people-in-the-news

Karen Gonzales Named IAEE’s Director, Partnership Relations

Karen Gonzales, CMP has joined the staff of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events as director, Partnership Relations.

In this role, she will assist with selling exhibit space for Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition and manage the sponsorship and advertising programs for IAEE, as well as fundraising for Exhibitions Mean Business. Gonzales will also engage in outreach and attendee acquisition for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research Foundation’s initiatives.

People News: The Expo Group, UBM Americas, SMG, Shepard All Make New Hires


August was a busy month for hiring and promotions in the trade show industry, with venues, show organizers and general service contractors all adding to their ranks.


The Expo Group has brought on Toby Purdy as Chief Sales Officer.


“Growth at The Expo Group is a constant. We are accelerating at a fast pace as the market moves to overcome the status quo and understands we can solve their challenges with compelling experiences and investment in growing client revenues,” said The Expo Group President and COO Randy Pekowski. 

People News: Events DC, Messe Stuttgart, BlueHive and More Welcome New Talent, Elevate Team Members

While the job market may be cooling off in many markets across the nation, the trade show and events industry appears to be staying steady as show organizers, tourism agencies, event tech companies and more continue attracting new talent, promoting staff and expanding their executive teams. 

People News: Ungerboeck, CadmiumCD, New Orleans, Houston and Phoenix All Make Hires

Hiring and promoting was fast and furious during the past month, with several trade show companies growing their company rosters.

Ungerboeck, an event and venue management technology company, added Eric Kaser to the company’s executive leadership team.

As vice president of sales, Americas, Kaser will lead sales strategy and execution from company headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri.

New Orleans and Houston Center’s Long-time Leaders Both Set to Retire

Two long-time facility leaders – the Houston George R. Brown Convention Center’s David Osterhout and the New Orleans Ernest N. Moral Convention Center’s Robert Johnson – both are set to retire.

Osterhout, known universally as simply Dave O, is turning in his keys after nearly three decades as the facility manager at the George R. Brown CC.

Osterhout, 69, retires on April 28 with a celebration joined by co-workers, clients, partners and many other friends.

People News: 2016 Ends with Flurry of New Hirings, Promotions

Instead of ending on a quiet note, last year finished up with a flurry of new hires and promotions at venues, convention bureaus and other companies.

John Gonzalez, the long-time director of event and guest services at the George R. Brown Convention Center, has been promoted to the new vice president position at Houston First Corporation’s downtown convention complex.

People News: Ungerboeck Names Chandak New Prez/CEO; CTIA’s Rob Mesirow Goes to PwC

People hirings and promotions seemed to be happening at warp speed as winter turned into spring, with suppliers and show management companies strengthening their ranks.

Ungerboeck Software International’s Manish Chandak, who was CTO of the company, was named president and CEO.  

“Manish possesses the unique ability to translate vision and strategy into world-class execution,” said Ungerboeck founder and chairman of the board, Dieter Ungerboeck. “This will move us forward with the speed required to capitalize on the opportunities in front of us.” 

People News: Suppliers, Show Management Companies Grow Their Rosters

The first quarter of 2016 saw a busy hiring period, with companies ranging from audio-visual to for-profit show management to convention and visitors bureaus.

Surf Expo, the largest and longest-running boardsports and beach/resort lifestyle trade show in the world, has named Rod Tomlinson as sales manager for the Surf Category of the show. He is replacing Ryan Nettleton.

Partner Voices
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