Rick McConnell has a proven track record of acquiring, launching, and growing events. He is a team builder, innovator, idea generator, revenue driver, and partnership expert. From 2009-2014 he led Hanley Wood Exhibitions, growing the portfolio by 67% in four years. As President of Informa Markets North American from 2014-2020, he succeeded in growing annual revenues from $61 million to $425 million through acquisition, organic strategies and digital initiatives.

He is the former Chairman of SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers). He received the IAEE Pinnacle Award in 2020. The award recognizes an individual who, over 20 years, has furthered IAEE’s objectives of advancing exhibitions and events management through the promotion of education, the dissemination of knowledge and the introduction or development of innovative techniques, and who has been dedicated to the perpetuation of the highest ideals, trust and professionalism in this highly specialized field.

Rick has an MBA from the University of Arkansas.