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18 Apr 2026

A Note from our CEO

A Note from our CEO

Greetings from the Hot Zone of the Northeast!

I was in DC lobbying as part of US Travel this week, and returned home to Manhattan, where the temperature was about 10 degrees cooler at 85.

Some of you may have already downloaded the joint SISO, AEO, Collingwood benchmarking report; if you haven’t, you can do so here: http://go.pardot.com/e/1007212/026-events-benchmarking-report/4bbwj/740134359/h/0DtepxaMY06vJ4UqBxr_XlLP43rklEJy48BF7FPhX7s. There is a lot of interesting information, so please download it now.

I did hear from some of you, but we are restarting “owners calls”, the first one is scheduled for noon eastern on May 8. An official invite will be sent out soon, but do feel free to contact me if you would like to be included.

I’ve had several calls with organizers interested in helping frame the 2026 SISO Leadership Conference and offering great suggestions. I will have some larger group calls next week. There is still some flexibility and room for a compelling session idea. All the exchanges will have an opportunity as well.

Fastest 50 in Baltimore is up next. I will be interviewing an executive from one of our members, Angela Harar of Clarion. Still time to attend!

The focus of this week’s lobbying was to ask for assistance in making it easier for international delegates to visit the USA. I do expect our Legislative Action Day to have some similar and some enhanced requests. Do register if you have not already.

I can announce our first regional gathering. Thanks to Lance Fensterman, we will gather in New York during Fanatics Fest. The date will either be July 16 or July 17th. We will meet, Lance will give us a walk-through, and help us experience the event. If you recall, Mike Armstrong presented at last year’s Leadership Conference, and it will be interesting to experience Year 3!

More to follow soon, please reach out to Katherine@siso.org, Anna@siso.org, or Vincent@siso.org should you need anything from us.

All the best,
Vinnie

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"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