The trade show industry continues to ramp up, and many exhibitor-related organizations are hiring and expanding. Check out these event professionals who are assuming senior and leadership roles at exhibit-related organizations across the country. 

Exhibit Partners 

Exhibit Partners (EP), a live brand engagement agency, hired Travis Stanton as director of strategy. In this role, Stanton will lead internal marketing and brand positioning while also working directly with EP clients on strategies to help them define brand stories, optimize marketing investments and exceed corporate objectives. 

Previously, Stanton led content strategy at Exhibitor, where he served as managing editor, editor and editor-in-chief. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Travis and put his superpowers to work for us and our clients," said Exhibit Partners CEO Matt Williams. "Travis and his strategic impact will play a big role in our continuing evolution from EP's exhibit-house roots to its future as a brand storytelling agency."

Stanton has also worked as an associate producer for the Miss Universe Organization and editor of both Corporate EVENT magazine and Lavender Magazine.

“Having spent two decades researching exhibit- and event-marketing strategy — and spoken extensively on experiential design, global exhibiting trends and elevated brand experiences — I am excited to put that expertise to work for EP and its clients,” said Stanton. “I have witnessed the evolution of Exhibit Partners over the years, seen the organization’s exciting vision for the future and bonded with the incredible and experienced members of the senior leadership team. And every step along the way has made me more enthused about joining the EP team.”

Exhibitus

Exhibitus, an experiential marketing agency headquartered in Atlanta, has appointed Martin Knott as chief financial officer. As CFO, Knott will guide the company’s business strategy and financial performance.

In addition to his financial role, Knott will be responsible for the implementation and integration of technology infrastructure and financial reporting systems essential for the company’s next phase of growth.

“We are excited to have Martin join Exhibitus’ executive team,” said Exhibitus President Brad Falberg. “Currently, our company is positioned to enjoy significant growth as the industry shifts from traditional marketing methods to creating experiences that build relationships between a business and its customers. Martin’s financial acumen, as well as his wealth of knowledge about the people, processes and particularly the goals of industry-leading brands, will be instrumental in our overall success going forward.”

Knott’s experience spans more than 35 years. He served in executive roles for two major exhibit firms, first at Czarnowski Exhibit Services for 25 years and then at MC2 Exhibit Environments for seven years. During his tenure at both firms, he helped drive operational excellence, improved business performance and supported strategic growth. 

Exhibitus also appointed experiential marketing veteran Rodrigo Espinosa as its chief strategist, responsible for developing and executing strategies to expand the company’s experiential focus and create brand initiatives to support client growth nationally and internationally.  

Bringing more than 25 years of experience in experiential marketing, brand positioning, business development and net-new revenue generation, sponsorship, communications strategy, integrated marketing communications, global leadership and digital activations to his new role, Rodrigo has worked extensively in the technology, automotive and consumer goods sectors, building innovative brand experiences for industry-leading companies. 

Exhibitus’ clients include Acuity, AGCO, ConvaTec, Georgia Pacific, Delta TechOps, Kawneer, LaVazza, Lexus, Mimaki, Sandvik, Snowflake, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions and Unifi.

Freeman

Freeman has promoted Tamara Lelyk to senior director, labor and employee relations. Previously, she served as director, labor and employee relations. Lelyk joined Freeman in 2019. Prior to that, she held positions in human resources, as well as employee and labor relations, with ARIA Resort & Casino and Vdara Hotel & Spa, Bellagio and GES.

Consultants

Dax Callner announced he will be leaving his position as strategy director for Smyle, an experiential creative agency based in London, at the end of October. He is launching his own consulting company, with Smyle as one of his clients. Prior to joining Smyle in 2019, Callner served as chief strategy officer for GES and Sparks. Callner serves as board president of the Experiential Marketing Measurement Coalition. 

Pat Alacqua, the founder of Nth Degree, and Jane Gentry, principal of Jane Gentry & Company, have joined forces to offer consulting services to the trade show industry. Leveraging more than two decades of consulting experience within and outside the industry, the duo plan to empower trade show businesses to not only navigate the current challenges but also strategically position themselves for future success. Setting themselves apart from conventional consultancy models, Alacqua and Gentry said they adopt a more hands-on, collaborative approach. 

For his groundbreaking work in labor management, Alacqua earned a place of honor in the Exhibitor Appointed Contractors Association Hall of Fame in 2006. Beyond the trade show arena, Alacqua's Entrepreneur to Enterprise Program and "3Cs Process to Faster Results" underscore his dedication to business growth and leadership mentoring.

Since 1999, Gentry has managed companies and provided consulting services to enhance growth, profitability, client retention, employee retention and leadership capabilities. As a CEO advisor and management consultant, she assists entrepreneurs and senior leaders in identifying and addressing gaps in strategy, processes, culture and personnel.  

Have some exhibitor-related people news to share? Please send announcements and high-resolution professional headshots to ENN’s Danica Tormohlen.