Effective in October, David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA, will serve as the new president of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), organization officials announced.
DuBois currently serves as the president and CEO of the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau and has extensive events-industry experience, having served previously in executive leadership roles with Sheraton and Ritz-Carlton Hotels, the Professional Convention Management Association and Meeting Professionals International. In addition, he has served the industry in many volunteer leadership roles and is recognized as a leading and respected advocate of the events industry.
“It is an honor and a pleasure to have been selected to become the new staff leader of IAEE. Our association is the principle global resource for those who plan, produce and service the exhibitions and events industry,” said DuBois. “I enthusiastically look forward to working closely with the staff and volunteer leaders of IAEE as we continue to promote the unique value of exhibitions and other events that bring buyers and sellers together.”
IAEE officials chose DuBois after engaging in a lengthy search to replace outgoing CEO Steven Hacker in October.
“IAEE is fortunate to have enjoyed a lengthy CEO transition period which permitted us to engage in a very comprehensive national search for our next chief staff executive and ensure a seamless leadership transition,” said Doreen Biela, chairwoman, IAEE. “Ultimately, David became the unanimous choice of our search committee and board of directors. We are confident that David will provide us with the same kind of creative, enthusiastic and effective leadership that we have enjoyed for so long.”
Even the company’s outgoing president is happy to have DuBois coming in to replace him.
“The selection of David as IAEE’s next president is a brilliant choice. I have known and admired David for almost two decades, and we have worked closely together on many successful projects,” said Steven Hacker, president, IAEE. “I am excited to know that the IAEE staff will be led by a polished professional who knows our industry and is committed to its future.”
Current IAEE staff also look forward to DuBois taking hold of the company reins.
“After having worked with Steven for a number of years and knowing David, I could not think of a better person to take the reins of IAEE and lead the organization. David has a solid background in key segments of the events industry that will uniquely benefit IAEE,” said Cathy Breden, chief operating officer, IAEE. “The staff and I look forward to working with him in moving IAEE forward in its mission.”
A detailed CEO transition plan has been in place and has guided all the key elements of the change for the IAEE president position. Dubois will commence work at IAEE on Oct. 4.
