Two Executive Promotions: Greg Topalian Elevated to Chairman of Clarion Events North America, Randy Pekowski Named CEO of The Expo Group
February 20, 2024
An event design and management company and a major trade show producer recently announced two executive promotions.
Clarion Events North America
Greg Topalian is being elevated from CEO to chairman of Clarion Events North America.
In his new role, Topalian will focus on acquisitions and business development and provide high-level strategic planning for Clarion globally while actively supporting North America presidents Liz Irving, president of Clarion Events North America, and Kelly Comboni, president of Quartz Network, Consero and LeftField Media, who will run the day-to-day strategy and operations across the business.
“[Greg’s] visionary leadership has been instrumental in guiding Clarion’s remarkable growth and has helped establish Clarion as a major player in the U.S. market,” said Clarion Group CEO Lisa Hannant. “His focus on organic growth, significant acquisitions, a commitment to a customer-first mentality and a strong focus on our people has allowed us to build a world-class business in North America.
She continued, “This new role not only renews Greg’s commitment to driving the future of Clarion but also grants him the freedom to personally explore additional non-competitive business ventures. We believe his duality will further enhance Greg’s contributions to Clarion.”
Topalian joined Clarion (then Urban Expositions) in 2016 through the company’s acquisition of LeftField Media, a boutique event company he founded in 2014. The industry veteran’s almost 30-year career has included launching New York Comic Con in 2006 and serving as senior vice president at Reed Exhibitions, where he was responsible for a portfolio of 38 events.
“I am so proud of what we have accomplished as a team since 2017 and I’m excited to be able to continue to help shape the growth and evolution of Clarion in my new role,” Topalian said. “I look forward to supporting Liz and Kelly in their growth as leaders which will undoubtedly drive our company to new heights.”
The Expo Group
After serving as president and COO since 2016, Randy Pekowski has been tapped as CEO for The Expo Group. He precedes his father, Ray Pekowski, who has served in that leadership role since founding the company in 1991.
During his time as president and COO of The Expo Group, Randy led significant geographic and business expansion, positioning the company for even stronger growth, according to company officials. A member of The Expo Group team since 1995, he is passionate about contributing to the industry’s success, regularly participating in industry events and serving in an executive board role with ESCA.
“As we have expanded our business, it has been an amazing team effort to find new avenues for revenue growth and opportunities,” Pekowski said. “I am honored to continue a leadership role at The Expo Group to further the life-long vision of my father, Ray, who has built this business into a strong position in the industry. We will continue to stay focused on elevating our customers’ brands to enable the delivery of content, commerce and community connections.”
Ray Pekowski will transition from CEO to executive chairman of the board of directors, remaining active in a strategic capacity.
“Randy has essentially been serving in the capacity of CEO for some time,” the senior Pekowski said. “I have unwavering trust in him and his leadership team to lead the charge to new levels of success for our business and our customers.”
As far as his plans for the company in 2024, the junior Pekowski said, “To continue our market position and growth strategy of ‘Architects Connecting Communities.’ When we talk about being architects, we are referencing the fact that we don’t just ‘build’ a show, we work with our clients to fully understand their community of exhibitors and what they care about.”
He continued, “We ask questions to help us design a show that is personalized to the audience, much like an architect designs a house based on the personal wants of the homeowner. After all the show information is collected, we then start the process to build the show based on a plan that is designed to create a unique, custom experience that will connect the show’s community.”
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on LinkedIn!
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment