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09 Sept 2026

A Note from the CEO

A Note from the CEO

This week is back to school for many of us. Hope it went well and that you had some nice new school clothes.  

What has been a busy summer was just a little foreshadowing for an even busier fall.   

The AEO Association of Event Organisers Conference was last week and attended by many who are @SISO (and AEO) members, and I have been told that Anna Golden and team outdid themselves. Congratulations to them. Circumstances prevented me from attending this year but will plan on it in 2027.   

Events over the next few weeks include CEIR Predict and Trade Show Executive’s Gold 100, where I will be speaking along with a couple of our members. Please reach out if you plan to be there. Lots more meetings which we will be present at in the fall which I will cover in my next message.   

Our Exchanges are being amplified and expect to see an enhanced calendar and more activity in the intervening periods. Our Exchange leads expend a lot of effort in bringing key issues to the forefront for which we are thankful.   

We announced The Future of Live at the SISO Leadership Conference. Essentially, it is a new initiative built to connect students in university event management programs with careers in the live events industry. More details will be forthcoming and, on the website very soon.   

Members should have received their member invoices by now. If you have not, please let us know. This membership year will be full of surprise and delight. Expect to see more “members only” content and opportunities. For our partners and sponsors also expect some surprise and delight and benefits that accrue to consistent uninterrupted supporters.   

We are literally months ahead in framing the content for the SISO CEO Summit next April at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island April 5-8. I’m quite excited about it. It’s never too early to contact Katherine@siso.org for sponsorship opportunities and registration will open later this fall.   

Our membership campaign is kicking off—I’m sure you all know a company that should be a member. There is a "referred by" line in the membership application, be sure to have anyone you refer to give you credit, and you will accrue additional benefits at SISO events.   

In ECA news, last night, Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance submitted its response to the U.S. FCC’s proposed new national security rules that could prevent exhibitors from importing, displaying, and demonstrating certain new and emerging communications technologies at U.S. events and trade shows before those products have received final FCC authorization. The letter was signed by 100 organizations, including all ECA member associations and most companies represented by ECA board members! A special thank you to all board members and association CEOs who helped push this out to their members and colleagues.  

Read ECA’s press release here: https://www.exhibitionsconferencesalliance.org/press-releases/100-industry-organizations-urge-fcc-protect-innovation-us-events-tradeshows. (I will forward media coverage of this effort in the coming days.)  

That’s it for now,   

Vinnie  
vincent@siso.org  

  

If you missed the Leadership Conference, shame on you.  

However, in collaboration with Markus AI, we’re pleased to share your SISO Leadership Conference Wrapped — a recap of the conference experience, including top sessions, photos from the event, and much more.  
 

See Your Wrapped Report here →   https://journey.agentmarkus.com/wrapped/report?akey=3b892748-2f0a-4015-84ef-92fa118071cc&event=siso-leadership-conference-2026  

 

 

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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

 

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