Trumbull, Conn. — Events industry veteran Greg Topalian was recently appointed CEO of U.K.-based Clarion UX and Connecticut-based LeftField Media, LLC. He founded the latter boutique events startup in 2014, and Clarion last year acquired a majority stake. Clarion UX, which has more than 100 employees, operates and delivers 40 B2B and B2C events in the U.S., including SOFA Chicago, the Philadelphia Gift Show and the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Show.
During his more than two decades in the industry, Topalian has developed a reputation for his dynamic and people-oriented approach. Some of the most notable events in his sizeable portfolio include the New York Comic Con, the Washington, D.C., Comic Con, The Classic Auto Show in Los Angeles and Play Fair.
“I love the diversity of industries that we serve and the magic of seeing an event come together,” Topalian told Trade Show Executive. “I have always enjoyed how customer-facing our business is.”
Clarion Events Executive Chairman Simon Kimble sees great promise in Topalian’s appointment. “Greg’s vision and strategic leadership for growth, along with our recent partnership with Blackstone [the London-based events and exhibitions company that recently acquired Clarion], will expand the U.S. business, making Clarion UX one of the fastest-growing events companies in the market,” Kimble said in a statement.
In his new position, Topalian said, “I want to see Clarion UX become a best-in-class organizer where the most talented people in the industry want to work. I want to be a home for fellow entrepreneurs and a partner to associations. I also plan on being active in driving innovative launches and acquisitions.”
Reach Greg Topalian at (203) 550-2139 or greg@leftfieldmedia.com.
