new hires and expanded executive teams. Check out all the seasoned industry professionals on the move in this month’s People News.

Impact XM

Impact XM elevated James Morris from senior vice president of client services to executive vice president of growth, responsible for spearheading strategic growth initiatives for the full-service event and experiential marketing agency.

In his new role, Morris will play a pivotal role in shaping Impact XM’s trajectory, spearheading initiatives to broaden market reach and foster ongoing development. Assuming oversight of the client service, new business development and marketing divisions, he will continue to lead the formulation and execution of strategic positioning, while actively contributing to the augmentation of Impact XM’s client portfolio.

VISIT Milwaukee

VISIT Milwaukee appointed Meisha Bridges as its new CFO, responsible for providing leadership in financial management, operational efficiency and strategic planning, including overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, cash management and payroll processing. She will collaborate closely with the executive team, the Board of Directors and a range of external stakeholders to ensure the CVB’s continued fiscal integrity and forward momentum. 

Prior to joining VISIT Milwaukee, Bridges served as the controller at YWCA Southeastern Wisconsin, where she spearheaded financial and IT operations. Her professional background spans various industries, including roles at Robert Half, IBVI, Baker Tilly, Johnson Controls and C&D Technologies. 

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO) welcomed Tommy Costales as its new assistant director of information technology. A seasoned professional with more than 25 years of information technology (IT) and process improvement experience, he is tasked with managing all aspects of the core technology infrastructure for the facility, including handling data networks, ensuring infrastructure security, providing server support, managing cabling and wireless setups, overseeing disaster recovery processes and managing VoIP and CCTV systems.

As the MCCNO moves forward with technology infrastructure investments as part of its $557 million five-year Capital Improvement Plan, Costales will play a key role in ensuring these investments produce improved connectivity, security and reliability for all digital services users. His career has spanned multiple high-level roles in the IT sector, including Rouses Markets, where he served as vice president of IT.

The venue also welcomed Andrew Palumbo as director of security, responsible for ensuring the safety and security of all event attendees, contractors, personnel, vendors and facility assets, as well as planning, directing and coordinating with staff and local law enforcement agencies to create and deliver highly effective public safety measures.

Previously, Palumbo spent more than 25 years with the New Orleans Police Department, and throughout his tenure, held several key leadership positions, including as Lieutenant commanding the Special Events Section in the Field Operations Bureau. Prior to that, he served as the Fifth District Investigative Unit Commander, where he led a team of dedicated officers and detectives in crime reduction efforts.

Visit Orlando

Visit Orlando has named 22-year event services industry veteran Tammy McCormick as director of destination experience, tasked with providing leadership to the destination experience team to elevate engagement with clients and further enhance their customer experience while planning and conducting meetings and conferences in Orlando.

McCormick most recently spent 14 years at ACCESS Destination Services, where she served as national director of creative, responsible for providing strategic creative direction for national and brand-wide accounts, leading the creative process for site inspections and presentations through the execution phase and collaborating with the creative team. Before that, she served as its partner/director of business development and director of sales.

Sodexo Live!

Sodexo Live! tapped 20-year hospitality industry veteran Randy Morales as general manager of food and beverage at the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC), responsible for spearheading F&B operations at the venue.

Morales joined Sodexo Live! in 2022 as a beverage consultant for the opening of the Rum Room at MBCC, and before that, worked at Mr. Hospitality Miami as a human resources manager. He previously worked for 15 years at Hillstone Restaurant Group, where he served in a variety of management roles, including as general manager and manager, in various locations including Washington, DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Napa Valley, Dallas, Texas and Coral Gables, Fla.

Visit Salt Lake

Lizzie Fillo joined Visit Salt Lake (VSL) as associate vice president of marketing, tasked with overseeing the CVB’s core marketing functions and leading strategic initiatives to develop VSL’s brand identity and narrative.

At PepsiCo UK, Lizzie served as senior marketing lead, crafting full-funnel marketing campaigns for Walkers snack portfolio. She managed multiple stakeholders, agencies and internal teams and won awards, including being shortlisted for a Media Cannes Lion and winning most effective creative by Ad Week. Prior to that, she was the digital lead in the U.K. for PepsiCo’s beverage portfolio, spearheading digital transformation focusing on social and partnerships.

VSL also welcomed Braeden Beckstrand as national sales manager, responsible for pursuing meetings with 200-2,000 attendees from organizations based in Arizona, New Mexico and the upper Midwest.

Beckstrand previously spent six years as Hotel Monaco’s group sales manager, primarily handling the corporate, sports and traveling entertainment markets. Prior to that, he worked as a sales manager at the SpringHill Suites/Courtyard by Marriott in Lehi, Utah. Since the pandemic, he has been Topgolf’s sales account manager, handling up to 25 events per day.  

Gateway Center Campus

The Gateway Center Campus, comprising the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC), Gateway Center Arena and Historic College Park Golf Course, appointed Terrin Sampey as marketing manager and graphic designer. In her new role, Sampey will oversee all graphic design initiatives and develop marketing programs to raise awareness of the campus, its facilities and partners.

Bringing creative expertise and a track record of developing compelling marketing strategies and proficiency in graphic design to her new position, she most recently served as a marketing and graphic design specialist for Georgia Correctional Industries and before that, owned and operated a graphic design and photography company.

Aluvision, a Belgium-based company that provides modular framing solutions for exhibits and events, has appointed Robert Laarhoven, an industry veteran with nearly 40 years of experience, as its corporate strategy advisor. His extensive industry background, including serving as president of beMatrix USA for eight years, will bring invaluable insights to Aluvision as it continues to expand its production and operations in the U.S. 

Co-owned by Ann Vancoillie and Dirk Deleu, the duo have worked tirelessly to cultivate a customer-oriented team as they expanded the company's physical footprint. Founded in 2003, Aluvision has experienced substantial global growth since investing in an additional production facility in the U.S. in 2013, when it opened near Atlanta. 

Recently, Aluvision tripled its production and warehousing capacity when it expanded its Georgia facility from 29,000 to 83,000 square feet. The U.S. facility now offers an expanded 6,000-sq.-ft. showroom, featuring the latest technology for customers and prospects to gain inspiration and witness Aluvision's solutions in action.

Aluvision is continuing its U.S. expansion with the upcoming grand opening of a new parts depot and showroom in Las Vegas to support customers participating in events in the area. The new facility is located about 25 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, making it convenient for exhibitors to source parts immediately while in the city for trade shows and conventions. 

Back story

"Aluvision's level of innovation, quality and commitment to customer success is unique and unmatched," said Laarhoven, who served as president of Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA), where he played a pivotal role in establishing the systems division of the association. "I am excited about working with Ann, Dirk and the management team on strategies to grow the company."

Vancoillie expressed her enthusiasm about this new collaboration, stating, "We are delighted to join forces with Robert. With shared passion and values, we look forward to joining our expertise to better serve our customers."

In his new advisory role, Laarhoven will champion the focus on the finishing touches that distinguish Aluvision.

Looking ahead

Aluvision’s innovative approach to trade show booths and event displays combines creativity, engineering expertise and manufacturing excellence to provide elegant, efficient, cost-effective and durable solutions. Aluvision employs more than 170 individuals and serves more than 3,500 partners worldwide. 

Aluvision, which became a member of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry in June, will participate in these upcoming events:

• Wonder Festival, Oct. 19-Nov. 5, Kortrijk, Belgium 
• Heavent, Nov. 14-16, Paris
• EDPA Access, Nov. 28-30, Bonita Springs, Fla.
• LDI, Dec. 3-5, Las Vegas 
• ISE, Jan 30-Feb 2, Barcelona
• Confex, Feb. 28-29, London

The trade show industry continues to ramp up, and many exhibitor-related organizations are hiring and expanding. Check out these event professionals who are assuming senior and leadership roles at exhibit-related organizations across the country. 

Exhibit Partners 

Exhibit Partners (EP), a live brand engagement agency, hired Travis Stanton as director of strategy. In this role, Stanton will lead internal marketing and brand positioning while also working directly with EP clients on strategies to help them define brand stories, optimize marketing investments and exceed corporate objectives. 

Previously, Stanton led content strategy at Exhibitor, where he served as managing editor, editor and editor-in-chief. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Travis and put his superpowers to work for us and our clients," said Exhibit Partners CEO Matt Williams. "Travis and his strategic impact will play a big role in our continuing evolution from EP's exhibit-house roots to its future as a brand storytelling agency."

Stanton has also worked as an associate producer for the Miss Universe Organization and editor of both Corporate EVENT magazine and Lavender Magazine.

“Having spent two decades researching exhibit- and event-marketing strategy — and spoken extensively on experiential design, global exhibiting trends and elevated brand experiences — I am excited to put that expertise to work for EP and its clients,” said Stanton. “I have witnessed the evolution of Exhibit Partners over the years, seen the organization’s exciting vision for the future and bonded with the incredible and experienced members of the senior leadership team. And every step along the way has made me more enthused about joining the EP team.”

Exhibitus

Exhibitus, an experiential marketing agency headquartered in Atlanta, has appointed Martin Knott as chief financial officer. As CFO, Knott will guide the company’s business strategy and financial performance.

In addition to his financial role, Knott will be responsible for the implementation and integration of technology infrastructure and financial reporting systems essential for the company’s next phase of growth.

“We are excited to have Martin join Exhibitus’ executive team,” said Exhibitus President Brad Falberg. “Currently, our company is positioned to enjoy significant growth as the industry shifts from traditional marketing methods to creating experiences that build relationships between a business and its customers. Martin’s financial acumen, as well as his wealth of knowledge about the people, processes and particularly the goals of industry-leading brands, will be instrumental in our overall success going forward.”

Knott’s experience spans more than 35 years. He served in executive roles for two major exhibit firms, first at Czarnowski Exhibit Services for 25 years and then at MC2 Exhibit Environments for seven years. During his tenure at both firms, he helped drive operational excellence, improved business performance and supported strategic growth. 

Exhibitus also appointed experiential marketing veteran Rodrigo Espinosa as its chief strategist, responsible for developing and executing strategies to expand the company’s experiential focus and create brand initiatives to support client growth nationally and internationally.  

Bringing more than 25 years of experience in experiential marketing, brand positioning, business development and net-new revenue generation, sponsorship, communications strategy, integrated marketing communications, global leadership and digital activations to his new role, Rodrigo has worked extensively in the technology, automotive and consumer goods sectors, building innovative brand experiences for industry-leading companies. 

Exhibitus’ clients include Acuity, AGCO, ConvaTec, Georgia Pacific, Delta TechOps, Kawneer, LaVazza, Lexus, Mimaki, Sandvik, Snowflake, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions and Unifi.

Freeman

Freeman has promoted Tamara Lelyk to senior director, labor and employee relations. Previously, she served as director, labor and employee relations. Lelyk joined Freeman in 2019. Prior to that, she held positions in human resources, as well as employee and labor relations, with ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa, Bellagio and GES.

Consultants

Dax Callner announced he will be leaving his position as strategy director for Smyle, an experiential creative agency based in London, at the end of October. He is launching his own consulting company, with Smyle as one of his clients. Prior to joining Smyle in 2019, Callner served as chief strategy officer for GES and Sparks. Callner serves as board president of the Experiential Marketing Measurement Coalition. 

Pat Alacqua, the founder of Nth Degree, and Jane Gentry, principal of Jane Gentry & Company, have joined forces to offer consulting services to the trade show industry. Leveraging more than two decades of consulting experience within and outside the industry, the duo plan to empower trade show businesses to not only navigate the current challenges but also strategically position themselves for future success. Setting themselves apart from conventional consultancy models, Alacqua and Gentry said they adopt a more hands-on, collaborative approach. 

For his groundbreaking work in labor management, Alacqua earned a place of honor in the Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association Hall of Fame in 2006. Beyond the trade show arena, Alacqua's Entrepreneur to Enterprise Program and "3Cs Process to Faster Results" underscore his dedication to business growth and leadership mentoring.

Since 1999, Gentry has managed companies and provided consulting services to enhance growth, profitability, client retention, employee retention and leadership capabilities. As a CEO advisor and management consultant, she assists entrepreneurs and senior leaders in identifying and addressing gaps in strategy, processes, culture and personnel.  

Have some exhibitor-related people news to share? Please send announcements and high-resolution professional headshots to ENN’s Danica Tormohlen.

It’s a familiar story within the events industry: Like many trade show professionals, Lisa Hannant fell into the industry by chance, realized she loved it and never looked back. 

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do, only that I didn’t want to go into the city and finance, which is a path many of my peers pursued,” Hannant said. “I was fortunate to land a job with a family-owned U.K. exhibition organizer called Brintex. I started to work on their B2B fashion shows, and I loved it from day one.” 

She continued, “I’ll never forget seeing my first show come together. The culmination of so much work, so many different teams and, of course, the live experience was memorable. I love the variety of what we do. The influence you can have on a business, a product and, of course, the people in the industry, make it very special.”

Since then, Hannant has inarguably earned her place in the C-suite. With more than three decades of industry experience working across a broad range of sectors and international markets, she acquired extensive experience building market-leading brands, both organically and through acquisition, and also across a wide range of customer-driven formats, including large-scale live events and digital products.

Upon joining U.K.-based event organizer Clarion Events in 2008, Hannant worked her way up the corporate ladder, becoming part of its senior management team that led and delivered a strategy of expansive growth, later serving as group managing director and board member, and most recently, taking the helm as CEO in October 2022, a role she calls a privilege as Clarion continues its next stage of post-pandemic growth and evolution. Besides signifying the fulfillment of a long-held ambition, the promotion earned Hannant bragging rights as one of a small handful of female CEOs at top trade show organizers throughout the world. 

Exhibit News Now had a chance to catch up with this much-respected, dynamic industry leader to get her thoughts about being Clarion’s first female CEO, why being authentic and speaking up is so important for women event professionals and which industry veterans have been her biggest role models throughout her career.

You’ve been CEO of Clarion Events for almost a year now. How does it feel to be the company’s first female leader and what have been your biggest focuses during your first 11 months on the job?

Firstly, I can’t believe it is nearly a year, and time is moving so quickly. Being CEO is a huge responsibility but one I relish. Yes, I am female, but I would rather not be known or remembered for that. I have used this first year to focus on bringing to life Clarion’s vision that every one of our products be a market leader in customer satisfaction and delight and to realize that vision: that our brands and products must deliver exceptional customer outcomes and experiences. I am, therefore, very focused on how we design and develop our products and shows, ensuring they have a strong purpose and that customer needs and value are placed at the forefront of everything we do.   

Of course, none of that is possible without a focus on our people, too. Attracting and retaining the best, most diverse talent for Clarion is clearly a priority, and it is an area we are investing time and money in at every level of the business.

What have been your most important lessons and biggest successes since taking the helm of Clarion Events?

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is the importance of listening and communication. In my experience, the best CEOs I have worked with ask many questions and listen to the answers! As a new CEO, I am conscious that my words matter both internally and externally. I have always tried to communicate openly, honestly and directly. I hope my communication style has helped me this past year and is appreciated.    

Then there is, of course, the business performance globally. I am delighted with the progress we are making on all fronts. So many of our shows and brands are delivering extremely high levels of growth but just as importantly, are delivering high levels of customer satisfaction and net promoter score results. We are also pushing hard on innovation across the business, whether that be in digital or new event formats. It’s an important next phase for Clarion and for me personally.   

While gender diversity in executive roles within the events industry has been shifting in a more equitable direction, what are the biggest challenges of being a women leader in a historically male-dominated industry?

I agree that gender diversity in our industry has been shifting, which is good to see, but I also think this is just as much a generational shift as a diversity shift. Historically, senior leaders in our industry typically came up through sales or finance, but increasingly we see different pathways to the top – content, marketing and from outside our industry. In my view, this is a very positive trend and will help drive greater diversity. 

As for the challenges, I would say it can be hard to be heard at times as a female leader, so it’s important to speak up. Many of us have incredibly valuable contributions to make and offer a different perspective, so finding a way to voice that with confidence is so important. There is also the challenge of entering established networks of senior leaders. All I will say is go for it! Most will find, as I did, that you are welcomed with open arms, and the only thing holding you back is yourself. 

Have you always had top leadership aspirations since you got into the industry, and was it your goal to work your way into a CEO position? 

I have always been ambitious, and through the two startups I was involved in, including The Energy Exchange, I had an unusual amount of responsibility and ownership early on. That, coupled with being part of the leadership team at Clarion that grew the business 10-fold, meant that assuming the CEO role was the next natural step for me. It’s a business I love and one that continues to offer huge opportunities going forward, so yes, becoming CEO of Clarion was the goal.

What advice would you give to women following leadership paths in the events industry and how can more women support their fellow aspiring female leaders along their pathways to the C-suite?

I am sure I am not the first to say this, but be authentic when pursuing any leadership ambition. If you are not true to that, others will quickly work that out, and creating trust and buy-in will become very difficult.    

Put your hand up for new opportunities and take on challenging projects that push you outside of your comfort zone. Without this, you won’t grow in experience and develop real leadership skills. It will also help get you noticed, and along with that will come respect and recognition of what you are really capable of.

I also advise anyone who wishes to pursue leadership to find themselves an internal sponsor. I have been very fortunate, both at Clarion and before that, to have had very supportive sponsors, which has been a game-changer to my development and motivation.  

What female role models in the industry have inspired you the most in your career, what kind of a role model do you hope to be for other female event professionals and why are role models important for women in our industry?

Going back 10 years, there were not many female role models in our industry for me to be inspired by, so I took inspiration from leaders I admired, which is something I encourage others to do. While diversity is hugely important, it doesn’t have to be defining. I was very fortunate to work with Russell Wilcox and Simon Kimble for 15 years. Those who know them will understand how very different they are, but they both played a significant role in shaping my future.

In recent years there have been some notable achievements by female leaders such as Mary Larkin, Monica Lee Muller, Cassandra Farringdon and Carina Bauer, assuming chairs of our industry associations and their own businesses. They are most definitely role models for the younger generation in our industry, and rightly so. In addition, I also can’t help but admire the tenacity and spirit of Joanne Kellaway. She demonstrated that she could build and create a business herself, which went global.  

So I guess having said the above, and seeing how times have changed and recognizing there are now a number of senior female leaders in our industry, I hope that we are able to bring a different voice to our industry that inspires a new wave of future leaders.   

Know of a dynamic woman leader in the meetings and events industry who deserves recognition? Reach out to lpsavas@tsnn.com.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has appointed Cathy Breden, current IAEE executive vice president and COO, as the interim CEO for the organization, effective Oct. 1. She assumes the helm following the departure of IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, for whom the organization is currently searching for a permanent successor. 

“With 28 years of service to IAEE, there was no question in the minds of the Board of Directors who the best person would be to lead the association as we continue the search for a new president and CEO,” said 2023 IAEE Chairperson Dennis Smith, vice president of business development for the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). “Cathy not only possesses vast knowledge about the organization, but is a highly regarded authority of our industry.” 

Once IAEE appoints a new president and CEO, Breden will resume her current position with the organization until her planned retirement in June 2024, according to IAEE officials.

“In this role, I will be the bridge to continue the good work of IAEE and to help the new CEO during this transition,” Breden said. “The association has made great strides in advancing its mission and strategic vision and I look forward to the future.”

Breden, who also serves as the CEO of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), embarked upon her association management career in 1984 and has served in a variety of positions, including board member, key staff contact, chief staff executive, volunteer leader and consultant. Additionally, she serves as the immediate past chairperson of the Events Industry Council board of directors and is a frequent presenter on industry topics including exhibition industry trends and the impact of face-to-face marketing through exhibitions.

Breden earned the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 1990, became a CMP Fellow in 2019, acquired the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 1995 and was granted the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation in 2019. She holds a Business Administration degree from Florida State University with an emphasis in Association Management.

“Cathy’s career has been an example to all of us in the exhibitions and events industry,” said Julie Smith, senior vice president, business development at GES. “Her unwavering leadership, commitment, diplomacy and experience make her the perfect choice to help shepherd IAEE into the next chapter.”

To find the organization’s next president and CEO, the IAEE Board of Directors has retained SearchWide Global, a full-service executive search firm that specializes in C-level positions in the event, convention, travel, tourism, hospitality, trade association, venue management and experiential marketing industries.

Established in 1928, IAEE represents suppliers and trade show organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events worldwide, advocating for and promoting face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary platform for business development and growth. 

Oak View Group (OVG), which takes over venue management for Chicago’s McCormick Place on Oct. 1, named veteran convention and hospitality executive Samuel Thomas Jr. as senior vice president and general manager of the campus, which includes McCormick Place, featuring 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space, the 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena and the 4,249-seat Arie Crown Theater. 

Thomas, who will relocate to Chicago from Washington, D.C., where he was executive vice president and chief operating officer of Events DC, will begin his new role the first week of September.

McCormick Place hosts some of the largest annual U.S. trade shows, including the National Restaurant Association Show, the Inspired Home Show and the Radiological Society of North America Show, to name a few.

OVG360 and OVG Hospitality, divisions of global sports and entertainment company OVG, were recently awarded the contracts for private management and food and beverage services, respectively, for the McCormick Place campus by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) Board. 

Related: McCormick Place Taps Oak View Group As Its New Private Management And Food Service Partner

“We will have one of the best operators in the industry managing one of the most iconic convention centers in the world,” said Greg O’Dell, president of venue management, OVG360. “With Samuel’s extensive experience in leading both venue management and food and beverage operations for several first-tier convention centers throughout his career, there is no one better to execute our vision to optimize McCormick Place and help the MPEA and its stakeholders solidify Chicago as an ultimate destination for meeting planners and conventions. We are so thrilled to welcome Samuel to our team.”

At Events DC, Thomas managed daily operations for Washington, D.C.’s convention and sports authority, which includes the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the Entertainment & Sports Arena, RFK Stadium and surrounding Festival Grounds, the DC Armory and several community assets. His responsibilities included oversight of all aspects of facility operations, event management, sales and marketing, public safety, labor relations, organizational development and other venue competencies. 

O’Dell and Thomas worked together at Events DC before O’Dell left the authority to join OVG360 in April 2022. 

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I’m excited to join the first-class team at McCormick Place,” Thomas said. “We will partner with MPEA to continue to deliver a high level of customer service to our clients and guests while finding innovative ways to elevate each event experience.”

He continued, “This is a people business, so I am elated to reunite with Greg in addition to working with my new team members. I can’t wait to get started.” 

Prior to joining Events DC, Thomas held multiple sales and convention management positions with Marriott Corp. In addition, he served as regional vice president and general manager at Centerplate/NBSE for the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. He also served in several executive leadership roles with the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia and Greater Columbus Convention Center for the Aramark Corp.

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Exhibitus, an experiential marketing agency headquartered in Atlanta, has named Raneem Awad, an architectural student at Cal Poly Pomona, as the recipient of the inaugural Exhibitus Design Scholarship for 2023. She was selected from a group of nearly 200 applicants and will receive $1,000 towards her education.

“The tremendous response to our inaugural Design Scholarship program attests to the talent and dedication of students pursuing careers that rely on the principles of design,” said Matt Beck, Creative Director for Exhibitus, which provides exhibit design and fabrication, innovative engagements and event measurement programs to clients, including Acuity, Georgia Pacific, Jet Aviation, Lexus, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions and Unifi — to name a few.

Awad moved to the U.S. with her family from Syria when she was 19 years old and recently became a U.S. citizen. In addition to working to help support her family, she returned to the study of architecture she had begun in Syria and is enrolled at Cal Poly Pomona. 

She is participating in a study abroad exchange program at Biberach University of Applied Sciences in Germany. Her academic achievements include the President’s Honor List and Dean’s List. She credits the resilience she gained as an immigrant — as well insights from experiential learning — for her current success.

“Even with the many great designs and personal essays we reviewed, Raneem’s work and the story of her journey that led to the study of architecture stood out,” Beck said. “We are proud to support her awe-inspiring efforts and look forward to celebrating her future accomplishments.”

Back Story

Since the pandemic, Exhibitus has taken an active leadership role in advocating for the industry, both from an exhibit and event provider, as well as the marketer’s perspective. 

“One of the challenges the industry faces is the talent pipeline,” Beck said. “Exhibitus is active with the EDPA Future Workforce Committees, and this initiative is one way to inform students about the industry and the opportunities it offers.”

He continued, “Exhibitus has a charitable-giving arm, BeyondUs, which supports causes of interest to our employees. The scholarship program falls under this initiative. Our employees love the industry and want to see it continue to thrive with fresh talent in the future.”

The award criteria includes: 

• Design talent and ability 
• Story of the applicant’s personal journey and financial need, and their ambition for future use of design skills in their professional life  
• Proven academic achievement in their general courses as well as design-focused courses.

“As the industry continues to evolve, it is critical to support the next generation of talented creatives,” Beck said. “To that end, Exhibitus will again offer a Design Scholarship for $1,000 in 2024.” 

What’s Next

Entries will be accepted Aug. 1, 2023-May 1, 2024. The 2024 award winner will be announced in July 2024. For more information, apply here starting Aug. 1. 

“A majority of the entries were received in the spring when students were thinking about their financial responsibilities for the fall 2023 semester,” Beck said.

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Pinnacle Live, an event experience and technology company launched in 2021 for the hospitality and event industry, has hired two industry veterans – Dan Sherman and Dave Arendes – to launch its new Event Production Division, created to provide best-in-class, single-source solutions for high-profile, complex live events including international summits, conferences, business meetings, brand activations, festivals, sporting and special events. Former Freeman CEO Joe Popolo serves as chairman of the board for Pinnacle Live and as CEO at Charles & Potomac Capital LLC, a private firm that has an investment in Pinnacle Live.

Joining Pinnacle Live as executive vice president of business development, Sherman worked for Freeman for six years and most recently served as the company’s vice president, strategic business development. Bringing 21 years of industry experience to his new role, he has supported hundreds of North America’s leading event organizers, including Major League Baseball, U.S. Department of State, The White House, Society for Human Resource Management, NACS, Specialty Food Association, American Chemical Society and U.S. Green Building Council.

"It's an honor to be a part of this dynamic organization where higher standards, focus and change are the foundation of everything we do at Pinnacle Live," said Sherman. "The expertise and knowledge of our leadership team and dedicated board of directors gives us a competitive edge. I am eager to use this strength to deliver the world's most complex event requirements with confidence and integrity, at scale."

In 2008, Sherman founded HIP NETWORK, a B2B digital media company for the hospitality industry. He launched the Market in a Minute newsletter in 2017 and the Traveling podcast in 2020.

Dave Arendes, who joins Pinnacle Live as senior vice president of sales operations, worked for Freeman for 25 years and most recently served as senior vice president, client solutions, for the Northeast region. 

He began his career at Freeman in 1997 and worked in sales and operations roles at the company.  In 2014, he was selected to participate in iLEAD, a year-long developmental leadership program designed to build future, value-based leaders within Freeman. He left Freeman in February.

"This new division brings energy and excitement to Pinnacle Live, and I can't wait to see the impact on the event industry," said Eddy Eisenberg, CEO of Pinnacle Live, which expanded in March with a multiyear agreement to be the audiovisual and event technology services partner for Omni Hotels & Resorts. "Dan and Dave's expertise will be an invaluable asset to our team as we deliver exceptional experiences to our clients." 

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