Skip to main content

SISO logo

Latest News

SISO

08 Mar 2022

MEDIA RELEASE: SISO Suspends Russian Members from All Access to SISO Events and Activities, Condemns Russian Invasion of Ukraine, Launches a Fundraising Campaign to Support Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine

March 7, 2022 – Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) leadership condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“We’ve all watched with horror as the conflict in Ukraine has escalated, with reports of explosions in populated areas,” said Hervé Sedky, current Chair of the SISO Board of Directors and CEO of Emerald. “We cannot stand by and watch this conflict unfold without taking action. We have today decided to suspend Russian members from participation in our events. We are also launching a fundraising campaign and contributing to the much-needed ongoing humanitarian efforts.”

SISO CEO David Audrain added: “This tragic and senseless unprovoked attack by Russia on the people of Ukraine must be condemned by all, and actions that will bring the Russian government to the realization they must stop have to be taken and that includes isolating Russia from all commercial activities as quickly as possible. We will be sharing this action today with the SISO Membership, as well as details on a fundraising campaign to support the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). SISO will be seeding this fundraising campaign with an initial $10,000.”

Those interested in supporting the fundraising efforts should contact info@SISO.org.

SISO members include companies, corporations and other for-profit entities that own, produce or provide full-service management of “face-to-face” trade shows, consumer shows, expositions, conferences and events. SISO membership is a combination of large corporations and small entrepreneurial enterprises that do business around the world.

SISO’s 200-member companies produce thousands of events around the world. SISO’s Mission, is to meet the common needs of our members, by providing peer networking opportunities, education, industry information, streamlined business processes and best practices in the industry.

For more information on SISO, the SISO CEO Summit, the SISO Summer Conference, the SISO Women’s Leadership Forum, and the Asia CEO Summit, please visit www.SISO.org, or contact David Audrain, SISO CEO, at 404-334-4585 or David@SISO.org.

Loading

What Our Members Say

  • "SISO Exchanges bring together thought leaders to share stories, spark new ideas, and turn inspiration into action. For me, they have created a space to learn, share insights, and build meaningful conversations with people who understand both the challenges and opportunities of our industry. By connecting professionals face-to-face, these organizations and the events they host create communities where great ideas are born."
    Kate Youngstrom, Head of Marketing, RX US & Mexico
  • “Being a member of the SISO Marketing Exchange has been incredibly valuable to me. What makes this group so impactful is the opportunity to hear directly from a diverse group of peers who face many of the same challenges. The collaboration and open exchange of ideas consistently inspire me with fresh perspectives and new ways to address the challenges facing my team.”
    Lauren Ocoma - Group Vice President, Brand Strategy and Commercial Development – FDIC
  • "The Founder’s Exchange has been incredibly meaningful to me as a business owner and conference organizer. It’s a rare space where small businesses can speak candidly about real challenges and opportunities. The conversations are thoughtful, practical, and grounded in shared experience. I’ve gained valuable insights, strong peer connections, a renewed sense of community that continues to shape how I grow and lead the business."
    Brad Graver, President - Secure World
  • “Two of the best acquisitions Access Intelligence had executed came directly from contacts and discussions held at the SISO CEO Summit. Beyond that important networking for transactions, I learn best practices from the best in the industry. The ROI for membership is immeasurable.”
    Don Pazour, CEO, Access Intelligence
  • Being a member of SISO has allowed me to navigate the dynamic landscape of our industry in the most effective way possible. Personally, it’s been a journey of continuous learning, networking, and collaboration that fosters deep relationships with industry leaders. Professionally, the insights I’ve gained, the resources I have accessed, and the collaborative initiatives and advocacy work have helped to take my organization to new heights. SISO, to me, is an indispensable asset for my career and business.
    Liz Irving, CEO, Clarion Events
  • “Without a doubt the most valuable three days of the year for networking, learning, and meeting colleagues.”
    Tony Calanca, Calanca & Associates LLC
  • “Our industry thrives on the personal relationships that face-to-face builds, and the CEO Summit is the ultimate place to build YOUR network!”
    Tom Mitchell, President, Messe Dusseldorf North America
  • “As busy, independent, for-profit organizer, SISO keeps our company connected to all the key players working in this industry and allows great relationships and ongoing learning of best practices from the best in the business. All invaluable assets to help move our business forward."
    Howard Hauben, CEO, H2 Events
  • “The SISO membership represents the entire for-profit tradeshow community and the annual SISO conferences are must-attend events for their educational and networking value.”
    Joel A. Davis, Founder & CEO, JD Events

 

JOIN SISO TODAY

VIEW MEMBER DIRECTORY

Search