Anthony (Tony) Calanca
Krakoff Award Winner: 2020
Calanca & Associates, LLC
United States
Tony Calanca joined Advanstar in 2006 and is responsible for the continued growth and direction for the company’s trade exhibitions in the Fashion, Licensing, Life Sciences, and Powersports and Automotive industries. The most comprehensive, largest and widely recognized apparel trade show in the world is the semi-annual MAGIC Marketplace. At 1.2 million net square feet, MAGIC Marketplace encompasses over 4,000 exhibitors showcasing 5,000 brand names to over 90,000 attendees from 80 countries. Dealer Expo is the largest U.S. trade show in the powersports aftermarket sector, and the International Motorcycle Show Tour reaches a consumer audience of nearly 500,000 enthusiasts each year. Taking place each June, Licensing International is the world’s only U.S.-based event that brings together more than 525 leading licensors and agents with more than 23,000 key decision-makers across all consumer product categories. The Life Sciences Group’s market encompasses the healthcare, dental and veterinary fields, and the group serves these markets through three trade shows and over 120 conferences. Tony has over 30 years experience with large-scale domestic and international trade and consumer exhibitions and conferences. Prior to joining Advanstar, he was Senior Vice President at Reed Exhibitions running a $90 million division. Tony also co-founded a small entrepreneurial trade show firm, Infinity Expo Group, which, combined with his Reed and Advanstar tenures, has given him proven experience with large profile events as well as new launch initiatives. Tony is an active member of the exhibition community as a member of SISO and IAEE, and is a frequent speaker at industry events. An Illinois native, Tony now makes his home in Connecticut (New Canaan) with his wife of 30 years, Pat Dolson (who is the retired President of Reed North America), and their two sons. Tony graduated with a degree in Business from Bradley University in Peoria, IL, where he was a member of the Bradley Braves basketball team. Tony’s other interests include community service (past President of the New Canaan Sports Council, elected member of the Town’s Board of Assessment Appeals), the avid reading of military histories, and enthusiastic support for the Mets, Jets, and Bears.