What’s next for events? We asked top association executives and independent organizers for their perspectives — and a sneak peek of what they’ll cover during the 2025 Exhibition and Conference Executives Forum (ECEF), May 28 in Washington, D.C.
Sam Lippman | President, Lippman Connects
ECEF Session: 5 Key Data Points in 5 Minutes
“In just five minutes, I’m going to share five data points on how people connect at live events – from building job-critical relationships and trust, to boosting confidence and interpersonal skills. These insights will reveal fresh ways organizers can spark the kinds of connections that make their events indispensable.”
Gary Shapiro | CEO, Consumer Technology Association
ECEF Keynote: Pivot or Die: How to Navigate in a Changing Environment
“It would be impossible to address a room full of event and association leaders without focusing on the geopolitical uncertainty that’s impacting us all in different ways. More than ever, embracing change is crucial for survival and growth, especially when external factors like tariffs and a changing sentiment toward America among key trade partners threatens stability.”
Julie Kagy | Executive Director, Exhibition Services & Contractors Association
ECEF Session, with Jeannie Henson, Director, Exhibit Management at Siemens Healthineers: Will Rising Exhibitor Costs Backfire?
“The true risk of rising exhibitor costs isn’t just higher budgets — it’s exhibitors questioning the value of the entire channel. The industry must be transparent, collaborative and relentless about delivering real business results to protect the future of face-to-face marketing.”
Indiya Okam | Group Vice President of Sales, RX USA
ECEF Session: Return on Value – The Evolution of Value-Based Selling
“RX’s journey toward value-based selling offers important lessons for event executives looking to drive growth and deliver better outcomes. By examining our evolution — including the challenges, learnings, and opportunities ahead — other organizers can uncover new ways to define and demonstrate return on value within their own organizations.”
Dr. Charlotte Farmer | Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, UL Research Institutes
ECEF Session: Good News from Davos for Your Show
“At the World Economic Forum, success isn’t measured just by attendance or media coverage — it’s judged by the quality of conversations, the partnerships that emerge, and the progress that follows. By studying how Davos organizers design purposeful experiences, manage seamless logistics, and curate spaces for genuine engagement, event leaders can find inspiration to create more impactful environments at their own events.”
Ken Holsinger | Senior Vice President of Strategy, Freeman
ECEF Session with Kimberly Hardcastle, president of mdg, A Freeman Company: The Innovator’s Edge: The Difference Between Standard and Standout Events
“New Freeman research highlights the key differences between event Innovators and Conventionalists. Innovators lean into real audience insights, empower their teams to experiment, and aren’t afraid to sunset underperforming initiatives to make room for bold new ideas. Embracing this mindset can help leaders anticipate disruption, adapt to shifting audience expectations, and ensure their events stay essential in a rapidly changing world.”
