David DuBois to Retire From IAEE at the End of 2023

April 5, 2023

After 11 years as president and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), David DuBois will retire effective Dec. 31, 2023.

DuBois will lead the association through its strategic growth initiatives in 2023 and continue to build on his legacy of advancing IAEE’s mission and member community.

“IAEE is a large and diverse global association that represents a vast ecosystem,” DuBois said. “I look forward to continuing to lead the exhibitions and events industry's trade association, and over the months ahead, my goal is for IAEE to continue delivering valuable programs to our members and stakeholders globally."

DuBois highlighted a few of his biggest accomplishments at IAEE during his tenure.

"I am most proud of having our industry and great staff be better and stronger than when I arrived eleven years ago, helping our association and industry make our way through the pandemic and helping us grow back to pre pandemic levels," he said.

He added, "I am very excited that our industry is gaining our great momentum again and will continue to be highly successfull for our entire ecosystem."

While he will be leaving his post at IAEE, DuBois said he looks forward to his next career opportunity in the industry.

The IAEE Board of Directors has retained SearchWide Global, a full-service executive search firm that specializes in C-level positions in the event, convention, travel, tourism, hospitality, trade association, venue management and experiential marketing industries. The search for IAEE’s new president and CEO will begin with a detailed needs assessment led by SearchWide Global and will aim to publish the official position overview in late June.

“We appreciate everything David has accomplished during his tenure at the association and are grateful for his leadership and service to IAEE members,” said IAEE Chairperson of the Board Dennis Smith, “The IAEE Board is following a well guided succession plan and committed to paving the direction forward with new leadership to position the association for future growth.”

DuBois, a longtime industry veteran, began his career with Sheraton Corporation in various sales positions and was most recently as president and CEO of the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau before joining IAEE.

Throughout his career, he has also served as president and CEO and senior vice president of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), COO of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), executive vice president of the MPI Foundation, board member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), chairman of the board of directors for the Texas Society of Association Executives, board member and chairman of the Dallas-Fort Worth Tourism Council, board member of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the board of directors for the Events Industry Council (EIC). He also serves on the board of directors for the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and the U.S. Travel Association.

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