A Note from our CEO, Vincent Polito

As we begin to break for Christmas and Hanukkah (concurrent for the first time in 19 years), I wanted to share a few thoughts:

• The CEO Summit (March 31-April 3) conference is nearly complete. We listened carefully to the results of last year’s survey and will be bringing more of what you asked for and carefully curating the content to ensure it is entirely fresh and unique to SISO. The speaker lineup will be sprinkled with the highest-rated speakers but all have many presenters speaking at SISO for the first time as well. Expect to see a drip campaign that will reveal/detail the program over these next few weeks.
   
• Please register early for the CEO Summit to take advantage of the advanced pricing and hotel availability. If you misplaced your code or need a code, contact Anna@siso.org.
   
• Same for sponsors now is the best time to ensure maximum exposure/value from your participation. Contact Katherine@siso.org.
   
• We have several meetings of SISO members early in the year that we will be present at and, wherever possible, provide a behind-the-scenes look and/or show tour. These include:
  ○ PGA Show in Orlando in January (RX)
  ○ Coverings Show in Orlando on April 30-May 2 (Taffy), which is also concurrent with Fastest 50. Fastest 50 will also have some SISO-curated content—details to follow.
  ○ Restaurant Show in May (Informa) in Chicago
  ○ Any members that want to provide a similar opportunity, please get in touch with me, Vincent@siso.org.
  ○ You may also have seen some more official cooperative efforts between UFI and SISO to continue to provide more excellent value to members.
• Our visit to an “alternative venue” in NY was very informative and thought-provoking. Early in 2025, we will have the opportunity to look at an alternative space in Chicago.
   
• We are officially signed with Indianapolis for the Society of Independent Show Organizers - SISO Leadership Conference on August 19-21.
   
• FYI, several of our regions are discussing meetings in their respective regions, and details will be provided once they are confirmed.
   
• I just returned from IAEE in Los Angeles, and it was a high-energy few days, and several of our members were present.
   
• Early January is quite busy with @CEFCO (Tianjin) and PCMA (Houston) and will share highlights from those meetings once complete.

As we pause for this break (and we’re always available even while in pause), wishing everyone (whatever your holiday and holiday plans are) a period to relax, celebrate 2024, and look forward to an over-achieving 2025. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.

With best regards,

Vinnie