Washington, D.C. — After 12 years with mdg, A Freeman Company, Vincent Polito is moving into a new role within the events industry, replacing David Audrain as the Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO). Effective October 1, Polito will depart mdg to begin a three-month transition period in preparation for the role. During this time, he will be available to mdg clients as needed, engage independent event organizers and other stakeholders in a dialogue about how SISO can continue evolving to meet their needs and work with Audrain to ensure a seamless official transition on January 1.
Polito’s career in the events space spans more than 30 years and includes experience with launches, turnarounds, category-leading mega-events, global cloning and more. As either a direct employee, consultant or managing director of mdg, Polito has worked with small start-up organizations, countless associations and some of the world’s largest event producers, including RX, Emerald, Informa Markets, Clarion Events, Comexposium and others. He has been an active member of SISO since its inception and is uniquely qualified to take over as its CEO.
According to mdg president Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes, “I can’t think of a better candidate to step into this role at SISO or anyone who cares about this industry and the individuals who comprise it more than Vincent. He has a reputation for mentoring up-and-coming professionals, providing advice, making connections, giving guidance, celebrating accomplishments and supporting his colleagues and industry friends however he can. We will miss him dearly at mdg, but the legacy he’s leaving will live on forever.”
Freeman CEO Bob Priest-Heck echoed the sentiment, adding, “As a long-term sponsor and supporter of SISO, I’m thrilled to have someone of Vincent’s stature leading the organization into the future. Although we’re sad to lose him at Freeman, we know our sacrifice will be for the greater good of the industry.”
About mdg
mdg, A Freeman Company is a strategy-driven agency with a 45-year track record of delivering results. Made up of marketing researchers and strategists, digital and interactive media experts, event and association management specialists, data analysts and a robust creative team, the 90-person agency offers complete marketing solutions to association, event and corporate clients.
About Freeman
Freeman is the world’s leading live event and brand experience company. We help our clients create and deliver immersive digital and live experiences for their most important audiences. Through comprehensive offerings including strategy, experience design, and digital as well as AV and event tech, Freeman helps increase audience engagement and drive business results. What makes us different is our collaborative culture, intuitive knowledge, global perspective, and personalized approach, which we’ve gained from more than 90 years as an industry leader. For more information, please visit Freeman.com.
