Trade Show Talk Podcast

In the 69th episode of the Trade Show Talk podcast, host Danica Tormohlen interviewed Kinsey Fabrizio, president of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and producer of the Consumer Electronic Show (CES). They discuss what's new for CES 2026, which is expected to welcome more than 140,000 attendees from 150+ countries to Las Vegas in January.

The 2026 tech extravaganza will debut the CES Foundry focused on AI and quantum technologies, a show sector that will be held at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Fabrizio shared insights from her recent trip to the UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong and outlined how CTA is leveraging AI to enhance attendee experiences through the event's mobile app.

Additionally, there's an advocacy update from Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance EVP Tommy Goodwin on the latest government and tariff developments affecting the trade show industry.

This episode is brought to my Trade Show News Network and is sponsored by Marriott.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk

01:26 Meet Kinsey Fabrizio: Background and Achievements

02:47 Insights from the UFI Global Congress

05:06 Preview of CES 2026

06:25 Exciting New Features at CES 2026

08:18 The Role of Robotics and Health Tech at CES

12:42 Kinsey's Fabrizio's Journey and Leadership at CTA

22:54 Advocacy and AI in the Tech Industry

30:14 Personal Interests and Hobbies

31:10 Favorite Gadgets and Wishlist

35:27 Travel Tips and Hacks

39:06 Advocacy Update with Tommy Goodwin

39:33 Government Reopening and Tariff Discussions

46:05 Visa Fee and Industry Impact

50:17 Conclusion and Farewell

Guest bio: Kinsey Fabrizio

Kinsey Fabrizio is president of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, which represents more than 1,200 consumer technology companies and owns and produces CES® - the most influential tech event in the world. In this role, Fabrizio serves on CTA's Executive board and directs strategy and operations across all business units.

Since joining CTA in 2008, Fabrizio has driven transformation at both CTA and CES. As senior vice president, she oversaw CES conferences and show operations, led an expansion of CES products, and spearheaded a modernization of CTA's membership infrastructure and categories.

Earlier in her career, she drove strategic growth in emerging tech categories. A pioneer in the digital health space, Fabrizio created CTA's Health Division, launched a healthcare provider program for doctors at CES 2015, and debuted CES's first Continuing Medical Education (CME)-accredited conference in 2019. She also spearheaded the Video Division Board's 4K and 8K TV initiatives, founded the Content and Entertainment Council, and launched CTA's Disruptive Innovation Council in 2016 to engage companies with breakthrough technologies and services.

Fabrizio's leadership earned her recognition as one of Washingtonian's Most Powerful Women in 2025 and a Washingtonian Tech Titan in 2024 and 2025. She also received the 2023 Women in CT Legacy Award for her contributions to the consumer technology industry.

Fabrizio is a member of the George Mason University Costello College of Business Dean's Advisory Council and the Washington Economic Club. She holds a BA from George Mason University and an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She lives in Arlington, VA, with her husband and two children.

Guest bio: Tommy Goodwin

Tommy Goodwin is Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the advocacy association for the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA's work on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, event and meeting organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the global business events landscape.

Prior to joining ECA, Tommy spent more than 20 years working for several globally recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle, AARP, and the Project Management Institute.

Recognized by The Hill in its list of association "Top Lobbyists" every year since 2020, Tommy has also received several industry awards including:

CEO Update/Association Trends: Leading Association Lobbyist (2023) American Society of Association Executives (ASAE): ASAE Fellow (2022) DCA Live: Association Innovation Leader (2022) Trade Show news Network: Industry Support Award (2022) MeetingsNet: Changemaker (2022)

Host bio: Danica Tormohlen

An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Group Content, Meetings, Sports, Travel for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees content for Trade Show News Network, Corporate Event News, BizBash and Connect's portfolio of in-person events. These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event, association meeting, experiential marketing and exhibition industries.

Tormohlen currently serves as president of the Women in Exhibitions Network North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA, DI and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few.

Keywords: CES, Kinsey Fabrizio, Consumer Technology Association, AI, trade shows, event industry, technology trends, advocacy, digital health, robotics

"At RX, we celebrate failure, which is kind of a strange thing to say," said RX CEO Hugh Jones on the November 2025 edition of Trade Show Talk.

Why?

"Failure is actually a part of the executive process and making great choices," he said In this episode, Host Danica Tormohlen delves into this topic and more with Jones, who shares the company's recent growth and strategic bets in the trade show industry.

Jones discusses a broad range of topics, including RX's expansion into Saudi Arabia, digital product development, and the importance of celebrating failures to drive innovation and leadership.

For context: RX, a division of public company RELX and ranked No. 2 on the Stax Top 20 Exhibition Organizers List (by revenues), produced 282 face-to-face events in 25 countries in 2024, and these events served 41 industry sectors and attracted more than 6 million participants, according to its 2024 Annual Report. Some of RX's flagship events include New York ComicCon, JCK, ISC West, and FIBO Global Fitness. In its most recent earnings report in August, RX saw 8% growth year over year for the first half of 2025.

The episode also features interviews with Legends Global GM Rodney Falk on the Cincinnati convention center's reopening in January 2026 and Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance Executive VP Tommy Goodwin on the U.S. government shutdown's impact on the industry.

00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk

00:34 Meet Hugh Jones, CEO of RX

01:22 Sponsorship Message from Legends Global

02:08 Hugh Jones' Background and Philosophy

04:17 Interview with Hugh Jones Begins

04:24 The Importance of Taking Risks

07:16 RX's Expansion and Acquisitions

08:36 Digital Transformation at RX

11:39 Innovative Approaches in Trade Shows

15:16 Navigating the Pandemic and Strategic Changes

20:25 Value-Based Selling and Customer Focus

29:08 Advocacy, Sustainability, and Talent in the Trade Show Industry

37:40 The Importance of Standardization in Events

40:30 Digital Innovation and Future Trends

44:42 Real-Time Matchmaking and Industry Trends

46:08 AI in Trade Shows: Strategy and Implementation

49:41 Personal Insights: Monday Morning Routine

52:24 Upcoming Events and Travel Plans

54:35 Hobbies and Family Life

55:55 Worst Business Advice Ever Received

58:25 Cincinnati Convention Center Update

01:14:27 Advocacy Update with Tommy Goodwin

01:22:03 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

This episode is brought to you by Legends Global.

Legends Global is the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands. Legends Global delivers a fully integrated suite of premium services—from feasibility and consulting to venue management, sales, merchandise, hospitality, partnerships, content and booking. The company's white-label approach keeps partners front and center while leveraging the power of their global network with more than 450 venues, 20,000 events, and 165 million guests annually. Learn more at LegendsGlobal.com.

Guest bio: Hugh Jones

Chief Executive Officer

Every executive has to place bets in order for the value propositions to remain relevant to the customers, but not every bet has to work. Hugh believes that executives learn by both our successes and our failures. That philosophy has served Hugh well over the years since joining RELX in 2011, following the purchase of Accuity where he was Chief Executive Officer. In addition to leading Accuity to become one of the world's largest and most significant companies in the payment routing and Anti Money Laundering sectors, Hugh has also led Fircosoft, NRS, I.C.I.S, Estates Gazette (EG) and Cirium; and before joining RX he was Global Managing Director within the Risk and Business Analytics Division.

Hugh's philosophy has seen him lead large scale acquisitions and subsequent integrations of many companies that now reside and prosper within the RELX portfolio. Hugh joined RX as CEO at the start of 2020, bringing with him plenty of experience in public company protocol and all facets of business management including P&L oversight, talent development, forecasting, sales execution, technology innovation and product discovery, launch and growth.

Hugh's experience has been invaluable in navigating RX's response to challenges and his strategic understanding of technological innovation has accelerated the use of digital and data products and services across RX events, as an ongoing core component of RX face to face events. Passionate about building a culture of collaboration, exploring, risk taking, accountability and courage, Hugh champions the creation of a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace for all.

versed in public company protocol and all facets of firm management including P&L oversight, talent development, forecasting, sales, technology and product innovation, discovery, launch and growth. A mélange of exceptional investment and overall management qualifications, combined with superior analytical leadership. Accustomed to and effective in high-profile executive roles, making high-stakes investment decisions with world-class clients and customers. Versed in leading investor forums at a publicly traded firm, commercializing data streams, contributing forward-thinking vision and overcoming complex business obstacles. More than two decades of experience building corporate value by creating rich data streams that provide new solutions to difficult corporate challenges. Successful at developing and coaching top executive teams, leading sales efforts, and negotiating complicated corporate and functional business deals with financial institutions, corporations and governmental agencies. • Member of the Young President's Organization (YPO) since 2009 • Served on numerous Boards for the benefit of Private Equity firms • Winner of the 2013 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Financial Services for the Midwest Region • Holds a BA in economics from Yale University cum laude and an MBA from the University of Michigan

Guest bio: Tommy Goodwin is Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the advocacy association for the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA's work on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, event and meeting organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the global business events landscape.

Prior to joining ECA, Tommy spent more than 20 years leading social impact, member value, public affairs, and international engagement efforts for several globally recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle, AARP, and the Project Management Institute (PMI). Additionally, he was a research fellow at Harvard Business School focused on the international political and legal environment in which businesses and social enterprises operate.

Tommy has a B.B.A. from The George Washington University, an M.B.A. from Auburn University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in European Union Law from King's College London. He also holds several certifications including a Project Management Professional from PMI, a Certified Meeting Planner from the Events Industry Council, and a Certified Association Executive from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

Recognized by The Hill in its list of association "Top Lobbyists" every year since 2020, Tommy was also named a "Leading Association Lobbyist" by CEO Update/Association TRENDS in 2023. He has also been elected as a Fellow by ASAE (2022), named an "Association Innovation Leader" by DCA Live (2022), received the "Industry Support Award" from Trade Show News Network (2022), and recognized as an events industry "Changemaker" by MeetingsNet (2022).

Tommy currently serves on the advisory boards of Factum Global and The Iceberg. He is also a past president of the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics and a past chair of ASAE's Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council and Advocacy Council.

Host bio: Danica Tormohlen

Meet Danica Tormohlen, a dynamic force in the trade world who's been telling compelling stories for more than 30 years. As VP of Group Content at Informa, she's the mastermind behind Trade Show News Network, bringing the pulse of the industry to life. When she's not crafting engaging content, you'll find her behind the microphone hosting the Trade Show Talk podcast, where she chats with industry movers and shakers.

A proud Mizzou Journalism School grad (go Tigers!), Danica has left her mark across the events industry landscape, from SISO to Trade Show Executive. Her trophy shelf sparkles with journalism awards, but what really gets her excited is breaking new ground for women in the industry. As a founding member and current president of the Women in Exhibitions Network North America, she's passionate about lifting others up while climbing the ladder herself.

When she's not reporting on trade shows and events, you'll spot Danica pounding the pavement as an enthusiastic runner or rolling up her sleeves with the National Charity League, proving that giving back is always in style. Her secret sauce? A perfect blend of journalistic integrity, industry insight, and boundless energy.

Catch Danica's latest thoughts on LinkedIn and X, where she's always sharing industry insights with a personal twist.

"I spend a lot of time talking about customer obsession," Liz Irving, CEO of Clarion Events North America, said in this episode of Trade Show Talk with host Danica Tormohlen.

They discuss Irvings's extensive career in the exhibition industry—from her beginnings helping her father to her current role leading the fourth largest independent trade show company.

She shares insights on Clarion's approach to leadership, culture, digital transformation, and sustainability. She also highlights the importance of customer obsession, innovation, and meaningful experiences.

Additionally, there's an update on the current state of the federal budget and tariffs from Tommy Goodwin of Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance.

00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk

00:28 Meet Liz Irving, CEO of Clarion Events North America

01:23 Liz Irving's Early Career and Inspirations

05:04 Liz Irving's Leadership Journey

08:17 Clarion's Culture and Development Programs

13:22 Strategic Acquisitions and Integrations

16:37 Digital Innovation and AI at Clarion

19:26 Industry Involvement and Leadership Insights

23:45 Cion Cares: Giving Back to Communities

24:39 Challenges in Sustainability

25:31 Emerging Trends in Trade Shows

27:25 Growth Strategies for North America

29:33 Innovative Event Experiences

30:30 Personal Insights and Fun Questions

35:00 Advocacy Update with Tommy Goodwin

42:40 Conclusion and Future Episodes

This podcast is brought to you by Trade Show News Network and sponsored by Marriott

Guest Bio: Liz Irving, CEO, Clarion Events North America

Liz's endless curiosity, desire for learning, and passion for building relationships infuse her responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officer of Clarion Events North America. With over 25 years of experience in the events industry, she has transformed businesses through her strategic vision, customer-centric approach, and dedication to deliver measurable commercial outcomes.

In her current role, Liz oversees the strategic direction for Clarion's North American business, focusing on customer and behavioral insights, commercial effectiveness, digital platform development, and innovation. She collaborates with portfolio directors to identify growth opportunities that enhance existing events and develop new digital offerings. Liz's forward-thinking mindset ensures that both face-to-face and digital experiences evolve to deliver ever-increasing value for customers and communities.

At the heart of Liz's leadership is a commitment to fostering a culture of employee engagement, collaboration, and innovation. She has built an environment at Clarion that nurtures inclusivity, creativity, and continuous improvement, empowering teams to deliver exceptional outcomes for customers. Recognizing the importance of a thriving workplace culture, Liz prioritizes initiatives that inspire trust, encourage diverse perspectives, and drive shared success. Her efforts have made Clarion a destination for top talent and a hub for industry innovation.

Liz's passion for events began early, helping her father set up his local food distributor events. This hands-on experience sparked a lifelong interest in the industry. She later worked in roles with the Convention & Visitors Bureau during college before joining the corporate events world. Prior to Clarion, Liz spent 14 years at Reed Exhibitions in various marketing leadership roles, including overseeing the leading jewelry media brand, JCK.

Liz earned her bachelor's degree from Niagara University, a master's degree from the University of New Haven, and a digital marketing certificate from Cornell University. She remains deeply connected to the industry, serving as the Chair of SISO's Marketing Special Interest Group, a member of SISO's Board of Directors and UFI- The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry Board of Directors. Liz is an active participant in the Women In Exhibitions Network North American Chapter and several Event Technology Advisory Boards.

Outside of work, Liz is dedicated to her family and community. She volunteers with her sons' sports teams, managing communications and events, and is proud to call Connecticut home, where she lives with her husband, two boys, two dogs, and a cat.

Bio: Tommy Goodwin, Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance

Tommy Goodwin is Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the advocacy association for the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA's work on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, event and meeting organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the global business events landscape. Prior to joining ECA, Tommy spent more than 20 years leading social impact, member value, public affairs, and international engagement efforts for several globally recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle, AARP, and the Project Management Institute (PMI). Additionally, he was a research fellow at Harvard Business School focused on the international political and legal environment in which businesses and social enterprises operate. Tommy has a B.B.A. from The George Washington University, an M.B.A. from Auburn University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in European Union Law from King's College London. He also holds several certifications including a Project Management Professional from PMI, a Certified Meeting Planner from the Events Industry Council, and a Certified Association Executive from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). Recognized by The Hill in its list of association "Top Lobbyists" every year since 2020, Tommy was also named a "Leading Association Lobbyist" by CEO Update/Association TRENDS in 2023. He has also been elected as a Fellow by ASAE (2022), named an "Association Innovation Leader" by DCA Live (2022), received the "Industry Support Award" from Trade Show News Network (2022), and recognized as an events industry "Changemaker" by MeetingsNet (2022). Tommy currently serves on the advisory boards of Factum Global and The Iceberg. He is also a past president of the National Institute of Lobbying & Ethics and a past chair of ASAE's Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council and Advocacy Council.

Bio: Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen

An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Group Content, Meetings, Sports, Travel for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees content for Trade Show News Network, Corporate Event News, BizBash and Connect's portfolio of in-person events. These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event, association meeting, experiential marketing and exhibition industries.

Tormohlen currently serves as president of the Women in Exhibitions Network North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA, DI and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few.

In this episode of Trade Show Talk, hosted by Danica Tormohlen and brought to you by Trade Show News Network, we engage in an insightful conversation with Greg Hitchen, Group CEO of Terrapinn, a global events company.

Greg shares his journey and the strategic moves, including acquisitions and industry diversification, which have propelled Terrapinn into the top 20 exhibition organizers globally by revenues.

We discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, geopolitical factors, and the evolving landscape of trade shows.

Listen in as Greg provides valuable insights into Terrapinn's growth strategy, the importance of event scaling, and the impact of global networking and acquisitions on their success.

00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk

01:17 Meet Greg Hitchen: Group CEO of Terrapinn

02:16 Terrapin's Journey to the Top 20

05:07 The Origin Story of Terrapinn

08:11 Scaling and Revenue Strategies

14:29 Acquisitions and Future Growth

24:12 Evaluating Vendor Integrity

25:00 Scoring Acquisitions and Vendor Integrity

26:47 LinkedIn and Industry Trends

27:21 Terrapinn's Global Presence

30:08 AI in Business Media

33:09 Revenue and Growth Challenges

35:51 Personal Insights and Hobbies

39:39 Industry Events and Networking

41:07 Conclusion and Farewell

Special thanks to our sponsor, Marriott, for supporting this content.

In this episode of Trade Show Talk, host Danica Tormohlen interviews Alice Mathu, VP of Business Development and Partnerships at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

Mathu shares her remarkable career journey from Kenya to the U.S. and dives into IAAPA's global expansion, including their highly anticipated events in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The conversation also highlights the innovative strategies and attractions at IAAPA's flagship Expo in Orlando.

Additionally, Tommy Goodwin, EVP for the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance, provides a timely advocacy update, discussing key issues such as tariffs, workforce development, and potential government shutdowns.

00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk

01:10 Meet Alice Matthew: A Powerhouse in the Global Exhibitions Industry

02:58 Alice's Journey from Kenya to the US

04:06 Discovering a Passion for Events

06:37 Joining IAAPA and Early Career Highlights

10:56 Challenges and Innovations in the Exhibition Industry

20:10 Expanding IAAPA's Global Reach

28:08 Effective Communication with Stakeholders

28:35 Shanghai Show Overview

29:30 Unique Challenges in China

31:20 Middle East Expo Expansion

35:08 Strategic Partnership with Licensing International

38:57 Personal Insights and Fun Questions

44:28 Advocacy Update with Tommy Goodwin

51:23 Government Shutdown Concerns

54:21 Conclusion and Farewell

This episode is brought to you by Legends/ASM Global.

Join host Danica Tormohlen on Trade Show Talk as she dives deep into the trade show industry with Lisa Malikow, Senior Vice President, Restaurant Show for Informa Connect Foodservice.

Malikow shares her impressive career journey, behind-the-scenes highlights from The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, and innovative ideas that have shaped the event.

Also, don't miss an exclusive update from Tommy Goodwin, executive vice president for the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA), on recent legislative wins and industry developments. Tune in for valuable insights and the latest industry trends!

00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk Podcast

00:26 Guest Introduction: Lisa Malikow

01:08 Lisa's Career Journey

04:10 Early Career and First Trade Show Experience

05:20 Advancing in the Trade Show Industry

09:46 Highlights of the The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show

11:46 Fun and Engagement at the Show

15:51 Innovative Attendee Experiences

27:52 Future Plans and Content Focus

30:18 Introduction to the Mats O Council

30:54 Challenges and Community in Large Show Organizing

35:50 MATSO Meetings and Events

39:09 Rapid Fire Fun Questions

45:29 Advocacy Update with Tommy Goodwin

53:13 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of the Trade Show Talk podcast, Host Danica Torman engages in an insightful conversation with Fernando Fisher, President of the Americas for RX. Fernando elaborates on RX's growth strategies, focus on attendee and exhibitor experience, and the implementation of sales analytics and AI tools. The episode also features an interview with Andy Conklin, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Visit Cincy, who discusses the major redevelopment of Cincinnati's Convention District and its impact on future events. Additionally, Tommy Goodwin from the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance provides an advocacy update on legislative progress, tax reform, and tariffs affecting the industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in the exhibitions and events sector, offering a wealth of information on the latest trends and innovations. 00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk 00:26 Meet Fernando Fisher: RX President of the Americas 02:34 RX's Growth Strategy and Focus Areas 04:07 Enhancing Exhibitor and Attendee Experience 06:35 Customer Expectations and ROI Metrics 10:59 Sales Team Training and Readiness 18:53 Innovative Sponsorship and Activation Models 23:19 Spotlight on Cincinnati's Convention District 31:25 Exploring Cincinnati's Sports and Entertainment Districts 32:56 Sharonville Convention District Expansion 33:53 Upcoming Milestones for Cincinnati's New Hotel 35:23 Ensuring Safety and Cleanliness in Cincinnati 38:56 The Importance of Data in Decision Making 45:12 Enhancing Customer Journeys with Technology 53:19 Advocacy Update: Legislative Action Day and Tariffs 58:59 Conclusion and Future Episodes This episode is brought to you by Visit Cincy, Duke Energy Convention Center and ASM Global.

Advocating for the Trade Show Industry: Highlights from Legislative Action Day In this episode of Trade Show Talk, hosted by Danica Tormohlen, trade show industry leaders share their experiences from the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance's Legislative Action Day 2025 in Washington, DC. The event saw record attendance with 170 industry leaders from 30 states advocating for key issues such as taxes, talent, and tariffs. The podcast features insights and firsthand accounts from 10 key participants who met with over 130 elected officials to emphasize the economic impact of the trade show industry, which contributes $426 billion annually and supports 2.6 million jobs. Guests discuss the importance of advocacy, share personal stories of their interactions with lawmakers, and highlight the critical need for policies that support workforce development and reduce tariff-related uncertainties. The episode underscores the ongoing commitment required to ensure the industry's growth and competitiveness. 00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk Podcast 00:26 Special Event: Legislative Action Day Overview 01:04 Key Issues: Taxes, Talent, and Tariffs 01:20 Firsthand Accounts from Industry Leaders 02:22 Interview with Tommy Goodwin, Executive VP, Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance 10:38 Interview with Hervé Sedky, President & CEO of Emerald Holding Inc., and Chair of ECA 17:57 Interview with Jeff Quade, President, GES Exhibitions - North America 24:05 Interview with Sarin Bachmann, Senior Vice President, Jewelry Portfolio, RX 28:26 Interviw with Steve Walker, Executive Director, City Wide Sales at MGM Resorts International 34:12 Interview with Martha Donato, Founder & President, MAD Event Management LLC and UFI North America Regional Director 39:43 Interview with Larry Grossenbacher, President, General Contracting Division, CSI Worldwide 44:35 Interview with Nicole Bowman, VP, Marketing & Communications, International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) 49:57 Interview with Dan Liberatore, President & CEO, Purpose1 54:30 Interview with Marc Ghafoori, Founder, Alpha Tooth 58:53 Conclusion and Advocacy Call to Action

In this episode of Trade Show Talk, host Danica Tormohlen interviews Chris Skeith, CEO and Managing Director of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, who started in this role in January 2025I. Skeith shares insights about his career path, including his tenure at the Association of Event Organizers UK, and discusses his new role at UFI, aiming for evolution and not revolution. The conversation highlights his top priorities in his first 100 days, focusing on member needs and improving the organization's functionality. They delve into global trends affecting the events industry, such as talent acquisition, sustainability, and the growing role of AI. The episode also covers UFI's 100th-anniversary celebrations and their significant events scheduled for 2025. Skeith shares his optimism about the future of face-to-face events and provides a glimpse into his personal experiences, including receiving an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to the industry during COVID-19.

Our guest

Chris Skeith, who has served in the exhibition industry for more than 30 years, is Managing Director & CEO of UFI, The Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, which represents more than 900 organizations in more than 90 countries who build, maintain, and support the world's market places: trade show organisers, venue owners and operators, service providers, and national, as well as international associations, of our industry.

Skeith has built a career in the not-for-profit sector, starting his exhibition career in media auditing at the Audit Bureau of Circulations, where he later led on the development of their auditing products for the event sector.

In 2006, Skeith started working in the associations sector in the UK, merging two event associations in the service supplier sector to form ESSA (Event Supplier & Services Association). In 2010, he also became Director of ESSA's sister association, AEV (Association of Event Venues). In 2014, he took the role of CEO of their sister association, AEO (Association of Event Organisers), which represents UK-based organisers who operate worldwide.

During this time, AEO created groups and events which connected the community which grew to over 100 members via special interest groups, and class leading events. He also held several voluntary positions to help raise the profile of the sector to Government and regulators, including Chair of the UK Government's Events Industry Board for the Department of Culture Media and Sport, member of the Department for Business and Trades Professional Business Services Committee, and Chair of UKEVENTS a partnership of all leading associations in the UK event industry. He has previously served as an UFI Board Member and chair of their associations committee.

In the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2021, he was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen, for services to the Events Industry.

Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen

An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Group Content, Meetings, Sports, Travel for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees content for Trade Show News Network, Corporate Event News, BizBash and Connect's portfolio of in-person events. These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event, association meeting, experiential marketing and exhibition industries.

Tormohlen currently serves as president of the Women in Exhibitions Network North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA, DI and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few.

After leading Tarsus Group through multiple decades of global growth and eventually a $940 million acquisition by Informa in 2023, industry heavyweight Doug Emslie is back with a bold new move: investing in Belgium-based trade show organizer Easyfairs through his investment firm Cuil Bay Capital.

In an exclusive interview with TSNN, Emslie shares why Easyfairs' tech-forward, exhibitor-friendly approach and niche market strategy are uniquely positioned to disrupt the U.S. events landscape—and why now is the time to double down on events.

From launching industrial shows in Detroit to targeting high-growth verticals and frictionless exhibitor experiences, Easyfairs is making its mark—and Emslie, now a board member, is helping steer the ship.