The International Association of Exhibitions and Events recently announced the selection of Jonathan “Skip” Cox as the 2017 KLI Legend of the Industry
Each year IAEE selects a KLI “Legend of the Industry” whose contributions, innovation and leadership have been truly unique and remarkable. An informal setting then allows each KLI participant face-to-face interaction with this industry leader.
Skip Cox joined Exhibit Surveys, Inc. in 1971 as assistant survey director after graduating from Wittenberg University. In 1994, Skip became president of Exhibit Surveys, Inc., and his research responsibilities were expanded to include overall management of the company. In January 2005, Skip became CEO and sole owner of ESI. In May 2016, ESI was acquired by Freeman, where Skip continues to manage ESI as Freeman’s Senior Vice President of Research & Measurement.
Skip Cox focuses strategically on client development and serves as the visible face of ESI in the marketplace. This affords him the opportunity to translate emerging needs of the industry into relevant research and the development of new diagnostic tools. He is also heavily involved with the direct application of research and these new tools to enhance the strategic and tactical planning of many exhibition and event organizers, corporate brand marketers, and facilities.
Skip’s involvement with industry associations is extensive. He has served as the chairperson of the International Association for Exhibitions and Events Board of Directors and on the board of directors of the Corporate Events Marketing Association and the Center for Exhibition Industry Research. In the past, he served on the board of Trade Show Exhibitors Association. Recognition from these associations includes TSEA’s Chairman’s Award, CEMA’s Pinnacle Award and IAEE’s Chairman’s Award.
Skip Cox is a frequent contributor of articles in various trade publications and academic journals serving the marketing and events marketing fields, and he has authored numerous white papers for the industry. As a speaker, he has been invited to present the company’s research findings to annual meetings of virtually every major organization in the U.S. related to trade shows and events marketing (IAEE, PCMA, SISO, TSEA, HCEA, CEMA, NACS, EDPA and Exhibitor Show), as well as international associations (UFI in Europe and Asia, AMPROFEC in Mexico, Fairlink in Sweden, CAEM in Canada and EEAA in Australia). He has also conducted research for various CEIR-sponsored industry studies.
“I am truly honored to be named the IAEE Legend of the Industry for 2017,” said Cox. “I have been involved with IAEE and the exhibitions industry for the span of my career, and it is humbling to have my service to the industry recognized by IAEE and its board of directors.”
Trusted since 1928, IAEE provides quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE, and the organization advocates and promotes the awareness of face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. IAEE provides relevant, timely, and innovative education to its members and the industry. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: 4imprint, a2z, Inc., BearCom, Buttine Exhibition Insurance, Convention News Television, Delta Airlines, New Orleans Morial Convention Center, New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, Orange County Convention Center, Streampoint Solutions and Synchronicities (Visit Anaheim, Visit Baltimore and Visit San Antonio). Visit www.iaee.com for more information.
