Shows
Trade Show Talk PodcastEp. 71: SXSW Unplugged with Chief Commercial Officer Peter LewisIn this episode of Trade Show Talk, host Danica Tormohlen speaks with Peter Lewis, Chief Commercial Officer of South by Southwest (SXSW). They discuss Peter's journey from an administrative assistant to a key leader in one of the world's most influential cultural gatherings. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities SXSW faces as it prepares for its 40th anniversary, including venue changes, economic impact, brand partnerships, and international expansion. Peter shares insights on building a strong team, creating unique experiences, and the importance of community engagement in the event industry. In our monthly advocacy update, we talk...
2026-02-0157 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastSustainability in Trade Shows with Informa's Head of Sustainability Ben WielgusIn Episode 70 of Trade Show Talk, Host Danica Tormohlen speaks with Ben Welgus, Head of Sustainability at Informa, about the evolving landscape of sustainability in the trade show industry. They discuss the successes and challenges faced in 2025, the launch of the Better Stands initiative, and the goals for 2026, including the importance of achieving net zero emissions. The conversation highlights the significance of sustainability in enhancing business value and the need for industry-wide collaboration to create a positive impact. In our monthly advocacy update, we talk with Tommy Goodwin, Executive VP for the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance. They discuss ECA's...
2026-01-0547 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastCountdown to CES 2026: A Preview with CTA President Kinsey FabrizioIn 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...
2025-12-0151 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastEp. 68: Taking Calculated Risks with RX CEO Hugh Jones"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...
2025-11-021h 22
Trade Show Talk PodcastEpisode 67: Obsessing About the Customer with Clarion Events North America CEO Liz Irving"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 bu...
2025-10-0143 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastEpisode 66: Terrapinn's Rise to the Top 20 with guest Greg Hitchen, Group CEO of Terrapinn 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...
2025-09-2242 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastEp. 65—The Business of Fun with IAAPA VP Alice Mathu 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, wor...
2025-08-3055 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastEp. 64 Dishing on Events with Lisa Malikow, Senior VP, Restaurant Show for Informa Connect Foodservice 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...
2025-08-0153 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastEp. 62 On Air At Legislative Action Day 2025 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, sha...
2025-06-061h 00
Trade Show Talk PodcastEp. 61--Navigating the Future: A Conversation with UFI CEO & Managing Director Chris SkeithIn 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...
2025-04-2553 min
Event Marketer's ToolboxEMT #17 with Danica Tormohlen - The Future of Trade Shows: Real Trends, Real Data, Real TalkIn this insightful episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sit down with award-winning journalist and events industry insider Danica Tormohlen to dive into the real-time trends shaping the trade show and live event space in 2025.With over 25 events already under her belt this year, Danica offers a ground-level view of how both exhibitors and attendees are evolving—from rising expectations to personalization, wellness, hybrid experiences, and the redefinition of value.This is the episode to listen to if you're planning a trade show pres...
2025-04-2552 min
Great EventsSupporting Women in Exhibitions - An Opportunity for Network GrowthWomen play a powerful role in the exhibitions industry, yet leadership positions have long been dominated by men. So the real question is, how can more women step into decision-making roles, and what support systems help make that happen?In this episode, Rachel Andrews sits down with Danica Tormohlen, VP of Group Content at Informa Connect and President of the North America chapter of Women in Exhibitions, alongside Oana Cipca, the organization’s Founder and Senior Manager at MECC in the Netherlands. They discuss the origins of Women in Exhibitions, the challenges women face in...
2025-03-0533 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastEp. 60—Celebrating Excellence at the NYIAEE 2024 King's Glove Awards Luncheon with MetroMultimedia CEO Bruno Giaccio & MoreIn this special episode of the Trade Show Talk podcast, host Danica Tormohlen celebrates the achievements of the 2024 King's Glove Award recipient, Bruno Giaccio, CEO of Metro Multimedia. Recorded at the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Awards Luncheon at the Javits Center in New York, the episode features interviews with several industry leaders including Alan Steel, CEO of the Javits Center; Abby Nero, Regional VP for Map Your Show; Mike Fiorentino, President of Rev Up; Tom Malek, EVP of Client Experience for T3 Expo; and Kelly Curtin, EVP, New York City Tourism + Conventions.
2024-11-141h 40
Trade Show Talk PodcastEp. 59 - Leading IMEX Group: In Conversation with CEO Carina BauerTrade Show Talk Podcast Host Danica Tormohlen interviews Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, at the IMEX America 2024 event in Las Vegas. They cover Bauer's career journey from her first IMEX Frankfurt show in 2003 to overcoming challenges like digital transformation and sustainability. They discuss empowering teams to stay ahead of trends by attending various events, experimenting with new technologies, and enhancing customer experiences with innovations like Blue Dot technology for Google Maps-style navigation on the show floor. Strategic conversations around attendee engagement were highlighted, noting the increase in pre-scheduled meetings and attendance despite impacts from Hurricane Milton. Plans for...
2024-10-1742 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastEp. 55—Elli Riley, VP, HIMSS, for Informa Markets: From Association to Independent OrganizerElli Riley joined Trade Show Talk to share her experience as the VP, HIMSS Global Conference & Exhibition, for Informa Markets. Riley joined the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) in December 2002 and has more than 28 years of experience in the meetings industry. Last summer, the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition was acquired by public company Informa, and Riley joined the Informa team in September 2023. Today Riley is the business lead for the HIMSS Global Conference & Exhibition and oversees the marketing, sales, content and operations teams. In March, the 2024 HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition attracted 26,800 healthcare technology professionals and 971...
2024-05-0229 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastEp. 54—Honeycomb Strategies CEO Lindsay Arell: Pioneering Sustainability in Live EventsLindsay Arell joined Trade Show Talk to share her experience as the CEO of Honeycomb Strategies, a consulting firm she launched in 2009 to provide innovative sustainable operational strategies for the hospitality, sports and events industry. Today some of her clients include: SoFi Stadium, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Informa, Emerald, Freeman and VISIT DENVER. In April 2024, she was also appointed chief sustainability officer of ASM Global, a venue management company that operates more than 350 convention centers, arenas, stadiums and theaters around the globe. We talked about her ambitious plans to execute a portfolio-wide framework for reaching sustainability goals like diverting...
2024-04-1844 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastEp. 52 - Smith + Stone Founder Hillary Smith: Design Thinking Process for EventsHillary Smith joined Trade Show Talk to share her experience as a female entrepreneur in the event industry. In 2008, Hillary co-founded Koncept Events, a destination management company (DMC) that was named an INC 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America in both 2018 and 2019. After building a client base that included Fortune 500 & 100 companies like McKinsey & Company, Bank of America, Proctor & Gamble and Nike, she sold the business in 2019 to PRA, a DMC powerhouse that was itself acquired by PE-firm Eagletree Capital in March 2023. She talked about joining the PRA team for five years to establish a centralized function for strategy and...
2024-03-2150 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastEp. 50 – In Conversation with BlueHive Group President Caitlyn CorreiaCaitlyn Correia joined Trade Show Talk to share her experience as President of BlueHive Group, a private, family-owned corporation that serves as the parent company for BlueHive Exhibits, Continental Woodcraft, Trigon Creative and Lime I&D Services. She's held the position of president since 2021, but she got her start in the industry a number of years ago. She talked about growing up in the industry, as the third generation of a professional trade show family. Under her leadership, BlueHive is set to have its best year yet, serving 150 clients at 1,000 events across the globe in 2024. Last summer, the company...
2024-02-2235 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastEp. 47 – CEO John Hense: Combining & Growing Nth Degree & Fern ExpoLast June, Nth Degree and its PE owners, MSouth Capital, bought Fern Expo. John Hense, who joined Nth Degree in 2018 as CFO and was elevated to CEO in late 2021, now serves as CEO over both companies. Hense brings 20 years in leadership roles in growth-oriented companies. His previous three leadership roles were technology-focused with logistics-intensive companies, including Flash Global Logistics, Diligent Delivery Systems and most recently Ship Supply. In this episode of Trade Show Talk, Hense shared his experience as a leader with PE-owned companies from outside the industry and how he's putting those skills to us...
2024-01-1141 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastEp. 46 – Marsha Flanagan on Taking the Helm as IAEE President & CEOAfter 11 years with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), Marsha Flanagan was promoted to president and CEO in November, and she officially took the helm on Dec. 1, during the move-in of the association's largest event of the year. In this episode of Trade Show Talk, Flanagan shared her experience as a 25+ year association professional. She and Podcast Host Danica Tormohlen talked about the recent IAEE Expo! Expo! Annual Meeting & Exhibition, dubbed The Show for Shows. Held Dec. 5-7 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center Dallas, Expo!Expo! 2023 grew year over year, attracting 1,900+ industry professionals...
2023-12-1433 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastSEMA's Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso: In the Driver's SeatEp. 45 – SEMA's Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso: In the Driver's Seat With a 12-year track record at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tom Gattuso shared his experience as VP of Events for SEMA Show, the annual trade show for the automotive aftermarket industry. Held Oct. 31-Nov. 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center — right before Formula 1 debuted on the Las Vegas Strip — SEMA Show attracted 2,200 exhibitors and more than 150,000 attendees — that's more attendees than CES in January (115,000) or CONEXPO/CON-AGG in March (139,000+). We talked about: The size of market: $51.8 billion in 2022, according to the 2...
2023-11-3044 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastAEM's John Rozum: Federal Funding Powers The Record-Breaking Growth of The Utility ExpoIn this episode, we had a conversation with John Rozum about his experience producing the record-breaking The Utility Expo, fueled by federal funding from historic and transformative legislation passed in 2021. In fact, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is expected to increase federal spending on infrastructure by about $550 billion over the next decade, nearly all through grants to state and local governments, which own much of the nation's infrastructure. The biennial trade show returned to Louisville, Ky., with more than 21,000 utility construction professionals from all 50 states and 60 countries. The trade show, held Sept. 26-28...
2023-10-0543 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastLeading the Pack: A Conversation with Jim Pittas, President & CEO, PMMIEp. 40 – Leading the Pack: A Conversation with Jim Pittas, President & CEO, PMMI In this episode, we had a conversation with Jim Pittas about his experience leading PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, an organization representing more than 1,000 manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, components and materials for the $10.2 billion packaging machinery industry in the U.S. After joining the exposition team in 2000, Pittas rose through the ranks at PMMI and has led the group as its President and CEO since 2018. We talked about how PMMI connects consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through its PA...
2023-09-2146 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastScaling Success: A Conversation with Gareth Bowhill, CEO of CloserStill MediaIn this episode, we had a conversation with Gareth Bowhill about his experience leading CloserStill Media, a UK-based B2B media company that produces 80 exhibitions annually, as its CEO since 2020. After coming off a record year of revenues of $120 million in 2022, he talked about how the company has closed three acquisitions so far this year (with more in the pipeline), growing to 600 employees globally. CloserStill's expansion into the U.S. market began in 2017 with the organic launch of New York Vet, a geo-clone of its flagship event London Vet Show. Led by former RX exec Yancy Weinrich...
2023-09-0744 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastCase Study: Outsourcing Marketing with ESCA's Julie Kagy & epIQ Creative Group's Bill McGladeIn this episode, we had a conversation with Julie Kagy, director of operations for the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) and Bill McGlade, president of epIQ Creative Group, about their experience in working together as partners on marketing. They shared advice and lessons learned after partnering now for more than one year. Kagy shared insight on what it was like to put together an RFP, evaluate vendors, hone in on the scope of the association's needs, get buy-in on budgeting and execute the strategy with an outside partner. McGlade talked about developing the strategy, prioritizing t...
2023-08-2447 min
Event Marketing: RedefinedEvolving Trade Show Experiences with Danica Tormohlen Live On The Show Floor At ExhibitorLIVEDive into the dynamic world of event marketing as Matt Kleinrock engages in a captivating conversation with Danica Tormohlen, the driving force behind Exhibitor News Network. Danica brings her 25 years of industry expertise to the forefront, offering a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of trade show booths and brand experiences. Join us as we explore the latest trends, industry challenges, and innovative strategies that are shaping the future of event marketing. From cutting-edge design trends to navigating budget constraints and the powerful resurgence of in-person events, Danica provides invaluable insights that shed light on the path...
2023-08-2013 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastNAB's Chris Brown: Driving innovation and growth for 25 yearsIn this episode, we had a conversation with Chris Brown, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Global Connections and Events, for the National Association of Broadcasters. After 25 years with the association, Brown recently announced he's leaving the organization following the 2024 NAB Show. Under Brown's stewardship, the NAB Show portfolio has continually innovated to provide a superior event experience for broadcast, media and entertainment industry professionals. Brown talked about his departure from NAB and what might be next for this industry leader. He reflected on the 100th NAB Show held earlier this year in Las Vegas. Th...
2023-08-101h 02
Trade Show Talk PodcastA Conversation with 2023 TSNN Industry Icon Award Winner: ANDMORE Chairman & CEO Bob MaricichIn this episode, we had a conversation with ANDMORE Chairman & CEO Bob Maricich, who was recently named as the 2023 Industry Icon Honoree by TSNN. He shared insight into the company he founded in 2011, built over the last 13 years and rebranded with a new name in 2023. Maricich talked about the transition of ownership from Bain Capital and Oaktree Capital Management to Blackstone, which has supported the company's expansion and acquisitions since 2017. Find out how and where the company is investing to transform ANDMORE into an omnichannel wholesale marketmaker for the gift, home furnishings and apparel industries. ...
2023-07-2736 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastCreating Places for Clients with Moss Inc.'s Jason PoppJason Popp, President and CEO of Moss Inc., shared insights about the unique services and accomplishments of the company during a recent interview. Moss specializes in providing specialist production services for the trade show industry, working with various stakeholders in the value chain such as general service contractors, design and build firms and event agencies. The company takes pride in being placemakers, focusing on creating three-dimensional environments and building structures for their clients. One notable achievement highlighted by Popp is Moss's role in introducing tension fabric to the trade show industry 40 years ago. The company's founder, Bill...
2023-07-1343 min
The Business of Meetings166: What You Need to Know About the Exhibition Industry with Danica Tormohlen We are delighted to speak with Danica Tormohlen today! Danica is a journalist and the VP of Content for the Tarsus Group (now part of Informa). Danica is an icon in our industry with tons of experience! She has been through many crises in the trade show industry and has been writing about it since 1994. She joins us today to discuss her fascinating career and to share her unique perspective on where the exhibition industry is heading and how we can better use technology. Bio: An award-winning journalist who has reported on the...
2023-05-1635 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastTalent Retention in Events with Kimberly Hardcastle-GeddesOne thread that's been pulled through the majority of episodes since we began this podcast is the need to acquire and keep (or bring back!) talented people in the industry. Our guest on this episode is a great marketer, she hires people who are -- or develop into -- great marketers, and she keeps them! Or they boomerang back. "There is something inherently sexy about an agency and working in the events business, so we have developed a lot of our interns, and we transform them into full time employees." Without question, providing great services to clients...
2023-05-1134 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastLove for Volunteerism with Tina Marie HonorThere are hidden gifts in volunteering. I've heard it said we can improve our lives through "addition by subtraction," and it hit me recently that volunteerism is "addition by addition." By giving back, as some would call it, we also receive. Of course, volunteerism doesn't just show itself in professional arenas, but when we do step up and into these roles for our professional associations, magic can happen. Our guest on this show is proof that getting involved won't only improve our professional lives (it does), but also has a positive impact on our personal...
2023-02-2323 min
Trade Show Talk PodcastSet Diverse Speaker Line-Ups at your Events with Troy SandidgeDiversity, equity, inclusion, and BELONGING… All things that are important with regard to how and why conference organizers select their speakers. Troy does a great job of helping us understand his perspective as a Black man and Megan adds gender equity into the conversation. We talk about speaking up about diversity on stages – solidarity also enters the chat. While we absolutely need more women and people of color on stages at our events, it's important that you have them talking about what they are subject matter experts on, and not just about DEI (Troy talks about...
2023-02-0931 min
Trade Show University for Virtual & Live EventsEp 137 - Industry Trends for 2022 - with Danica Tormohlen of SISOAs show planners, organizers and exhibitors, what should we be expecting from the industry in 2022? To discuss this topic and more I am honored to have on the podcast for a second time Danica Tormohlen - the Content Director, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief for the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO). Danica began her career in the trade show industry at EXPO Magazine in 1994, where she eventually served as publisher and editor in chief. After that, she served as editor-at-large for Trade Show Executive for 10 years.We Discuss:What's happening at SISOTrends in the industryDanica's...
2022-02-2130 min
Tech of SportsDanica Tormohlen, Covering the Trade Show and Events IndustryJoined this week, by one of the best follows on Twitter when it comes to the Trade Show industry. Danica Tormohlen (@DanicaTormohlen).
Danica and Rick have a lively chat about events, conventions and trade shows returning.
Danica has been a respected professional in the exhibition industry ever since she joined EXPO in 1994 as an assistant editor and moved up the ladder to the publisher’s office. Her career has included a Folio: Eddie Award for Editorial Excellence in the travel and hospitality category, and an award for best web site redesign from min’s btob.
2021-04-2200 min
Tech of Sports - Rick LimpertLimpert Tech for ALT 105.7 and iHeartRadio 4/3/21- Danica Tormohlen, Journalist Covering the Trade Show IndustryA pleasure to be joined by Danica this week on iHeartRadio. Danica is an award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994. Mother of two kids & two dogs, wife of one, runner, skier, boater and know the event industry inside and out.
2021-04-0511 minTrade Show University for Virtual & Live EventsEp 088 - Success Story from Live Event! With Forrest ReedYou are about to hear a Success Story from a recent Live Event! Joining the podcast today is Forrest Reed of USA Insulation as he shares his experience at a recent Live Trade Show.Live events are back and they are safe. Through the guests I have had the honor to interview on the Trade Show University podcast recently, we have heard them telling about the safety of these events and also how they have been well attended.And to give you kind of a case study on how these events can work for exhibitors, I...
2021-04-0523 minTrade Show University for Virtual & Live EventsEp 087 - Experiencing LIVE Events during the Pandemic - with Danica TormohlenAre you wondering what its like to attend a LIVE Event during the pandemic? Then you are definitely in the right place! My guest has attended several live events, and interviewed exhibitors and attendees - and she's sharing her experiences!Danica Tormohlen is an award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry for more than 25 years. She is currently working on assignment for SISO and UFI to write case studies about producing trade shows during a pandemic. Danica is a regular contributor to PCMA, and she wrote the cover story on virtual exhibits for the February...
2021-03-2937 min