ALPHARETTA, GA — Emerald has appointed Jason McGraw, CTS, CAE, to oversee the business-to-business platform trade show and event producer’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and CEDIA Expo as its newly minted Vice President. It also created the position of Director, Key Accounts — KBIS and CEDIA Expo, to be held by Amy Hornby.
The new positions were created to enable the company to develop a strong, cohesive cross-marketing strategy for the custom electronics and design/build markets — KBIS is owned by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), and CEDIA serves the residential integrated technology marketplace — as well as make it easier to integrate both programs and platforms for exhibitors and attendees. McGraw will also collaborate with the company’s association partners at NKBA, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and CEDIA, the Home Technology Integration Association, and seek new opportunities in these and related markets. Hornby will work with the 25-plus key accounts who participate, or may in the future participate, in both shows.
“As the residential design and construction market continues to embrace integrated whole technology, we can make the connections between brands, integrators, design, and construction professionals unlike any others,” said Brian Pagel, EVP, Construction, Medical and Military, Emerald. “We are blessed that both Amy and Jason share deep knowledge of and strong relationships with each of these sectors. Most importantly, this is a win for the industry.”
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Pagel added, “Jason has a unique combination of association and event leadership experience having worked closely with technology, construction, and building industries to produce and expand successful events. He has a track record of success and is well respected throughout the industry. His background makes him uniquely qualified to help facilitate collaboration between CEDIA Expo, KBIS and its various event and media brands.”
McGraw’s 33 years of experience in for-profit and nonprofit conference and exhibition management includes serving as Senior Vice President of Expositions and Event Services for AVIXA, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association. In that position, he was in charge of InfoComm, the professional audiovisual industry’s largest annual exposition held in the Western Hemisphere. He was also Vice President of Expositions for the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) leading the CONEXPO-CON/AGG® ’99 show and Senior Group Director with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in 2000 supporting The International Builders’ Show®. He also launched and managed international shows held in China, Europe, Japan, Mexico, and Singapore including the Integrated Systems Europe, InfoComm Asia, and InfoComm China exhibitions.
“The future is bright for the industry and while events may be virtual at the moment due to the pandemic, the value for exhibitors, attendees and stakeholders to meet, learn, and conduct business is essential,” said McGraw.
Reach Brian Pagel at Brian.Pagel@EmeraldX.com; Jason McGraw at jason.mcgraw@emeraldx.com.
