People News - Summer Is Busy Time for New Hires in Trade Show Industry

July 30, 2012

Summer might be a slow time for actual trade shows being held, but it’s been a busy time for new hires, signaling a boost in business.

The Georgia World Congress Center recently announced the selection of Mark Adams as director of sales for the 3.9 million square foot facility.

"We are all looking forward to the addition of Mark Adams to our GWCC team,” said Mark Zimmerman, general manager of the convention center.

He added, “I am confident that with his experience he will make an immediate impact on our sales program.”

Adams joins the GWCC after working as the director of sales for the Athens (Ga.) Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he led the sales team in booking over 150 conventions, corporate meetings and sporting events each year.

He also previously was a general manager and operations manager for Global Experience Specialists.

Messe Frankfurt USA hired Kristy Meade to Group Show Director, Textile Events, responsible for managing the teams producing Texworld USA Winter/Summer, Apparel Sourcing, Home Textiles Sourcing Expo, Techtextil North America and Texprocess Americas.

“We are pleased to add Kristy our team,” said John Gallagher, president of Messe Frankfurt USA.

He added, “Her professionalism, strong track record in managing successful events and expertise in the textile industry make her a valuable addition to our team.”

Meade has 13 years of experience in domestic and international events. Most recently, she was the Director of Events/Educational Development at Industrial Fabrics Association International at which she managed and developed various events with more than 8,000 attendees.

NexxtShow has brought Kevin Nalepka on the team as Vice President of Business Development.



Based out of Washington, D.C., Nalepka will be responsible for helping develop and execute NexxtShow's strategic business, sales and operating plans.



Nalepka comes to NexxtShow with more than 10 years of experience in the tradeshow industry. Beginning in 2000, he worked as Director of Corporate Sales at Freeman and then moved in 2007 as the Director of Sales to GES.

In these positions, he was responsible for a full range of business accountability, including business development, sales, marketing, budgeting, forecasting and reporting.



"Kevin is a proven leader and it's exciting to have someone with his rich and deep experience join the NexxtShow team," said Matt Epstein, president of NexxtShow.

Meet Minneapolis, Convention & Visitors Association, welcomes Sue Stein as partnership marketing manager.

She will support Meet Minneapolis’ current partners and enhance the organization’s strategic development by actively recruiting new partners with an initial emphasis on the restaurant and retail categories.

With more than 20 years of experience in sales, business development, meeting management and event marketing, Stein has a wide range of knowledge in the industry that comes from owning her own meeting management and marketing services firm to working for NAPCP, Carlson Companies, Triad Conferences and BI Worldwide

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