EDPA started off the year with the selection of Jay Burkette, a more than 30-year industry veteran, as its 2014 president. He also spent years building and retaining members as the association’s vice president of member services. The year ended with Uniplan’s Group Vice President Robert Campbell announced as the 2015 president.
From January to October 2014, Orbus added 85 new employees to its roster. Many of them are on staff at the company’s new, custom-built 350,000 square-foot building. Orbus now employs more than 350 individuals across its two facilities in Woodridge, Ill. and Las Vegas.
After months of searching, UBM plc appointed Tim Cobbold as its new CEO. His appointment followed the announcement in September 2013 that David Levin intended to step down from the position.
Founded and once owned by Elaine Cohen, Live Marketing welcomed Anne Trompeter as the new owner. Previously, she served as a creative executive, chief creative strategist and sole shareholder for nearly 10 years.
IAEE selected Doug Ducate, the former president and CEO of CEIR, as its 2014 “Legend of the Industry.” The award recognizes individuals whose efforts, innovation and leadership have been one of a kind and extraordinary.
During EXHIBITOR2014, Dick Swandby, the founder of Exhibit Surveys, was named Legends Hall-of-Fame Honoree. Swandby credited much of his early success to a group of show managers who took a risk on his research endeavors.
With the Greater Houston CVB for seven years and contracted to be there for another three, Greg Ortale cut his time short. He cited personal reasons and relationships for his early retirement.
One of the most respected and recognized names in convention center management, Tom Mobley retired. He last served as Global Spectrum’s senior vice president of convention centers, but he also held roles at McCormick Place and Washington Convention Center Authority.
DMAI presented Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of LVCVA, with the 2014 destination marketing Hall of Fame Award. The award honors individuals who changed the future of destination marketing for the better, made significant contributions to the advancement of the industry and shaped travel marketing.
GES grew its U.S. audio visual team with 10 seasoned professionals. New hires were added to client care centers in Irving, Texas; Chicago and New Orleans.
As the new president of Highmark TechSystems, Debbie Parrott will continue growing the company as well as expand its product offerings. Her background includes 20 years of marketing and business development success in exhibits and events.
Complementing ICCA’s celebration of 50 years of industry involvement was the appointment of its first president from Africa. Nina Freysen-Pretorius, the founder and CEO of South Africa-based The Conference Company, is also the third female president in ICCA history.
The year ended in a celebratory spirit, with winners announced at EDPA ACCESS 2014. Benedict Soh, executive chairman for Kingsmen, took home the highest honor — the Hazel Hays Award. Hamilton Exhibits’ leader Dan Cantor received the Ambassador Award – an accolade he now shares with Exhibit City News Publisher Don Svehla (2010 winner). Last but not least, Hill & Partners Creative Director Mark Holme earned recognition as Designer of the Year!
