Accelerate with David Alexander

In every industry, there are a few leaders who don’t just work in the ecosystem, they reshape it.

This episode brings together three visionaries building the future of how the world gathers:
- Trevor Mitchell, President & CEO of IAVM, representing more than 8,000 venue professionals who create meaningful experiences in venues around the world.
- Joel Edmondson, CEO of VMA, an artist turned association leader building a powerful venue community across Australia and Southeast Asia.
- Steve Mackenzie, Chief Innovation Officer at Momentus, the technology engine behind 1.4 million events a year in stadiums, arenas, and convention centers globally. 

What unfolds in this conversation is rare:
Three leaders, one ecosystem, openly sharing the truth behind innovation, community and navigating the toughest seasons of leadership.

You’ll hear:

• Why failure is the price of innovation and why leaders must create cultures where ideas can break before they become brilliant. 
• Why storytelling, creativity, and openness traits once thought “soft” are now the hardest leadership skills to master. 
• The story of how Steve left New Zealand at 18, took an unexpected job on a small island on the Great Barrier Reef, and eventually became a global leader powering some of the world’s most iconic events through his work at Momentus. 
• How Trevor approached his first 90 days as CEO of a 100-year-old organization and immediately began crafting its next century of impact. 
• How Joel’s upbringing as an artist and producer shapes the way he sees people, experiences and leadership.

You’ll learn about leadership, partnership and shaping global experiences told by the people who quietly build the stages the world stands on.

If you care about the future of events, technology, community or leadership you’ll want to hear this. 

Guest Links:
www.iavm.org
www.vma.org.au
www.gomomentus.com

About Me:
www.davidjalexander.com 

In this episode of Accelerate with David Alexander, three operators show how values, community, and systems translate into measurable returns.

Alexander McCobin: Founder and CEO of Liberty Ventures, a community reaching 20,000 plus members. Former CEO of Conscious Capitalism with Whole Foods co-founder John Mackey. Co- founder of Students for Liberty.

Tom Wojno: COO and SVP at International Dairy Foods Association. Represents a sector covering nearly 90 percent of U.S. dairy processing. Known for a quantified 13 to 1 association ROI. Former leadership at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Restaurant Association, and Bloomberg.

Pavel Bosovik: CEO of 27 North. Scaled a 50 million dollar pandemic startup with a people first pay your fair share ethos that turns reputation into real returns. He's an active philanthropist supporting organizations such as Care to Learn out of Springfield MO focused on health, hunger and hygiene.  

Across one fast moving conversation, they map the ROI ledger every association and community should pursue, the network leverage that converts relationships into capital, talent and strategy. You will hear the student movement habits that seed billion dollar brands, the operating system behind a 13 to 1 return, and what it looks like to scale while doing the right thing on paper and in practice.

If you lead a fund, an association, or a founding team, this is a playbook for measurable credibility. Press play, and bring a pen.

Guest Websites: 

www.libertyventures.xyz/

www.idfa.org/

www.the27north.com

In this episode of Accelerate with David Alexander, three industry voices shaping how modern leaders win come together:

• Bennie F. Johnson, CEO, American Marketing Association
  Represents nearly 30,000 CMOs and academic leaders.
• Michael Dominguez, CEO, Associated Luxury Hotels International
  Trusted by members to generate over $400 million in annual sales.
• Pádraic Gilligan, Co-Founder, SoolNua; former Global CMO, SITE
  Teacher turned entrepreneur whose startup grew to over $30 million annually.

Across one fast moving conversation, they challenge the myths about authority, show why community beats ego and reframe recognition as a performance tool. You’ll hear the moment a title stops mattering, the habit that quietly multiplies team confidence and the simple practice that turns customers into champions.

If you’re leading a team, a chapter, or a company, this is your playbook for credibility in 2025 told by people who earn trust the hard way.

Press play, and bring a pen.

Season 3 Guest Nominations
We’re curating a select group of association CEOs and Executive Directors preparing to launch a podcast in the next 6–12 months.
Think of it as your test drive, a strategic opportunity to experience what launching your own show could look like.
Selected leaders may also invite a team or community voice to join their episode.

Submit nominations by November 14.
👉 Visit www.davidjalexander.com/accelerate for details.

Guest Websites: 

• www.ama.org
• www.alhi.com
• www.siteglobal.com
• www.soolnua.com

This isn’t just another business episode. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how Freeman, one of the most iconic names in live events, is rewriting the playbook on what it means to lead with purpose, push boundaries, and still keep people first.

With 250 million attendees reached each year, Freeman doesn’t just produce events, they shape global experiences. From NATO’s 75th Anniversary Summit to over 4,500 clients worldwide, Freeman’s legacy is grounded in courage, clarity, and culture. Now, they’ve captured their formula for high-impact leadership in their new book: Inside LIVE Events: Your Playbook for Mastering the Experience.

In This Episode:
Host David Alexander welcomes back two powerhouses:

• Carrie Freeman Parsons – Chair of Freeman and a fearless voice on empathy-driven leadership
• Bob Priest-Heck – Immediate Past CEO of Freeman and a strategic force behind innovation at the firm

Joining the conversation:

• Dr. Lauren Cohen - (Harvard Business School) breaks down the family business mindset that fuels Freeman’s long-game.
• Sherry Huss, Freeman’s Head of Community returns to talk about the innovation and leadership culture at Freeman

Topics You’ll Care About:

• Leading under pressure while staying grounded in values
• Why empathy is the ultimate business advantage
• Creative briefs that drive clarity and execution
• Using data to design meaningful, segmented experiences
• Creating longterm value through digital strategy and bold planning

The Bottom Line:
If you’re building something that matters this is your blueprint. Whether you lead a team, a company, or a cause, Inside LIVE Events gives you the tools to lead with  focus and values.

Explore the book: Inside LIVE Events: Your Playbook for Mastering the Experience
Discover Freeman: www.freeman.com
Connect with David: www.davidjalexander.com

How does a company with nearly a century of history continue to innovate in an industry built on change?

In this episode of Accelerate with David Alexander we explore the legacy and leadership behind Freeman, a global force in live event production and brand experiences. With 98 years of heritage, and an annual reach of over 250 million attendees, Freeman continues to shape the future of live experiences through purpose-driven transformation.

Freeman's Chair, Carrie Freeman Parsons and Immediate Past CEO Bob Priest-Heck join the conversation to reflect on the values that have anchored the organization across generations and how those values fueled the company’s resilience and innovation during one of its most defining periods: the pandemic.

The discussion also highlights the leadership of current CEO Janet Dell, whose operational expertise and learning mindset helped guide Freeman through disruption and into renewed growth.

Also contributing insight is Sherry Huss, Freeman’s Head of Community and former Innovator-in-Residence. A co-founder of Maker Faire and a pioneer in experiential community building, Sherry offers reflections on Freeman’s culture and its leaders.

Stay tuned for Part II, which will focus on Carrie and Bob’s new book, Inside LIVE Events: Your Playbook for Mastering the Experience.

Guest Link: www.freeman.com
Book: Inside Live Events: Your Playbook for Mastering the Experience
Producer & Host: www.davidjalexander.com  

Our current series explores top associations and membership communities, so I was excited to learn that the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association (VBRA), a 100+ member restaurant network, had launched an art exhibit to showcase the farm to table story behind every dining experience.

At the heart of this initiative is Martha Davenport, Executive Director of VBRA, whose leadership and vision have helped position Virginia Beach as a culinary destination. With a background in Fortune 500 marketing, she brings a strategic approach to uplifting the restaurant industry, championing local businesses, and creating innovative ways to highlight their impact.

Joining her in this creative collaboration project is Nathan W. Beck, an internationally renowned commercial photographer whose images have appeared on ABC News’ 20/20, the Wall Street Journal, New York Times Style Magazine, the Washington Times, the Associated Press, and more. Mr. Beck has built a career capturing high-profile moments, with a client list that includes three U.S. Presidents, multiple Governors and Vice Presidents, and celebrities like Jackie Chan and Tiger Woods. His extensive work spans from restaurants, sports, travel, leisure, non-profit, and corporate industries, making him the perfect collaborator to bring The Recipe exhibit to life!

After recently enjoying Virginia Beach Restaurant Week, Karina and I were reminded just how much restaurants bring people together. As a way to say thank you, I created this podcast episode and am also offering a free month of social media support for one local restaurant, plus a complimentary photoshoot for the first 10 restaurants that sign up (links below). I even wrote a love letter to Virginia Beach restaurants, recognizing their incredible impact on the community!

Inside This Episode:

• How VBRA created an art exhibit to celebrate its restaurant members.
• How this unexpected collaboration called The Recipe came to life.
• The power of storytelling and visual art in promoting Virginia Beach as a culinary destination.
• Lessons in collaboration and innovation for other associations.

Meet Our Guests & Contributors:
Martha Davenport – Executive Director of Virginia Beach Restaurant Association and former Fortune 500 marketer. Connect at ➝ dineinvb.com
Nathan Beck – Award-winning photographer. Explore Nathan’s work ➝ beckimage.com
Elizabeth Duncan Hawker – Business strategist and networking expert, whose introduction set The Recipe in motion. Learn more ➝ elizabethduncanhawker.com

Resources:
🔗 Social Media & Shoot Giveaway + Love Letter ➝ davidjalexander.com/vb

🔗 Virginia Beach Restaurant Association ➝ dineinvb.com

🔗 The Recipe Exhibit ➝ dineinvb.com/the-recipe

🔗 Our Restaurant Recommendations Thus Far in VB➝ here. 

Welcome to first episode of Accelerate with David Alexander where we explore the life and legacy of Pavel Bosovik, a visionary leader and the embodiment of the American dream. From his humble beginnings in Ukraine to becoming a pivotal figure in the RV industry with 27 North, Pavel's story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Join me as we uncover Pavel's breakthroughs in the business world and his revolutionary approach to creating luxury expedition vehicles that promise safety, style, and unforgettable experiences. This episode isn't just a narrative of success; it's a masterclass in leadership, showcasing Pavel's unique ability to inspire belief in oneself, foster a culture of empathy and purpose within his team, and navigate the the road to build a billion dollar enterprise without burnout. 

Pavel shares his insights on nurturing talent, building a mentor network, and the seven pillars of success that have guided him through challenges to achieve monumental growth. From generating $50 million in revenue as the CEO of 27 North to interviewing influential figures on his podcast "Suits and Shoes," Pavel's journey is rich with lessons on creating a legacy of impact and innovation.

This conversation will resonate with anyone looking to overcome adversity, aspiring entrepreneurs dreaming of turning their vision into reality, and leaders seeking to cultivate a thriving culture of belief and excellence in their organizations. Tune in to be inspired, learn from Pavel's remarkable journey, and discover how to unlock your own potential for greatness.

Resources mentioned:

• Want a luxury RV? Check out the27North.com
• Pavel's Book "What It Takes" Pre-Order here
• "Suits and Shoes" podcast by Pavel Bosovic, featuring Doug Pitt, listen here
• Mark Thom Podcast Interview, listen here 

Other Book Recommendations: 

• Great Game Business Expanded 
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 

In this captivating episode of Accelerate, join us as we dive into the remarkable story of Angela Quinn, whose unexpected career pivot took her from being a distinguished lawyer to the first Chief Client Officer at Husch Blackwell. With insights from former CEO Greg Smith and Office Managing Partner J.Y. Miller, we uncover the courage, innovation, and strategic vision that propelled Angela and her firm to unprecedented success. Angela shares her "midlife awakening," the strategic decisions that led to a net promoter score of 84, and her instrumental role in driving the firm's growth and operational excellence. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, career transformation, and creating a client-centric culture that accelerates organizational success. Join us as we explore Angela's journey from the courtroom to the C-suite, offering valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of following one's intuition.

Follow Angela Quinn on LinkedIn here
Follow Husch Blackwell here
Follow David Alexander here

Welcome to the final installment of our series, Building a Culture of Impact Part III. Today, we continue our conversation with David Peckinpaugh, President and CEO of Maritz. As the first non-family member to lead this 130-year-old, billion-dollar family enterprise, David oversees their comprehensive solutions across events, engagement, and automotive.

In addition, today's episode features two special contributors from Momentus Technologies: Laurie McGrath, Chief Marketing Officer, and Steve Mackenzie, Chief Innovation Officer. We'll hear from them later this month in our next series focused exclusively on associations and events.

Key Insights from David Peckinpaugh:

• Maritz Culture: An evergreen company focused on unleashing human potential.
• Event Planning: Produces 9,000-10,000 events annually with a customized, design-driven approach.
• Relationships: Long-term commitment to relationships is foundational. Opportunities arise from a strong network.
• Tugboat Institute: Learning from other purpose-driven companies and CEOs.

Career Advice for Young Leaders:

• Find mentors.
• Engage in educational opportunities.
• Join industry associations for networking and growth.

Special Mentions:

• Laurie McGrath, Chief Marketing Officer of Momentus: Laurie brings over 25 years of experience in branding, product marketing, and SaaS technology strategy. She has led successful rebranding and digital marketing efforts at Tecsys and Intalere. Laurie holds a bachelor’s degree from Baldwin Wallace University and an executive MBA from Rutgers University.
• Steve Mackenzie, Chief Innovation Officer of Momentus: With 38 years in the hospitality and events industry, Steve leads the Innovation Lab and has held key roles in event tech companies like EventBooking and Oracle. He recently received the prestigious IAVM 2024 Education & Service Award.

Thank you for joining us. If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share. Check out the entire series for more insights. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes of "Accelerate." Together, let's accelerate! For more about David's work, visit Maritz.com.

Welcome to the latest episode of "Accelerate with David Alexander," part of our continuing series on family empires. Today's episode, "Building a Culture of Impact Part II," features an inspiring conversation between David Peckinpaugh, President and CEO of Maritz, and Bruce Harris, a transformative leader in the events industry.

Bruce Harris, former CEO and Founder of Conferon (later Experient), played a pivotal role in shaping the industry, leading his company to become one of the largest independent meeting planning consulting firms in the world before its acquisition by Maritz in 2012. In this episode, Bruce and David discuss the core values and leadership principles that have driven their success.

David shares how Bruce’s mentorship influenced his leadership philosophy, including the memorable moment when David sought Bruce’s permission to adopt the sign “Take good care of each other” for Maritz—a testament to the values that define true leadership. Bruce’s reflections on David’s career journey, from his early days at Conferon to his current role at Maritz, highlight the importance of integrity, cultural fit, and personal values in leadership.

Bruce also recounts how David's ability to embrace fun and unconventional ideas, like dressing up in wacky costumes, broke down barriers and fostered team unity and client relationships. This episode offers a unique blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights, providing listeners with valuable lessons on building a Culture of Impact.

Guests:

David Peckinpaugh

• Title: President & CEO, Maritz

Bruce Harris

• Title: Former CEO & Founder, Conferon (Experient)

Key Topics:

• David Peckinpaugh’s Leadership Journey: Insights from his early career to leading Maritz.
• Mentorship and Core Values: How Bruce Harris’s guidance shaped David’s leadership style.
• Building a Strong Organizational Culture: The importance of integrity, cultural fit, and fun in leadership.
• Strategic Growth: The impact of Maritz’s recent acquisition of Convention Data Services (CDS) and its future implications.

Upcoming Episode

Stay tuned for the concluding part of our series with David Peckinpaugh, where he shares more industry insights, leadership wisdom, and career advice.

Announcement 

We are taking nominations for Association CEOs, Executive Directors, and Marketing Directors to be featured in our upcoming episodes focused on Associations. Reach out directly at info (@) davidjalexander.com.

Tune in, subscribe, and share this episode to unlock the potential for iconic success in your leadership journey. Together, let’s Accelerate!