SHELTON, Conn. — Clarion Events North America promoted Elizabeth (“Liz”) Irving from President to CEO.
During her tenure as President, Irving helped the company open new revenue streams and doors for impactful business opportunities, and instill a culture of accountability and collaboration. Irving will continue reporting to Greg Topalian, Clarion Events North America’s Chairman, and oversee all of its divisions except for the new Clarion Connect division.
“Clarion’s success has always been rooted in the creativity, passion and dedication of its people,” Irving said. “My aim is to continue cultivating a culture of innovation, inclusivity and excellence — one that inspires every individual to bring their best ideas forward. As we navigate an ever-changing landscape, my priority is to empower the teams to deliver exceptional value to our customers through meaningful experiences, cutting-edge solutions and a relentless focus on results.
“I see Clarion as not just a business but a catalyst for progress. Whether it’s launching new products, expanding into emerging markets or harnessing technology to deliver data-driven insights, we will continue to lead with purpose, creating lasting value for our clients, our employees and the industries we touch.”
Related. Clarion Events Acquires Eaton Hall and Launches Clarion Connect Division
Irving joined Clarion Events in 2016 as Vice President of Marketing and was promoted to Senior Vice President of Marketing in 2018. In 2020, she became Executive Vice President – Head of Marketing, Technology & Customer Experience at Clarion Events North America. The company promoted Irving to Chief Marketing Officer, North America, in 2022 and she assumed the role of President in 2023.
“I deeply appreciate Clarion Events’ strategic focus on growth and innovation,” Irving added. “The company’s commitment to continual expansion through acquisitions, paired with a forward-thinking approach to digital and data-driven solutions, has enabled us to adapt effectively to industry trends. What stands out to me is Clarion’s dedication to empowering its people and fostering creativity, ensuring teams have the support they need to succeed — a value that aligns perfectly with my passion for collaboration and team development. Additionally, Clarion’s emphasis on creating value by understanding customer needs and launching new products that deliver meaningful connections.”
Irving has more than 10 years of executive experience in the events industry, which includes numerous leadership roles at RX from 2000-2014. She is a Board Member at UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, an Advisory Board Member at Grip and an Advisory Board Member at the Society of Independent Show Organizers.
“I’ve been afforded the opportunity to have incredible mentors and advocates who have opened doors to bigger opportunities, people who have helped me find my voice and pushed me to take greater risks for myself, and industry colleagues who I know I can turn to for open conversations and support — to name just a few: Courtney Muller, Greg Topalian, Martha Donato, and Ken Holsinger,” Irving shared.
Learn more about Clarion Events North America here.
