Insights

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Hardcastle and Holsinger Led ECEF Session

mdg president Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes and Freeman SVP of Strategy Ken Holsinger were chosen to lead a session at the 2025 Exhibition & Conference Executives Forum. Registration can be found on the Lippman Connects website and details are below.

May 28, 2025
3:05 – 3:50pm ET
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, D.C.

The Innovator’s Edge: The Difference Between Standard and Standout Events
What sets groundbreaking event organizers apart from those who simply maintain the status quo? In this multi-format session, industry experts Ken Holsinger and Kimberly Hardcastle will unveil key Freeman research findings on the fundamental differences between “Innovators” and “Conventionalists” in relation to event planning and execution. Next, two forward-thinking organizers will share how they embraced the “Innovator” mindset to drive real change and meet the evolving needs of their audiences. You’ll leave with fresh perspectives and actionable insights to elevate your approach to managing teams, stakeholder expectations and the long-term success of your event.

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Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes
Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes is president of mdg, A Freeman Company. Focused on event marketing and attendee and exhibitor acquisition, mdg brings together strategists, data and digital specialists, engagement experts, international marketers and a robust creative team to provide complete solutions that help clients achieve their objectives. Kimberly is a CEM faculty member, a Krakoff Leadership Institute alumna and has been named by IAEE as an Educator of the Year and a Woman of Achievement. She has a monthly column in PCMA’s Convene magazine and is a frequent presenter at SISO, PCMA Convening Leaders, Expo! Expo!, and Lippman Connects events. She’s also the mom of a TCU Horned Frog, wife of a retired Navy pilot, Peloton addict, reader, runner and believer in civil rights.

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Ken Holsinger
Ken has over 25 years of experience in technology, media and event production as a lead executive, consultant and speaker. He currently leads the Data Practice for Freeman, bringing together teams that are building innovative data tools for integration and business intelligence with data science, consulting, research and industry benchmarking. Ken has been named on multiple hardware, software and process patents and is a frequent presenter on numerous topics in the events, technology and data science space. Ken is also actively involved in his local community in Boise, Idaho as a startup mentor and tech workforce development leader.