Austin, TX – The Society of Independent Show Organizers’ (SISO) CEO Summit April 11-14 in Austin, TX marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of SISO. The event, to be held at the Barton Creek Resort and Spa, will be brimming with a packed schedule of sessions and networking opportunities for trade show industry CEOs.
The economic downturn and the fledgling recovery will be a major theme of the educational sessions. Keynote speaker Sean Dee, chief marketing officer of AEG, will offer insights on the future of live events from the point of view of the entertainment industry.
Other sessions and speakers include:
- In “Those Were the Days,” a panel of veterans will discuss the changes the industry has seen and what opportunities are developing for the future. Panelists include Skip Farber, principal, Carlin Capital Partners; Bob Harar, chairman of National Trade Productions; and Jason Chudnofsky, chief operating officer of World Publications Group.
- In “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” Margaret Pederson, president of Amirexx LLC, will moderate a panel on the data, tools and resources needed to grow your business. Speakers include Doug Ducate, president and CEO of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR); Richard Mead, managing director of The Jordan, Edmiston Group, Inc.; and Arnie Roberts, president and CEO of SMART-reg International, Inc.
- In “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet,” leaders of top show organizers will share strategies and insights geared toward navigating the business-climate changes brought about by the recession. Mike Rusbridge, chairman and CEO of Reed Exhibitions Worldwide; Joe Loggia, CEO of Advanstar; and Greg Farrar, president of Nielsen Business Media (who is leaving the company this Spring), are among the panelists.
- In “Spinning Wheel,” Galen Poss, former president of Hanley Wood Exhibitions, will moderate a session that takes a 360-degree view of how to enhance an event from the perspective of the attendees, exhibitors and vendors.
The early bird registration for the event ends March 1.
Reach SISO Executive Director Lew Shomer at 310-450-8831 x106 or lshomer@shomex.com
