A Note from our CEO, Vincent Polito

Some quick thoughts to share

• Just returned from both IBTM and UFI last week, and I was struck by the energy of the participants. I would characterize the mood as one of optimism for our industry, with a dose of uncertainty in the geopolitical landscape. I had conversations with colleagues from all parts of the world, and it was consistent.
   
• My favorite session featured SISO/UFI members Greg Hitchen (Terrapinn), Russell Wilcox (Clarion Events) and SISO Sponsor John McGovern of Grimes, McGovern & Associates. I liked that the panelists were able to share differing perspectives on subjects. Certainly not a homogenized session! Entertaining and valuable.
   
• I asked SISO incoming chair Paul Miller FCIM (Questex) for a working thesis for the Innovation Imperative, the theme for the SISO CEO Summit, March 31-April 3. 
  He shared the following:
  The Innovation Imperative
  ​​​​​Events are hot again attracting interest from a variety of stakeholders from younger professionals to investors. This is also attracting interest from new entrants to the industry and, is leading to some to question “are we experiencing a peak events bubble?” Concurrently, attendees and exhibitors are demanding greater ROI and Return on their Time (ROTI), more interesting experiences, better use of technology, the emergence of GAI as a threat and an opportunity, curated meetings, networking and more. The SISO CEO Summit will explore all of these issues focusing on real takeaways for event company leaders to embrace the disruption and grow their business. From innovation in technology, the event model, festivals, M&A and customer expectations the content will challenge the industry to embrace the innovation imperative. I’ve paraphrased Paul ever so slightly, so any mistakes are mine, not his—exciting!
   
• I visited an alternative event venue in NYC yesterday along with several other members. This venue has great possibilities for event models that break away from the more traditional event footprints. Four levels, multiple activation areas, good traffic flow. It does inspire me that we will continue to be leaders in innovation whether in traditional venues or nontraditional venues. It reminded me of our Asia CEO Summit this fall, where Chris Skeith, Kimberly Hardcastle, and I discussed this trend with Lloyd Tan SACEOS Singapore.
   
• In planning with some members for meetup events at member shows in 2025. Will be able to announce these before year end. If anyone has events that they think would work well for a member meetup, please let me know.
   
• Planning to get together with SISO members at IAEE for a beverage on Tuesday, December 17th. Contact me or Michelle Metter if interested.
   
• If you’ve misplaced your registration code, contact Anna@siso.org. Signup before the early bird pricing departs. 
   
• If you haven’t yet confirmed your sponsorship, contact Katherine@siso.org
   
• If you have anything you’d like to discuss, contact Vincent@siso.org
   
• Thanksgiving is far from an American holiday only. We have Frohes Erntedankfest (Germany), La Festa del Ringraziamento (Italy), and Gan'en Jie (China), to name three. Most all of the celebrations take place in the Fall, but not all this Thursday. That being said, Happy Thanksgiving.
   

With best regards,
Vinnie