Nancy Walsh, executive vice president, Reed Exhibitions, North America, was the opening keynote speaker for the 11th annual Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum (ECEF). She described Reed’s use of choice pricing for exhibitors (based on location and timing) and its digital strategy for increasing value to its exhibitors and generating revenue for Reed.
ECEF’s closing keynote, Linda Henman, PhD, revealed techniques for identifying and motivating exceptional staff. Using real life examples, Dr. Henman explained that successful leaders must find, mentor and retain star performers for the well-being of organizations.
“Both keynote speakers challenged us with their messages. Innovative exhibit space pricing and teams of exceptional staff are among the factors that are critical to our future,” said Sam Lippman, ECEF producer. “Nancy’s presentation on giving exhibitors greater flexibility to choose the space they want, when they want it at a price they can afford is an offering we all should consider. And Linda made it clear that the key to the future success of any organization is for the top executive to recognize and cultivate the ‘virtuosos’ on the staff.”
ECEF’s one-day program also featured many experts on face-to-face events: Glenn Hansen, president and CEO, BPA Worldwide; Janet Johnson, exhibits manager, BASF; Bob Liodice, president and CEO, Association of National Advertisers; Claudia Flowers, vice president, ABM; Jenn Heinold, vice president, Access Intelligence; John T. Kelley, director of international programs, Consumer Electronics Association; Chris Kersting, CAE, president and CEO, SEMA; Jeffrey A. Masters, senior manager, event marketing, Global Integrated Communications, Philips Healthcare; Kathleen Gunderson, project manager, Events Project Management Team, Wells Fargo; and Wayne Jacobs of Jacobs, Jenner and Kent.
The number of verified attendees at ECEF was 199 from 24 states and Canada, France, Germany, Mexico and the Netherlands. This is a growth of five percent from ECEF 2011 verified attendance.
ECEF 2013 will be held on Wednesday, May 29, at the JW Marriott, Washington, DC.
