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Tom Kemp

Tom Kemp

Chairman, Northstar Travel Media, LLC
United States

Tom Kemp joined Northstar Travel Group in January 2009. He has a unique combination of experience as a senior operating executive and private equity investor in business-to-business information, events, and media. Tom has provided the strategic vision and leadership to transform Northstar to the leading high growth, multiplatform, information, marketing solutions, and e-commerce Company serving the global travel industry.

In 2008, Kemp founded Oakstreet Media, a company formed to invest in and acquire lower-middle market business-to-business media and information companies. From 2004 to 2008, Tom was a Managing Director at Veronis Suhler Stevenson, a leading private equity firm investing in the media and communications industry. Prior to VSS, he was the Chairman and CEO of Penton Media Inc., an NYSE listed public company and one of the largest business-to-business information companies in the U.S. Prior to Penton, Tom was President and COO of Miller Freeman Inc. a market-leading business-to-business information, events, and media company headquartered in San Francisco.

Kemp has extensive experience in sourcing, negotiating, closing, and integrating more than 100 transactions in his career as well as successful exits. Kemp has experience as a public company CEO including successful execution of equity, high yield bond, and senior secured debt offerings.

Tom is was recently a board member of Destinations International, the global association for destinations and CVBs, as well as Connectiv, the association for B-to-B marketing services and information providers. He has previously served on the boards of several business media companies and industry associations, including American Business Media, SIIA, and BPA International. In June 2010, Tom was honored as the CEO Top Innovator in business publishing by BtoB Magazine. Kemp was honored by American Business Media as the 2014 McAllister Top Management Fellow. Kemp was named a C-Level Visionary by the 2015 Folio: 100 Honorees.

 

Tom received his BA with honors from Amherst College; he lives with his family in Mill Valley, CA.

Testimonials

  • “Without a doubt the most valuable three days of the year for networking, learning, and meeting colleagues.”
    Tony Calanca, Calanca & Associates LLC
  • “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
  • “The impact of SISO is so much bigger than its size. It feels more like a global council of important tribes than a traditional trade association.”
    David Adler, CEO & Founder, Bizbash Media
  • “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
  • 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, President, Clarion Events