In August 2024, the trade show and events industry witnessed a wave of strategic talent acquisitions and executive shifts. From high-profile appointments to significant leadership changes, here’s a detailed look at the top moves making waves in the sector.
eMerge Americas: A Major Appointment
eMerge Americas, a leading global technology conference and expo, has made headlines with its latest strategic appointment. Greg Topalian, chairman of Clarion Events North America and founder of On Deck Ventures LLC, has joined eMerge Americas as a partner and strategic advisor.
Topalian brings over 25 years of industry experience to the role. His background in scaling influential trade shows and events will be pivotal for eMerge Americas. As part of his new role, Topalian will focus on:
- Enhancing Global Reach: Expanding the conference’s international footprint.
- Optimizing Attendee Experiences: Improving engagement and satisfaction.
- Expanding Partnerships: Developing new collaborations to drive growth.
Topalian expressed his enthusiasm for joining eMerge Americas, highlighting the opportunity to contribute to its success and innovation. His extensive experience is expected to significantly impact the event’s strategic direction, ensuring it remains a leading platform in tech and entrepreneurship.
Informa Markets: New Leadership for Health and Nutrition
Informa Markets has restructured its health and nutrition division with two key appointments:
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Carlotta Mast has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Global Community and Content Strategy. In this newly created role, Mast will focus on:
- Sharing Best Practices: Inspiring teams and sharing successful strategies.
- Content and Community Building: Driving growth through content-focused initiatives.
Mast’s career spans over three decades, including her leadership at New Hope Network, where she transformed the division into a purpose-driven portfolio.
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Danica Cullins has been appointed Executive Vice President of Health and Nutrition for North America. Cullins will manage the Natural Products and SupplySide portfolios, overseeing:
- Growth and Strategy: Driving commercial success and strategic development.
- Portfolio Management: Ensuring robust performance across brands.
Cullins brings 26 years of experience in operations and sales, having led the SupplySide network since early 2021.
Specialty Food Association: Chris Nemchek Returns
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) has welcomed back Chris Nemchek as Vice President of Tradeshows. Nemchek, who previously held various leadership roles at SFA, will oversee major events like the Winter Fancy Food Show and the Summer Fancy Food Show.
Nemchek’s previous experience includes:
- Leadership at SFA: Overseeing tradeshows and event management.
- Independent Ventures: Serving as President of Coach Global Solutions and General Manager at the Plant Based World Expo North America.
His return marks a new chapter for SFA’s events and is expected to bring renewed energy and expertise to their tradeshows.
Visit Anaheim: New CMO Appointment
Visit Anaheim has appointed Scott Oklin as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Starting in September, Oklin will spearhead marketing and leisure sales initiatives, drawing from his previous experience at Travelzoo, Goldstar, and the Washington Commanders.
Oklin’s role will involve:
- Strategic Marketing: Crafting comprehensive marketing strategies.
- Sales Leadership: Directing leisure sales and creating impactful programs.
His background in sports, entertainment, and hospitality marketing positions him well to drive Visit Anaheim’s initiatives forward.
BlueHive Exhibits: A Generational Shift
BlueHive Exhibits, based in Worcester, Mass., has named Caitlyn Correia as its new CEO. As the first woman to lead BlueHive, Correia continues her family’s legacy into its third generation.
Correia has been with BlueHive since 2012, rising from various roles to become President in 2021. Her focus includes:
- Employee Development: Enhancing team growth and skills.
- Expansion: Overseeing the opening of a new Las Vegas location.
Her leadership marks a significant transition for BlueHive, with a focus on maintaining high service standards and strategic growth.
CenterPoint Marketing: Enhancing Client Experience
CenterPoint Marketing has appointed Mary Ellen Nixon as Vice President of Client Experience. Nixon, who previously spent over 13 years at RES Exhibit Services, will focus on refining client service and engagement strategies.
Her new role will involve:
- Service Innovation: Developing new service models.
- High-Performance Teams: Building and leading effective teams.
Nixon’s extensive experience in client relations and service management will bring a fresh perspective to CenterPoint’s client engagement efforts.
Women in Exhibitions Network North America: Leadership Updates
The Women in Exhibitions Network North America (WIEN) has announced new leadership. Danica Tormohlen from Informa Connect has been appointed President, succeeding Kimberly Hardcastle. Toni Piela from RX Global joins as Secretary.
Tormohlen’s role will involve:
- Content Oversight: Managing industry media content and events.
- Leadership: Steering the WIEN network forward.
Piela will contribute her expertise in mergers, acquisitions, and event development to the network’s strategic goals.
The August 2024 trade show jobs report highlights significant changes and appointments across the industry. From new leadership at eMerge Americas to strategic shifts at Informa Markets and the Specialty Food Association, these moves reflect the dynamic nature of the trade show and events sector.
