A Note from the CEO on the CEO Summit

Over the next week or so, registration for the CEO Summit will open. The Summit is in Kiawah and begins on March 9th. Despite enduring “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune”, in 2025, for most of us, it has been a very good year. In just the last month, I have been to several member events, IMEX America, and TSE Gold 100, and this weekend I visited the New York City Jewelry & Watch Show by Palm Beach Show Group, where I was impressed by the energy of buyers and exhibitors. I also attended A Media Operator’s Summit and Bright Tower’s BrightFORWARD event.  Everything I experienced convinces me that 2026 will be an exciting year on many fronts. 

For SISO, this has helped frame the 2026 CEO Summit. We are embracing and extending last year’s Innovation Imperative to this year’s Innovation in Action:

Reimagining Connection, Engagement, and Growth in the Events Industry

At the 2026 SISO CEO Summit, Innovation in Action will explore:

• Customer success - how face-to-face events are the leading trusted medium for our customers and how we are integral in helping them grow their business.
• Visionary organizers are using AI, data, and design thinking to elevate attendee and exhibitor value.
• Leading brands are activating their communities year-round through content, connection, and technology.
• Collaborative ecosystems — venues, suppliers, tech partners, and stakeholders — are redefining the event experience together.

Through keynotes, case studies, and engaging discussions, attendees will see innovation in motion — and leave with Actionable insights to turn creative ideas into scalable, repeatable success and be inspired to apply it immediately in their own events and organizations. Because in the B2B events world, the future doesn’t just belong to the most creative — it belongs to those who put innovation into action.

Expect to hear from the highest-rated speakers from previous years, as well as a significant number of first-time SISO speakers who are doing incredible things. I’ll resume weekly or near-weekly short staccato messaging, highlighting various industry issues and the CEO Summit, as well as some exciting new pieces at SISO to provide enhanced value to our members and sponsors. 

The balance of 2025 still has many member events, and I hope to see you at the UFI Global Congress and at IAEE’s Expo Expo. At Expo Expo, Michelle Metter and I are sorting out a SISO meetup; details to follow.

As always, if you have attendee-related questions, Anna@SISO.org is your best source, and if you have not yet sponsored the 2026 version, contact Katherine@SISO.org. I’m always interested in feedback and suggestions on how best to serve, Vincent@siso.org.