Welcome to the first annual EXPO Elite, our list of some of the most distinguished show and event executives in our industry. In compiling this list, we looked for success stories from show professionals who have developed unique and forward-thinking strategies within their organizations. At the same time, we also cast a wider net for folks who have an ongoing and positive influence on the market—as insiders or from markets that intersect ours.

We’re emerging from a very tough period in our industry, and all of these profiles underscore a determined and creative approach to business development which we hope will provide some inspirational direction for us all.

The list is meant to be a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that pervades the event business, and going forward we expect the list to grow—because as we all know, there are innumerable stories from our industry just like these. We hope you have as much fun reading it as we did compiling it.

Tim Andrews | President and CEO, Advertising Specialty Institute
Carina Bauer | CEO, IMEX Group
David Blaza | Vice President, Events, UBM Electronics
Chris Brown | Executive Vice President of Conventions and Business Operation, NAB Show
Karen Chupka | Senior Vice President of Events and Conferences, International CES
Larry Cook | IBM Demand Programs Professional, Manager, Events and Digital Metrics
Roger Dow | President and CEO, U.S. Travel Association
Randy Field | Vice President of Operations Technology, Reed Exhibitions
Robbi Lycett, CEM | Vice President of Conventions & Conferences, Biotechnology Industry Organization
Charles McCurdy | CEO, Apprise Media
Denise Medved | President and CEO of The Tiny Kitchen and The Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show
John Mooney | Founder, CollaborativeCARE Conference
Larry Schur | President, All Baby & Child, Inc.
Roland Swenson | Co-Founder, Managing Director, SXSW
Joanne Wheatley | VP, Manufacturing & Marketing Services, Nielsen Expositions