Long-time IAEE President Steven Hacker Will Leave Next September

September 14, 2011

Steven Hacker, president of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, will leave his long-time post when his contract ends Sept. 30, 2012.

"Having served IAEE since 1992 has been a remarkably rewarding experience,” Hacker said. “IAEE's leadership will now turn its attention to the very important task of finding a staff leader for the next phase of IAEEs' future.”

He added, “Allowing a full year for the process assures members that a very deliberative process will take place, that there will be no disruption to operations and that an appropriate turnover of responsibilities will take place.”

Hacker began his association management career in 1970 and is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives and serves as a director of the Travel Industry Association.

He also serves on the Board of Distinguished Judges & Advisors for the Media Section of the American Business Awards.

As president of IAEE, formerly the International Association for Exhibition Management, Hacker helped to build membership from less than 2,600 to more than 9,000.

“We all think highly of Steven and the way he has represented IAEE for the past two decades,” said Chairman of the IAEE Board of Directors Vinnie Polito. “Giving us a year in which to properly plan for this important transition is an incredibly valuable opportunity that many other organizations do not enjoy.”

He added, “We will now turn our attention to carefully analyzing what kind of staff leadership the association may require in the years ahead. IAEE has an outstanding headquarters staff that we value highly. Making the right CEO selection is critical both for them and for us as members.”

Polito said IAEE will issue periodic updates about the CEO transition plan but, for now, it is premature for anyone to send in letters and/or resumes.

“There are many milestones of which I am very proud, but none more important that knowing that I will leave IAEE with the finest staff we have ever had and arguably the best association staff in the nation,” Hacker said.

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