SISO, the Society of Independent Show Organizers announced its CEO, invitation only Summit to be held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, Bonita Springs Fla., April 10-13, 2011.
SISO’s annual meeting will include its board meeting and annual report to members and educational content that discusses the strategic aspects of running tradeshows, exhibitions and conferences in a new economic world.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Growing forward, creating the new normal,” and takes into consideration the many changes the industry has seen because of the economy, competition and technology.
SISO’s attendee list of influence and deal makers is the industry’s who’s who and the chance for CEO’s to exchange information in a very strategic environment where candor is the norm.
“Of all the Industry events held throughout the year, the SISO CEO Summit is the one can’t miss event each year for me.” said David Loechner, president of Nielsen Expositions.
“The CEO Summit is an outstanding event,” said Alan Steel, president of GLM. “As industry conferences go, there’s no better use of my time.”
According to Nancy Hasselback, chairman of SISO, the CEO provides a very informal, yet no-nonsense business environment for CEOs to network and feel comfortable. This year will draw more than 120 CEO’s and C-level executives from around the world.
Every year, the CEO Summit gets the most experienced people in the industry to share their experiences of what has happened, is happening and what is about to happen with sessions designed to enlighten about new media, new revenue sources and the evaluation of new technologies destined to drive the industry.
In many cases these new technologies have been tried and succeeded, but in many cases they have also failed. The CEO interactive sessions provide their attendees with first hand information and case studies identifying the do’s and don’ts of growing a company forward.
“The CEO event is the one meeting I never miss,” said Sean Guerre, president of Trade Fair Group. “The real-world, strategic and tactical information that is exchanged freely has made a major impact on my bottom line.”
Other session highlights will include how CMO’s look at their budgets and marketing as it relates to the relevance of face-to-face in a digital age, identifying, growing, and transitioning a brand, as well as discovering the meaning of integrated services and how it relates to customer satisfaction.
As in past years, SISO integrated its view of the tradeshow world with UFI representing the global exhibition industry, as they discuss new ideas from abroad and how brands can be transported from country to country.
According to Lew Shomer, executive director of SISO, in addition to the many networking opportunities, the west coast of Florida will offer its attendees, unlimited beach time, golfing and the opportunity to swim with the manatees.
“If you are an independent show organizer, you need to know what’s going on in the industry and if you are thinking about going to Florida, the CEO Summit is the only event you will need to put on your schedule,” said Shomer.
