Preview
C-Level presenters to share strategies in DC for navigating 2025 headwinds
We preview ECEF 2025, which returns 28 May, in Washington DC
any US organisers
M are under pressure to not take a public position on the turmoil that is creating so much economic uncertainty. That’ s where the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum( ECEF) comes in. For 24 years, ECEF has been a rare haven where executives at associations and independent organisers can network, speak frankly, and share opportunities. In 2025, ECEF will be indispensable for US leaders who want to prepare for the worst and explore a more global strategy.
ECEF specialises in top-to-top networking and Sam Lippman, president of organiser Lippman Connects, says:“ I curate the presentations to get conversations started.” He expects 200 + industry leaders to attend ECEF in Washington DC in May and offers these preliminary highlights: Welcome Reception— Equal parts fun and business, attending the ECEF Welcome Reception is the fastest way to amplify your executive network. 5 Key Data Points in 5 Minutes— Sam Lippman sets a fast pace for the day with his‘ uncommon conclusions’, based on recently released data courtesy of Freeman Research. Pivot or Die: How to Navigate in a Changing Environment— In this Keynote Address, Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, will give a visionary perspective on business flexibility. Shapiro is a close observer of the technology CEOs who lead CTA and increasingly other sectors of society. Will Rising Exhibitor Costs Backfire?— A major anchor exhibitor and a spokesperson for suppliers will explain how rising costs are affecting exhibitors and the future of events. Jeannie Henson, director, Exhibit Management, Siemens Healthineers and Julie Kagy, executive director of the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association( ESCA), will break it all down – or you can learn the hard way. Consultative Sales: How’ s That Working Out?— A session with Indiya Okam, group vice-president of sales, RX USA. Good News from Davos for Your Show— Every January, the World Economic Forum brings together political, business, and thought leaders. Better known as Davos, arguably the most exclusive annual event in the world does not measure success by attendance or media coverage. Regular Davos attendee Dr Charlotte M. Farmer, senior vice-president and chief operating officer, UL Research Institutes, will explain how Davos organisers evaluate its impact by the conversations sparked, partnerships formed, and progress achieved. Headwinds— Hervé Sedky, president and CEO, Emerald, will moderate a panel of three business leaders who are prepared to speak candidly about the economic headwinds still to come. They will offer real-world coping strategies
Above: Lippman ready to connect again with ECEF in DC for mitigating the damage and even sidestepping the pitfalls. Confirmed speakers include Kevin Hinton, MD, group travel – US Travel Association. The Innovator’ s Edge: The Difference Between Standard and Standout Events— What sets groundbreaking event organisers apart from those who simply maintain the status quo? In this multi-format session, industry experts Ken Holsinger and Kimberly Hardcastle will unveil key Freeman research findings on the fundamental differences between‘ Innovators’ and‘ Conventionalists’ in relation to event planning and execution. Confirmed‘ Innovator’ speakers include Tom Gattuso, vicepresident, events – Specialty Equipment Market Association( SEMA). Additional features include a networking lunch and the annual TechDemo, with event technology demonstrations geared to non-technology executives.
n For additional information on ECEF and to register, visit www. lippmanconnects. com / ecef.
12 Issue 2 2025 www. exhibitionworld. co. uk