The Dan Assor Show #eventprofs

In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Cockerton, Co-Founder of the Digital Accountancy Show, to explore his journey from a media and fintech background to building one of the UK’s fastest-growing niche events for the accountancy sector.

We discuss how Daniel and his business partner James Howell identified a market gap, grew the show from 600 attendees to over 5,000, and recently sold the business to global events giant Easyfairs.

Daniel opens up about his entrepreneurial mindset, the power of partnerships, the challenges of launching during COVID, the emotional rollercoaster of scaling a business, and his personal resilience following open-heart surgery.

This episode is packed with insights on entrepreneurship, community-building, scaling, and staying mission-driven.

In this episode, I sit down with Dodge Woodall, the mastermind behind Bournemouth 7s Festival, host of the Eventful Lives podcast, and a serial entrepreneur.

From selling nightclub tickets as a 10-year-old to building one of the UK's most successful independent festivals, Dodge shares his raw, unfiltered journey of risk-taking, resilience, and relentless ambition.

He shares the highs, lows, and brutal realities of entrepreneurship and how at one point, he had to remortgage his house, risking everything to keep his dream alive.

Tune in for real business lessons, and high-energy insights on building brands, the future of events, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and why he believes "naivety is a superpower."

About The Guest

Dodge Woodall is a British entrepreneur, festival founder, podcast host, and business mentor. He is best known as the creator of the Bournemouth 7s Festival, often called the "Sporting Glastonbury," attracting 30,000 attendees annually. He also hosts the Eventful Lives podcast, featuring inspiring guests from diverse backgrounds, ranking in the top 0.5% globally with over 100 million views.

Dive into an insightful conversation with Hugh Jones, CEO of RX, as he unveils his journey through the dynamic world of trade shows and exhibitions. From his unexpected start managing gas stations to leading one of the largest B2B event organisers globally, this episode highlights Hugh’s leadership in transforming RX, and his unique perspective on the challenges and innovations shaping the industry.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Unconventional Career Pathways: Learn how Hugh Jones's early experiences managing gas stations provided him with unique management insights that propelled his rise in the trade show industry.
• Navigating Through Crisis: Discover the strategies Hugh employed to steer RX through the challenges of the global pandemic, highlighting resilience and adaptability in crisis management.
• Innovation in Trade Shows: Explore how RX is integrating cutting-edge technology like AI to transform traditional trade show experiences, making them more engaging and efficient.
• Focus on Sustainability and Inclusivity: Gain insight into RX’s initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and inclusivity at trade shows, ensuring they are accessible and enjoyable for all attendees.
• Revolutionizing Sales and Marketing Strategies: Understand how RX is shifting from traditional sales tactics to value-based pricing and consultative selling to better meet the needs of exhibitors and visitors.
• Leadership Insights from a Top Executive: Hear directly from Hugh about the qualities that define effective leadership in today’s fast-paced business environment, including transparency, humour, and a willingness to embrace failure as a path to success.

About The Guest

Hugh’s philosophy in life? Every executive has to place bets in order for the value propositions to remain relevant to the customers, but not every bet has to work. That philosophy has served him well over the years since joining RELX in 2011, following the purchase of Accuity where he was Chief Executive Officer. In addition to leading Accuity to become one of the world’s largest and most significant companies in the payment routing and Anti Money Laundering sectors, he has also led Fircosoft, NRS, I.C.I.S, Estates Gazette (EG) and Cirium; and before joining RX he was Global Managing Director within the Risk and Business Analytics Division. Hugh’s philosophy has seen him lead large scale acquisitions and subsequent integrations of many companies that now reside and prosper within the RELX portfolio. Hugh joined RX as CEO at the start of 2020 bringing with him plenty of experience in public company protocol and all facets of business management including P&L oversight, talent development, forecasting, sales execution, technology innovation and product discovery, launch and growth. Hugh’s experience has been invaluable in navigating RX’s response to challenges and his strategic understanding of technological innovation has accelerated the use of digital and data products and services across RX events, as an ongoing core component of RX face to face events. Passionate about building a culture of collaboration, exploring, risk taking, accountability and courage, Hugh champions the creation of a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace for all.

In this episode, I sit down with Eman Pulis, the visionary founder of the SiGMA Group, a global media and events company focused on the gaming and emerging technology sectors.

Since its inception in 2014, SiGMA has rapidly evolved from a small, niche event to a global powerhouse. The brand redefined itself through rebranding initiatives, strategic acquisitions, and the establishment of new pillars, such as SiGMA Foundation and Ikigai Ventures.

Catering to over 1,200 exhibitors and 80,000 industry delegates, SiGMA Group hosts 7 international summits today, as well as 30 ancillary networking events annually - including poker tournaments and iGatherings.

From humble beginnings in Malta to building a global events powerhouse, Eman shares his remarkable journey of resilience, risk-taking, and reinvention. What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• How Eman’s Olympic dreams shaped his entrepreneurial mindset
• The pivot from organising parties to running world-class gaming conferences
• Launching SiGMA World with zero experience – and scaling it to 100,000+ delegates
• Surviving the pandemic and using it as a catalyst for global expansion
• Why "glocalisation" is key to successful event expansion
• The philosophy behind Ikigai Ventures and what Eman looks for in start-ups
• Powerful lessons on leadership, growth, and dealing with failure

Join me as I sit down with Yancy Weinrich, President of North America & Board Director at CloserStill Media, to uncover her remarkable journey in the trade show and exhibition industry.

From her early days as an exhibitor to leading one of the fastest-growing event companies globally, Yancy shares insights into leadership, innovation, and the future of events. In this episode, we discuss:
✅ Her career journey from Reed Exhibitions to CloserStill Media.
✅ The transformative impact of the pandemic on the industry.
✅ How CloserStill Media has doubled in size and achieved global recognition.
✅ Trends in event technology, audience development, and AI.
✅ The importance of advocacy and shaping government policy through the ECA and SISO.
✅ Leadership lessons, team building, and advice for aspiring professionals in the event sector If you're passionate about b2b events, leadership, or industry trends, this episode is for you!

In this special year-end episode, I sit down with Peter Jones, CEO of Nineteen Group, one of the UKs fastest growing B2B event organisers,  to reflect on a ground breaking year for the business and explore what lies ahead for 2025 in the trade show and exhibitions industry.

Peter delves into the key milestones of 2024, including Nineteen Group’s acquisition of Oliver Kinross and the transformative sale to the Growth Partnership Fund.

He shares his thoughts on how these events have shaped the company’s direction, along with insights into their innovative initiatives like the Academy of Excellence for Sales and the company’s peer-to-peer KADI Awards, which celebrate living the values of Kind, Agile, Driven, and Inclusive.

We also explore the challenges of maintaining a strong company culture while scaling rapidly and discuss the trends shaping the industry in 2025, such as the evolving role of technology, the push for sustainability, and the demand for more personalised, high-value events.

On a personal note, Peter opens up about his growth as a leader, lessons learned from his personal journey, and what turning 50 in 2025 means to him. To wrap up, we add a festive twist with a rapid-fire Christmas quiz where Peter shares his favourite holiday traditions and preferences.

This episode is packed with inspiration, insights, and a touch of holiday cheer. Don’t miss it!

Duncan Reid’s journey in the events industry is nothing short of extraordinary. From organising house parties as a teenager to nearly 25 years at global giants UBM and Clarion Events, Duncan has been a force in reshaping how events are conceived and delivered.

Recorded on the show floor at Event Tech Live 2024 in London ExCel, this episode dives into his career, the pivotal lessons he’s learned, and his thoughts on the next big trends shaping the future of events.

We explore Duncan’s early influences, his entrepreneurial mindset, and how he navigated the challenges of launching his own event, Reset Connect.

As a passionate advocate for sustainability and innovation, Duncan also shares his thoughts on integrating technology to improve event experiences and how AI is revolutionising the industry.

Whether you’re an event professional, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the evolution of the events sector, this conversation is packed with actionable insights, inspiration, and valuable advice. Discover the secrets to building successful events, adapting to change, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Join me for an insightful conversation with Enrico Gallorini, CEO of GRS Research and Strategy, as he shares his journey in the events industry and discusses his new book, In-Person: A Journey Through the Unstoppable Evolution of Events.

Enrico reflects on the history of gatherings, the impact of culture on events, and the future of in-person connections in a digital age. Discover how his upbringing in Italy, personal challenges, and professional experiences have shaped his passion for creating meaningful, impactful gatherings.

A must-watch for event professionals and anyone curious about the transformative power of human connection!

In this episode, I welcome Doug Emslie, former CEO of Tarsus Group, and current chairman of Cuil Bay capital and Raccoon Media Group. Doug shares insights into his recent investment in Jacobs Media, a leader in travel media and events, to support its expansion into global markets, particularly the Middle East and U.S, and the launch of an animal health division at Raccoon Media, highlighting the growing demand for passion-led events in areas like pet care and equestrian shows. This move signals Raccoon Media’s commitment to expanding B2B events in the thriving pet and animal health sector. We examine the trade show industry’s ongoing M&A boom, debating whether current acquisition levels are sustainable or risking a potential market bubble, and discuss the recent UK budget and its potential impact on business, and the US election, and the pros and cons of a Trump or Harris presidency. This episode is essential viewing for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry insiders alike. Tune in for Doug’s in-depth take on the forces shaping the future of trade shows, exhibitions, and global business.

The Dan Assor Show Event Technology Sponsor

Jonas Event Technology is an award-winning event registration supplier for organisers of trade shows, exhibitions and conferences,

Join me in this insightful episode as I sit down with Geoff Dickinson, CEO of DMG Events, to explore his incredible career journey, from humble beginnings and studying law to becoming one of the most influential leaders in the global events industry.

In this candid interview Geoff talks about his his background, and the fact that he wasn't worried about taking risks because he grew up with limited financial resources. Coming from a place where he had "nothing to lose," he felt that taking risks was easier, as there was little downside. This upbringing gave him an entrepreneurial spirit and made him more open to trying new things.

Geoff shares his thoughts on the growth of the exhibition sector around the world with a focus on the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the post-pandemic resurgence of face-to-face events, the importance of mentors, and his strategies for leading a global team.

We also delve into his leadership evolution, how he overcomes moments of self-doubt, and the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in his success.

Whether you're in the events industry or just love hearing inspiring stories of leadership and growth, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Tune in to hear Geoff’s unique perspective on the future of the events industry, his reflections on a career spanning decades, and his advice for emerging leaders!

The Dan Assor Show Event Technology Sponsor

Jonas Event Technology is an award-winning event registration supplier for organisers of trade shows, exhibitions and conferences,

In this episode, I sit down with Kate Disley, founder and CEO of TEMBO, a specialist marketing agency for event organisers, to explore her incredible entrepreneurial journey. Kate shares how a simple misunderstanding launched her into the world of exhibitions and events, turning an unexpected twist into a thriving business. We dive into the challenges she faced as a single mum navigating the corporate world, her leap of faith into entrepreneurship, and how she built TEMBO from the ground up. Kate also opens up about the unique challenges of being a female founder in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She reflects on how the landscape for women in business has evolved over the past decade, offering valuable insights into overcoming gender barriers and building a support network. Kate offers candid advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, discusses the importance of proving your concept before taking big risks, and talks about how she’s grown as a leader over the last 10 years. If you’re interested in hearing about the ups and downs of running a business, leadership lessons, and insights into the fast-paced events industry, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

The Dan Assor Show Event Technology Sponsor

Jonas Event Technology is an award-winning event registration supplier for organisers of trade shows, exhibitions and conferences,

In this episode, I sit down with Ross Ashman, co-founder and CEO of Public Sector Network, a multi-million dollar social learning platform based out of Australia, created to improve the life of public sector employees - and the citizens they serve.

Ross takes us on a journey through his entrepreneurial experience. From his beginnings as an event sales executive to co-founding one of the leading platforms connecting public sector professionals across the globe,

Ross shares valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of growing a global business. We explore his path from Essex to Australia, the importance of relationships in business, adapting to international markets, and maintaining a purpose-driven company with B Corp certification.

For anyone interested in entrepreneurship, global business, or public sector innovation, this conversation is packed with advice and reflections.

About the Guest

Ross is an experienced events and media professional with over 20 years’ experience in sales and leadership roles across the globe.

He is most comfortable in customer facing roles and working alongside his team to upskill capability/uplift capacity across the business.

Ross role as CEO of PSN is to set the vision, lead the organisation, and ultimately empower the team to deliver for their global community.

About Public Sector Network

Public Sector Network is an accredited B Corporation and social learning platform, created to improve the life of public sector employees - and the citizens they serve.

We help government executives to connect with relevant peers, benchmark their programs, and establish best practice on a global scale – we do this via research events and training (online and in-person)

Our platform is only open to government professionals who want to learn through best practice and example, in a safe, secure network.

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Westcott, Co-Founder and Board Director of Global Trade Show & Exhibition Organiser CloserStill Media and Co-Chair of Torquay United Football Club in the UK. Michael shares his inspiring journey from a budding journalist to a key player in the global events industry. Discover how Michael’s early passion for journalism led him to Asia, where he transitioned into publishing and eventually the dynamic world of events. Michael delves into the formation and growth of CloserStill Media, detailing the pivotal moments and strategies that have driven the company's success. He highlights the formation of the company alongside Andy Center, Phil Nelson and Phil Soar, the importance of mergers and acquisitions, the role of private equity, and the innovative approaches that have disrupted traditional exhibition models. Beyond business, Michael discusses his recent venture into football club ownership, revealing his deep personal connection to Torquay United and the parallels between managing a football club and an events business. Listen in for valuable lessons on leadership, the significance of team dynamics, and the power of trusting your instincts. Whether you're interested in the events industry, business growth strategies, or the world of football, this episode offers a wealth of insights and inspiration.

Event Technology Sponsor

Jonas Event Technology is an award-winning event registration supplier for organisers of trade shows, exhibitions and conferences,

Welcome to the latest episode of The Dan Assor Show where I chat with Greg Hitchen, CEO of Terrapinn, a global trade show and conference organiser. In this episode, Greg shares insights into Terrapin's impressive growth trajectory, with revenues skyrocketing from $68 million in 2019 to an expected $143 million in 2024. We delve into the strategies that fuelled this success, including the expansion of their Solar and Storage Live brand and significant contributions from their Dubai and Saudi Arabian markets. Greg discusses the challenges and triumphs of pivoting from a conference-centric model to large-scale trade shows, the importance of innovation in attendee experiences, and the role of acquisitions in their growth strategy. Hear first hand how Terrapinn has navigated the competitive landscape, the benefits of maintaining a vibrant, fun company culture, and the exciting future prospects for the company. Whether you're in the events industry or just love a good business success story, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear how Terrapinn has become the largest privately-owned, non-private equity events company in the world and their plans to keep scaling up.

Show Sponsor

Headline Sponsor Jonas Event Technology is an award-winning event registration supplier for organisers of trade shows, exhibitions and conferences,

Welcome to another episode of The Dan Assor Show. In this episode, we sit down with Kelvin Newman, the mastermind behind brightonSEO, the world's largest search marketing conference & Trade Show. Kelvin shares his incredible journey from a small meetup in a pub in Brighton, England, to organising events in the UK and US attended by thousands of digital marketers from over 50 countries.

Join us as we delve into;

• Kelvin's early days in the music industry and how his passion for events began.
• The evolution of Brighton SEO and Rough Agenda, including the exciting expansion to the US.
• The unique strategies and community-driven approaches that have made Brighton SEO a must-attend event in the digital marketing space.
• Challenges faced during the pandemic and how they pivoted to continue thriving.
• Insights on using AI and technology to enhance event management and attendee experience.
• Personal anecdotes and memorable moments from Kelvin's 15-year journey.

Whether you're an event organiser, digital marketer, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of major conferences, this episode if packed with valuable insights and inspiring stories. Don't miss it!

Show Sponsor

Headline Sponsor Jonas Event Technology is an award-winning event registration supplier for organisers of trade shows, exhibitions and conferences,

Welcome to the latest episode featuring Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA, a global federation of national trade associations and organiser of exhibitions and conferences for the screen, digital and textile printing industry.

In this insightful conversation, Neil shares the fascinating journey of FESPA, from its humble beginnings above a sandwich shop to becoming a global powerhouse representing 37 national associations and over 14,000 printers. Join us as we delve into Neil' experiences and insights on leadership, the volution of exhibitions, the importance of community, and the role of technology in transforming the print industry. Neil also discusses FESPA's commitment to sustainability and the innovative approaches they are taking to stay ahead of the market.

About the Guest

Neil held a variety of senior exhibition roles prior to joining FESPA in 2011, culminating as executive director at William Reed where he presided over a three-fold growth in event revenues from his division. Since joining FESPA as Managing Director, the organisation has gone from strength to strength, experiencing remarkable growth. Neil has been instrumental in the launch of four new regional FESPA shows across the globe. In 2013 alone, more than 60,000 printers visited a FESPA exhibition somewhere in the world. Neil was promoted to the position of CEO in 2013.

Show Sponsors & Supporters

Headline Sponsor Jonas Event Technology, an award-winning event registration supplier for organisers of trade shows, exhibitions and conferences.

For the latest episode of The Dan Assor Show podcast for eventprofs, I interviewed Jessica Webber, the Global Head of Bloomberg Live Experiences. The conversation is a dive deep into the world of event management, community building, and the future of live events.

Key Highlights:

• Creating Memorable Experiences: Jessica shared her unique journey from acting to event management and her passion for crafting unforgettable moments.
• Building True Communities: Examples of how events can forge strong communities.
• Integrating Technology: The role of AI and technology in enhancing event planning, execution, and post-event networking.
• Festivalization of B2B Events: Learn how Bloomberg is incorporating festival-like elements into their events to provide diverse and immersive experiences.
• Navigating Global Challenges: Valuable insights into the importance of understanding cultural nuances and handling logistical complexities in global event planning.
• Taking Care of Attendees' Needs: From seamless registration to high-quality food and beverages, Jessica emphasizes the importance of prioritizing attendees' comfort.
• Future Trends: Discover the emerging trends in the event industry, including the shift towards smaller, focused events and the integration of online and offline experiences.

About The Guest Jessica is a strategic and innovative senior executive with deep experience driving relevancy, loyalty and growth for the teams she has led. As a leader with comprehensive experience in events and operations Jessica was previously Managing Director of Global Events for New York Times where she established and implemented a new vision, strategic business plan, brand identity and go-to-market strategy for all NYT events, experiences, and live content. Under her leadership the NYT Events business transformed from a legacy program to a cornerstone brand product.

Prior to The New York Times, Jessica was VP of New Lab, a New York based tech incubator known for connecting entrepreneurs with large brands to facilitate hardware products that solve the world's most complex problems. Jessica led the partnership efforts connecting with brands from IKEA to JetBlue, Intel and the New York EDC. Show Sponsors & Supporters

For almost 2 decades, Trixie LohMirmand has been at the helm of the UAEs leading event venue, the Dubai World Trade Centre. For the latest episode of The Dan Assor Show I had the privilege to discuss a range of topics with Trixie, with highlights including;

• Trixie's experience arriving in 2005 as a young female leader in Dubai and her personal journey over the last 18 years
• Evolution of the Dubai World Trade Centre and its impact on Dubai's economy and global events industry
• Development of trade shows and exhibitions in the UAE
• Strategic development of GITEX, one of the world's most significant technology & start up shows, and its expansion into Africa and Europe
• Challenges and opportunities of hosting COP28
• Top trends in trade shows and exhibitions

The interview highlights the role of innovation, collaboration, and strategic decision-making in shaping the global events landscape.

The Dan Assor Show Headline Sponsor is Jonas Event Technology - an award-winning event registration supplier for organisers of trade shows, exhibitions and conferences.

My guest for this episode is Mike Costain, MD of Lyrical Communications, organisers of InstallerSHOW, the UK’s number one destination for influential installers and specifiers of heat, water, air and energy technology.

In 2022, after a period of rapid growth, Lyrical was acquired by Nineteen Group, the UK based events and media business, and Mike sits on their leadership team.

In this episode, co-hosted by Piers Bearne, founder of Collingwood Advisory, Mike gives us a fascinating insight into his near 20 year career within the events industry, the challenges and advantages of working with owner/founders of businesses, including Lyrical's founder Eoin McManus, how he transformed the InstallerSHOW into one of the fastest growing event brands in the UK , and the transition to ownership under Nineteen Group.

My guests for this episode are the new Managing Director of tfconnect Miranda Martin, and founder and now Chairman, Trevor Foley. tfconnect is the events and exhibitions industry's recognised global recruiter and senior executive search and selection specialist. https://www.tfconnect.global/ Miranda and Trevor discuss M&A, Private Equity, the evolution of the Trade Show format, roles and skill set requirements for exhibition organisers, candidate compensation plans and more!

My guest for this episode is Ruth Yarnit Co-Founder and CEO of LeadDev (formerly White October Events). Ruth co-founded LeadDev in 2013 with Dave Fletcher.

Started as a small UK conference, the LeadDev team have developed their content function for their community as well as now running conferences in London, Berlin, New York and the West Coast of America. Their chosen audience, leaders of software engineering teams, had a proven appetite for events and a community to help them develop their tech, teams and tools to advance their businesses.

My guest for this episode is Josh White, Co-Founder and Global Brand Director of CanO Water.

My guest for this episode is Jamie Leonard, Founder & CEO, of The Recruitment Events Co. who create engaging experiences that empower, connect, and inspire talent acquisition professionals worldwide.

RecFest, which now takes place annually in the UK, Knebworth, and USA, Kentucky, stands as a testament to their dedication to innovation and collaboration in the recruitment sphere, offering a platform where industry leaders can share insights, showcase innovations, and build lasting relationships.

Jamie also spearheads the RL100 community, bringing together 1000's of Talent Acquisition leaders from across the globe.

My guest for this episode is Dahlia El Gazzar, who lives and works out of Melrose Massachusetts in the USA.

Dahlia is the owner of Dahlia + Agency, brand + experience + marketing agency.

With more than a decade of experience in the meetings and events sector, working on both the professional planning side and as an association collaborator, Dahlia is known as the coffee-fuelled ‘go-to’ source for trendsetting solutions, event tech news, and professional branding expertise.

Dahlia has featured in a number of whose who lists in the event industry including.

• Best Event Tech Evangelist: Event Tech Live 2022
• Most Influential Women in Event Tech: BizBash 2021
• Eventex 100 Top Influencers in Events Industry 2020
• Smart Meetings Magazine 2019 Smartest Women in the Industry – Hall of Fame
• Top 500 People in Events by BizBash 2019
• Top 25 women in the meetings industry list by Meetings & Conventions Magazine

The wide ranging conversation includes;

• Why event organisers fear change?
• The importance of trusting the new talent in your organization
• How organisers get over the fear and embrace creating new event experiences? 
• What should event marketers be doing less of and more of?
• Dahlia's views on the trends in event technology
• Why Dahlia believes it’s a golden age for freelancers and independent contractors in the event industry
• What Dahlia loves most about working in the events industry
• The biggest lessons learnt over the course of her career

The Dan Assor Show Headline Sponsor is Jonas Event Technology - an award-winning event registration supplier for organisers of trade shows, exhibitions and conferences.

My guest for this episode is Jo-Anne Kelleway, International Industry Ambassador for Freeman Company, the world’s largest exhibition services, logistics and technology company

Jo-Anne lives in Sydney, Australia and is the founder & former CEO of The Info Salons Group, which in 2018 after 31 years Jo-Anne 2018 sold to The Freeman Company.

The Info Salons Group is now involved in over 750 events per year worldwide, assisting major event organisers such as Informa, Reed Exhibitions, Messe Frankfurt, VNU and Diversified Exhibitions, with the development and growth of their events.

Jo-Anne is on the Digital Innovation & International Partners committees of UFI, and was a previous Board Member for the International Association of Exhibitions & Events in USA and the Exhibition & Events Association of Australia

The wide ranging conversation includes:

• Jo-Anne's journey as an entrepreneur
• The challenges of building a business whilst the juggling the demands of being a parent
• Her experiences of gender bias in the exhibitions industry and how she overcame them
• What a great registration experience looks like
• What excites her most about the impact of digital innovation in the events industry
• The biggest challenges facing the tradeshow & events industry today
• What she loves most about working in events and exhibitions

The Dan Assor Show Headline Sponsor is Jonas Event Technology - an award-winning event registration supplier for organisers of trade shows, exhibitions and conferences.

In this episode I spoke with Gaby Mendes, founder of Talk Twenties, an award-winning media and events platform that helps young people navigate the rollercoaster years of their adult life.Discussion Includes;

• Gaby's background and where the ambition to start her own business came from
• The journey of developing the idea for Talk Twenties & TwentiesFest
• The ways and means of building and serving a community
• The challenges facing young adults today
• Feeling responsible for the community she has built
• The plans for Twenties Fest 2023
• The challenges of a running a small business and how Gaby tries to overcomes them

About The Guest Gaby Mendes is the founder of Talk Twenties and TwentiesFest, an award-winning media and events platform that helps young people navigate the rollercoaster years of their adult life. Talk Twenties launched in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. It initially set out to host in-person events but had to pivot to the virtual world, resulting in the creation of the Talk Twenties Podcast. The podcast hits all of the topics of what it’s like to explore the world as someone in your twenties, discussing the highs and lows of leaving full-time education. The podcast has received great success since, with over 120,000 listeners and was even a finalist in the British Podcast Awards just one year after it’s launch.

In this episode I spoke with Duncan Wood, CEO of Rapid News Group who operate trade shows and publish magazines all over the world, including TCT 3Sixty, TCT Asia, TCT Japan, Med-Tech Innovation Expo and Interplas.

Discussion Includes;

• Duncan's personal journey & lessons learned during the pandemic
• How best to serve & mobilise communities including the power of data insights
• Responding to the changing demands of clients and mobilising attendance to events
• Expanding the business globally and the importance of partnerships
• The role of company culture in driving growth
• Why Duncan has remained loyal to the business for so many years
• What Duncan believes are the essential traits of a good leader
• What Duncan loves most about being in the events industry

Charli Briggs and Ann-Marie Trzebinski are event industry entrepreneurs who set up their businesses in the summer of 2020. In this episode they talk to me about the journey they have been on as a small business owner, including;

• Why they took the decision to start their business
• The challenges they have faced both personally and professionally, and the measures they have taken to overcome them
• The support they have received from within the events community
• The unique benefits of being a solopreneur
• Their plans for the future

About the Guests

Charli Briggs

Charli is the Founder and Director of multi award winning staffing agency, Eventure which provides brand-matched individuals to events globally. Passionate about physical and mental wellbeing with a desire to create the working environment and culture for her employees that she never had, Eventure is currently embracing a 4 day work week trial, offers private healthcare for all employees with £0 excess and annual away trips. Charli has received awards and recognition from Eventex, Conference News and Tomorrow’s Talent as well as regularly judging industry awards. She is also frequently seen speaking on topics such as entrepreneurialism and wellbeing.

I had the privilege to speak with Lord Stephen Carter, Group CEO of Informa Plc, directly after the release of Informa’s 2023 AGM trading update on 15th June. Informa is a leading Business Intelligence, Academic Publishing, Knowledge and B2B Events Group, listed on the FTSE 100 in UK, has offices in more than 30 countries, and employs 11,000 staff. Stephen joined Informa in 2010 as a Non-Executive Director before becoming Group Chief Executive in 2013 and across his career he has held managing director and chief executive positions in a range of Media and Technology businesses and is currently on the Board of Vodafone Plc and PA Media Group. Stephen also served as founding CEO of Ofcom, the UK’s communications competition regulator, Chief of Strategy to the UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and was the first Minister for the Media and Telecommunications industry, where he wrote and published the Digital Britain Report. The discussion includes;

• Has he been surprised by the post Covid bounce?
• Was the strategy they employed during the pandemic a gamble?
• The impact of high inflation and the war in Ukraine
• What he means when he speaks of "Reinvention of the Business through Technology & Data"
• Why was Tarsus Group such an attractive acquisition target?
• How important are vertical plays to Informa now? & Are “event plus” models the future for Informa, or is there still a place for pure play events?
• What is the ongoing impact of Brexit?
• Views on Artificial Intelligence & how Informa are implementing it
• What are the challenges and opportunities for b2b events over the next 12-36 months?
• How can industries influence government?
• What more can the industry be doing to offset the environmental impact of events?
• How has his style of leadership evolved over the years & what makes a great leader?
• The importance of looking forward
• His proudest achievement

Welcome to the on demand version of a special panel debate, which was previously broadcast live into LinkedIn on 20th April. Over 700 event professionals from around the world registered for this virtual event. I was joined by co-host Julius Solaris, founder of Boldpush, a management consulting agency for the events industry, and a stellar panel of senior event industry executives; Carina Bauer, CEO IMEX Group: Carina, has been CEO of IMEX Group since 2002, and a former chair of the Association of Event Organizers. The IMEX Group organises two global trade shows in the meetings and events sector. IMEX America, Frankfurt since 2011 and Imex Frankfurt since 2002 which is taking place next month on 23-25 May Paul Miller, CEO Questex: Paul has been CEO of Questex since 2018 and prior to that was President & Managing Director of Informa. Questex run 70 events, and is focused on high-growth markets that help people live better, live longer and enable experience, namely Hospitality Travel, Wellness, Life Science Technology & Healthcare Jessica Blue, EVP Emerald: Since 2019 Jess has been an Executive Vice President of Emerald, and prior to that was SVP of the Global Licensing Group of Informa Markets Emerald delivers meaningful connections through 142 live events and 16 media properties across Design, Equipment, Retail, Safety & Security &Technology. Topics Covered; What is happening with in-person events? What are attendees saying? Why are they back to in-person in masses? What is driving them? It seems that the main driver for in-person attendance is networking. What is the role of content going forward? Is the uncertainty in the economic climate affecting exhibitor participation? What are the challenges with such an influx of in-person? What is the role of tech for your organisation? What type of tools are you looking at? Is the events industry doing enough when it comes to sustainability? Please hit the follow button, to be notified first about brand new episodes!

This week I spoke with with Mike Seaman, CEO Raccoon Media Group, a dynamic, high-growth media business focused on health and wellbeing markets. The business launched in 2017 and is dedicated to getting people from all backgrounds healthy, outside and active via its portfolio of events and media properties which include The National Cycling Show, National Snow Week, Snowbound Expo, The National Running Show, Run Show Boston, The National Equine Show and The National Outdoor Expo and its digital platform Outside & Active.

This week I spoke with exhibition industry veteran Phil Soar, who has built an empire of successful shows over the last 30 years and is the Chairman of b2b events organisers, CloserStill Media & Nineteen Group.

Discussion includes;

• The pace of the recovery of the global trade show & exhibition industry post pandemic, including a discussion on the key findings of the Association of Venues, 2022 "size and scale index report" for the UK exhibition industry.
• The recent merger and acquisition activity in the events & exhibitions sector, namely Informa's $940m acquisition of Tarsus, Providence's proposed takeover of Hyve Group Plc, and Blackstone's acquisition of Cvent.
• Deglobalisation as being the next major threat to the trade show & exhibition industry.

Please hit the follow button, to be notified first about brand new episodes!

This week I spoke with Trevor Foley, MD, tfconnect, a specialist recruitment and executive search consultancy for the global events and exhibitions industry.

Discussion includes