Donald S. (Don) Freeman, Jr. is selected as the 2009 "Legend of the Industry" from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE).
Mr. Freeman will share his insights, recollections, tips and encouragement with future leaders of the exhibitions and events industry at this year's IAEE Robert L. Krakoff Future Leaders Institute, to be held September 12-14, 2009, at The Breakers Palm Beach in Palm Beach, FL.
IAEE and official sponsor, Champion Exposition Services, will provide up-and-coming exhibitions and events professionals with three full days of career development.
Each year, IAEE selects a "Legend of the Industry" whose contributions, innovation and leadership have been truly unique and remarkable.
An informal setting then allows each Institute participant one-on-one time with this industry leader.
"After 45 years in the industry, I am always happy to see it infused with fresh ideas and enthusiasm," Freeman says.
"During these times of economic uncertainty, it is encouraging to see that our industry continues to grow strong and invests in its future. I am pleased to be able to share what I have learned with these future leaders and contribute to their growth process."
About Donald S. Freeman, Jr.
Mr. Freeman is chairman of Freeman in Dallas, TX.
A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he resigned his four-year commission with the Supply Corps in 1964 to join the family business, Freeman Decorating Company, as manager of the Des Moines branch.
In 1968 he was named executive vice president and served in several branch locations before moving to Dallas, where the company's headquarters was relocated in 1974.
Freeman became president of the company in 1972. Following the death of his father, Donald S. "Buck" Freeman in 1977, he was named chairman and CEO.
In July of 2008, he transitioned the company's leadership to the third generation of the Freeman family, naming daughter Carrie Freeman Parsons vice chair and CMO, and promoting son-in-law Joe Popolo to CEO.
He is still actively involved in the business, serving as chairman of the board.
Freeman has served as officer and director of numerous convention industry associations, including the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association, IAEE and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), among others.
He is also past chair of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research. Among his many awards and honors, Freeman has been inducted into the Convention Industry Council's Hall of Leaders, the industry's most prestigious form of recognition for a lifetime of significant contribution to the improvement of the event industry.
He has received the IAEE Distinguished Service Award, the PCMA President's Award and the Trade Show Exhibitors Association Distinguished Service Award.
In 2007, he received PCMA's Distinguished Member Award and the Spirit of Hospitality Award from Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), as well as the Distinguished Life Member Award from the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE).
Image: Donald S. (Don) Freeman, Jr., chairman of Freeman
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