SISO, the Society of Independent Show Organizers has announced its invitation-only CEO Summit to be held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, Bonita Springs, FL, April 10-13, 2011.
SISO’s annual meeting will include its Board Meeting and annual report to members as well as educational content that discusses the strategic aspects of running trade shows, exhibitions and conferences in the new economic world.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Growing Forward, Creating the New Normal” and takes into consideration the many changes that the industry has seen because of the economy, competition and technology.
SISO’s attendee list of influencers and deal makers is really the who’s who of the industry and the chance for CEOs to exchange information and business cards in a very strategic environment where candor is the norm.
David Loechner, President, Nielsen Expositions says, “Of all the Industry events held throughout the year, the SISO CEO Summit is the one “can’t miss’ event each year for me,” and Alan Steel, President, GLM, adds, “The CEO Summit is an outstanding event, as industry conferences go, there’s no better use of my time.”
“The CEO provides a very informal yet no-nonsense business environment for CEOs to network and feel comfortable among their peers and this year will draw more than 120 CEOs and C-level executives from around the world,” according to Nancy Hasselback, Chairman, SISO.
Ned Krause, CEO, E. J. Krause & Associates (EJK) adds that he “believes it’s the best event for top level management in the U.S.”
Every year, the CEO Summit gets the most experienced people in the industry to share their experiences of what has happened, is happening and about to happen with sessions designed to enlighten everyone who is struggling with new media, new revenue sources and new technologies that are destined to drive the industry.
In many cases these new technologies have been tried and succeeded but in many cases they have also failed. The CEO interactive sessions provide their attendees with first hand information and case studies identifying the dos and don’ts when looking at how their company will be growing forward.
Sean Guerre, President, TradeFair Group, an Access Intelligence Company says, “The CEO event is the one meeting I never miss! The real-world, strategic and tactical information that is exchanged freely has made a major impact on my bottom line.”
Other session highlights include: Learn what CMOs are thinking as we look at their budgets and eavesdrop on their marketing thought processes as it relates to The Relevance of Face to Face in a Digital Age; another session will give attendees an insight into identifying, growing and transitioning their brand and discovering the meaning of integrated services and how it translates in to customer satisfaction.
As in past years, SISO partner UFI, representing the global exhibition industry, discusses new ideas from abroad and how brands can be transported from country to country.
Lew Shomer, Executive Director, SISO, points out that in addition to the many networking opportunities, the west coast of Florida will offer its attendees, unlimited beach time, golfing, tennis and the opportunity to go out and swim with the manatees.
He adds, “that if you are an independent show organizer, need to know what’s going on in the industry and you are thinking about going to Florida, the CEO Summit is the only event you will need to put on your schedule.”
