Fresh Faces and Big Moves Highlight Exhibit City News Team Growth
by Exhibit City News Staff
Exhibit City News (ECN) is starting 2025 with exciting changes to its team, reflecting the publication’s ongoing growth and commitment to excellence in the tradeshow, meetings, and events industries. From key promotions to new hires, these updates showcase the talent and expertise that drive ECN forward.
Publisher and Founder Don Svehla shared his thoughts on the updates, saying, “At Exhibit City News, we’ve always been about more than just reporting the news—we’re about building a community. These team updates reflect our commitment to growing alongside the tradeshow industry, bringing together the right mix of talent and passion to serve our readers and partners better than ever.”
Lisa-Corinne Abrams Promoted to Chief Financial Officer
Lisa-Corinne Abrams has been promoted from Managing Editor to Chief Financial Officer. A self-described “citizen of the world,” Abrams relocated to Las Vegas nearly a decade ago after living in Paris, NYC, and Istanbul.
Her impressive career includes roles as a Park Ave. lawyer and Wall Street trader. In the tradeshow industry, she spent over nine years as Director of Sales and Marketing for Exposure Ltd., a nationwide exhibit photography business. Abrams has also worked closely with ECN founder Don Svehla as his financial assistant and contract-negotiating expert. Her promotion underscores ECN’s commitment to strong financial leadership as the company grows.
Contact: lisaa@exhibitcitynews.com
Editorial
Marlena Sullivan Promoted to Editor
Marlena Sullivan has been promoted from Digital Editor to Editor. A Las Vegas native, Sullivan earned dual degrees in Operations Management and Theater and Film from The Ohio State University, as well as an MLitt in Creative Writing from the University of Glasgow.
Sullivan’s passion for the arts, writing, and fashion fuels her editorial work. She has been published in several zines and brings creativity and a clear vision to ECN’s editorial team. Her promotion reflects ECN’s dedication to fostering talent and ensuring editorial excellence.
Contact: digitaleditor@exhibitcitynews.com
Mark Hebert Joins ECN as Senior Writer
Mark Hebert joined Exhibit City News in April 2024 as Senior Writer. An award-winning reporter and designer, Hebert graduated from the University of Montana with a BA in print journalism.
Hebert’s career includes roles as a reporter and publisher for three newspapers in Montana, Senior Reporter at the Dallas Express, and Senior Reporter at Courthouse News in Las Vegas. Known for his engaging reporting style, Hebert brings his expertise and creativity to ECN’s editorial team. When he’s not working, Hebert enjoys nachos and naps.
Contact: markh@exhibitcitynews.com
Debbie Hall Joins ECN as Contributing Writer
Debbie Hall joined Exhibit City News in November 2024 as a contributing writer. Hall, a Las Vegas resident for 46 years, brings over 25 years of broadcasting experience, including roles as a news and traffic announcer, talk show host, and producer.
In addition to her broadcasting career, Hall has written professionally for over 20 years for newspapers, magazines, and blogs, covering topics like profiles, food, entertainment, and promotions. Her wealth of experience in media makes her a fantastic addition to ECN’s writing team.
Contact: debbieh@exhibitcitynews.com
Business Development
Christy DiGiambattista Promoted to Senior Business Development
Christy DiGiambattista has been promoted from New Business Development to Senior Business Development. With more than 20 years of experience in the tradeshow and events industry, Giambattista’s career has been defined by creativity and leadership.
Her past work includes organizing unique fine dining events, producing a Food Network show, and collaborating with the Philadelphia Eagles to launch a wine called “Happy Tails” to benefit the ASPCA. Giambattista’s experience in business development will continue to strengthen ECN’s relationships and industry presence.
Contact: christyd@exhibitcitynews.com
Melissa Skipworth Joins ECN as New Business Director and Contributing Writer
Melissa Skipworth joined ECN in October 2024 as New Business Director and Contributing Writer. She brings over 18 years of sales experience, delivering top-notch customer service in every role.
Skipworth is also a licensed real estate agent, where she helps clients navigate the home-buying and selling process with ease. Her passion for building relationships and driving business success makes her a great fit for ECN’s business development team.
Contact: melissas@exhibitcitynews.com
Taunya Mitchell Joins ECN as Sales and Marketing Specialist
Taunya Mitchell joined Exhibit City News as Sales and Marketing Specialist. With over a decade of national sales and marketing experience, Mitchell’s resume includes nearly nine years as Senior Advertising Representative at Exhibitor Magazine Group.
Mitchell is also the owner of Travel with Taunya, where she helps clients plan memorable travel experiences. Her expertise in event management, international business, negotiation, and marketing make her a valuable addition to ECN’s team.
Contact: taunyam@exhibitcitynews.com
