CHICAGO – The Society of Independent Trade Fair Organizers (SISO) announcement today that Vincent Polito, General Manager of OMDA Freeman Company, will assume that the CEO role from SISOreplacing David AudrainAs CEO, Polito will be be responsible for the management of the Athe association and its annual conferences.
During his 30-year career, Polito rose through the ranks at Interface Group, owned by the late Sheldon Adelson, and later held various roles, including senior vice president and global head of life sciences and healthcare at Reed Exhibitions, now RX Global, before launching VP International in 2009. According to his LinkedIn page, VP International focuses on emerging events and managing challenging events. Polito has held international roles and launched events on five continents. In 2012, he and Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes purchased mdg, where they grew the marketing and public relations agency before selling it to Freeman Co. in 2018. Both continued to work at the company after the purchase.
A friend to many and a strong supporter of the trade show industry, Polito has served on several volunteer board positions and is a past president of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). Polito received the organization’s highest honor, the Pinnacle Award, in 2014. The Pinnacle Award recognizes an individual who has advanced exhibition management through the promotion of education, dissemination of knowledge, introduction of innovative techniques, and demonstration of the highest ideals, trust and professionalism.
An active member of SISO since its inception, Polito told TSE, “As we look to the future, it is clear that our industry is entering a pivotal period. I am excited to support and serve SISO members and our industry in this capacity as we usher in this exciting new era.”
Polito will step down from his role at mdg on October 1 and officially begin a three-month transition as CEO of SISO.
“I can’t think of a better candidate to take on this role at SISO, or anyone who cares more about this industry and the people in it than Vincent,” said Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes, president of mdg. “He has a reputation for mentoring up-and-coming professionals, providing advice, building connections, giving guidance, celebrating accomplishments, and supporting his industry colleagues and friends in any way he can.”
This marks the end of an era for SISO. The past few years have seen significant growth under the leadership of David Audrain, CEO and Partner of Exposition Development Company, Inc. (ExpoDevCo). Audrain has overseen the association through the COVID-19 pandemic. Audrain will now return to full-time operations at his company ExpoDeveCo.
“David has done an incredible job advancing SISO’s member benefits and administrative organization during his tenure, and he passes the leadership torch after a very successful tenure,” said Cassandra Farrington, SISO President and Founder of MJBiz. “We are thrilled that Vinnie will build on that foundation and take SISO to the next level of industry leadership and member support.”
Contact David Audrain at david@expodevco.com; Cassandra Farrington at cassandra.farrington@annehollandventures.com or (720) 213-5802; Vincent Polito at vincent@mdg.agency