TSNN Podcast: Trade Show Talk

Trade Show News Network is excited to share our ‘Trade Show Talk’ podcast which features two episodes each month focusing on hot-button topics. Each episode kicks off with a news round up before host Danica Tormohlen leads discussions with trade show and events industry leaders. If you'd like to be a guest or you have a topic to suggest that we cover, please let us know by emailing podcast@tsnn.com. If you would like to sponsor a podcast series, please contact jrice@tsnn.com

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Listen to all previous podcast episodes HERE.

Exclusive: CEO Hervé Sedky on Emerald’s UK Expansion with 2 Acquisitions

Trade Show Talk Podcast Host Danica Tormohlen interviews Herve Sedky, CEO & President of Emerald, about the company's strategic acquisitions in the luxury travel and insurance technology sectors. In this episode, Sedky discusses the company's recent acquisition of 'This is Beyond,' which adds several B2B luxury travel events to Emerald's portfolio. The acquisition bolsters Emerald's presence in the luxury market, which is known for its resilience to economic fluctuations. This strategic move also solidifies Emerald's international footprint, particularly in the UK. Additionally, Herve sheds light on another recent acquisition — InsureTech Insights, which focuses on the insurance and technology sectors, further expanding Emerald's international reach and growth in technology-focused events.

Our guest:

Herve Sedky, CEO & President of Emerald

Hervé Sedky joined Emerald (EEX) in January 2021 as President, Chief Executive Officer & Director leading an experienced, talented, and passionate team that grow businesses 365 days a year by expanding connections, creating content, and powering commerce. We expand connections through our live events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to position our customers as thought leaders in their industries. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels.

Prior to joining Emerald, Hervé spent six years as President of the Americas for events giant, Reed Exhibitions (RX), leading more than 100 sector-leading exhibitions and events in North and South America each year, as well as the company’s global quirky pop culture & lifestyle focused offshoot, ReedPop. Before his time at RX, Hervé spent over 20 years at the American Express Company, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President and General Manager of American Express Global Business Travel, as well as on American Express’ senior management team.

His business profile is complemented by a profound commitment to community development and the nonprofit sector. Hervé serves on the board of the Children's Health Fund, is on the board of the French Cultural Center/Alliance Française and is an active member of his community.

Hervé earned a B.S. in International Business Administration from Northeastern University and is a graduate of the Executive Management Program (PMD) at Harvard Business School.

Podcast Host: Danica Tormohlen

danica

An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Group Content, Meetings, Sports, Travel for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees content for Trade Show News Network, Corporate Event News, MeetingsNet, BizBash and Connect's portfolio of in-person events. These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event, association meeting, experiential marketing and exhibition industries.

Tormohlen currently serves as president of the Women in Exhibitions Network North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA, DI and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few.

Thank you to our sponsor!

Connect Marketplace: Where Events Business Get Done.

Connect Marketplace: Where Events Business Get Done. Mark your calendars for these 2025 events. Connect Marketplace Spring will be held in April at its new home at the Wynn in Las Vegas, and the flagship event Connect Marketplace will be held in August in Miami. Don't miss your opportunity to join passionate event experts for unparalleled networking, one-on-one business meetings, and inspiring education sessions. Find out more at Connectmeetings.com

Partner Voices

HERE, EVENTS HELP YOUR COMPANY AND THE COMMUNITY

MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy. Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative. Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates. The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities. MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025. MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.

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