Global Experience Specialists (GES), an exhibition, event and retail marketing services provider, has announced the addition of three industry professionals with diverse backgrounds to its Exhibits and Events team.
Craig Hoffend, Steve Kyong and Mark Thomas will each focus on continuing the growth of GES’ global corporate clients.
Craig Hoffend, CEM, joins GES as vice president of business development. He brings 25 years of sales leadership in the tradeshow and corporate events industry.
“It is exciting to have someone with Craig’s rich and deep experience elect to join the GES team,” said Bill Doolittle, GES executive vice president and chief sales officer, exhibits & events. “Craig has consistently produced results and together with the broad, global offerings from GES, will ensure his continued success with global corporate clients.”
Prior to joining GES, Hoffend held senior level positions with Freeman, National Trade Productions and Hoffend Xposition. Throughout his career, he has been active in industry associations, including Exhibition Services & Contractors Association and International Association of Exhibitions and Events. Hoffend is based in GES’ Chicago Client Care Center.
Steve Kyong joins GES as vice president of business development, bringing more than 12 years of trade show experience. Kyong is from South Korea, and his bicultural background has helped him establish successful relationships with leaders and executives from key industries and companies from Asia, Europe and South America.
“I am thrilled to have someone with Steve’s experience who will be able to carry the very compelling GES global capabilities message around the world further expanding our impressive worldwide client portfolio,” said Doolittle. “Steve’s cross-cultural skills are particularly important to continuing the development of relationships with existing and new clients.”
Before Joining GES, Kyong worked for Trade Show Fabrications, Freeman, and Czarnowski, where he managed key accounts in diverse industries from medical to heavy machinery. Kyong is based in GES’
Las Vegas Client Care Center.
Mark Thomas brings nearly 30 years of industry experience as he joins GES as vice president of business development.
“Mark is a terrific addition to the GES business development team,” said Doolittle. “He brings a wide and varied background of experiences to his relationship with clients, listening and responding with unique and innovative solutions that exceed their expectations. He has overseen complex projects and events on domestic and international levels including Russia, Europe, Mexico, Canada, the Far East and the Middle East. His knowledge of brand development and face-to-face marketing, together with GES’ global suite of services will ensure his continued success as a top industry professional.”
Prior to joining GES, Thomas worked for Freeman and a variety of corporate clients with responsibility for domestic and international events. He is based in GES’ Dallas Client Care Center.
