The great connector
SISO chair Cassandra Farrington shares some insights on navigating post-pandemic waters
A s the 2022-2023 chair of SISO , the Society of Independent Show Organisers , Cassandra Farrington is keenly focused on ensuring the exhibition industry doesn ’ t just survive , but thrives in the post-pandemic future .
SISO was a key player in the community-building and advocacy work that was instrumental in pulling the industry through the pandemic and , as a vital member of its Executive Committee , Farrington understands the need for these beneficial initiatives to continue well past the industry ’ s recovery .
Now , more than halfway through her year as SISO chair , Farrington shares some thoughts about the regrowth of the exhibitions industry , the shared challenges it ’ s currently facing , the role digital technology will continue to play at events going forward , and what she expects for the industry ’ s future .
Looking back on this year as SISO chair , what has your experience been like so far ? Like any new role , my term as SISO chair has been a learning experience , complete with all the associated moments where I am excited to stretch successfully to achieve a new accomplishment , and the ones
“ I see a lot of innovation and retooling as we emerge from the pandemic , along with a refocus on the issues we have long felt strongly about – sustainability , diversity and technology integration .” where I said to myself , “ Well , I won ’ t do it that way again !” I ’ ve had fantastic support from the rest of the Executive Committee and am very grateful for those who have helped me find my path forward in the role .
Many exhibitions are coming back to in-person at full speed in 2022 – do you see this momentum continuing ? It ’ s wonderful to see in-person events returning to , and in some cases , exceeding pre-pandemic levels . It ’ s a testament to the value our industry brings to its communities , and to the very hard work that the leaders of the industry – including SISO – have put into supporting the events community during this difficult time . I do see every opportunity for the momentum to continue , should we be able to successfully ►
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 5 2022 61