By Mary Tucker, Sr. PR/Communications Manager
IAEE Expo! Expo! Advisory Committee member Jeff Davis has worked in the events industry since 2011. He joined Emerald in January 2022 and serves as Group Vice President over the company’s Surf Expo and Outdoor Retailer brands. Prior to working in the events industry, Jeff spent 14 years on the emerging digital side of media businesses. He is a graduate of Baylor University and lives in Dallas with his wife and two children.
Here, Jeff shares why he believes Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2022 is THE PLACE TO BE and why he looks forward to being at Expo! Expo! in Louisville, Kentucky on 13-15 December.
IAEE: What stands out to you when you walk the Expo! Expo! show floor?
Jeff: The people! While I love to see what’s new in the supplier community, I also appreciate the staying power of long-time suppliers who’ve worked so hard for years to serve our industry. I always enjoy visiting with my most trusted contacts, but I make it a goal to return home with a few new ones, too.
IAEE: What do you enjoy most about the networking activities at Expo! Expo!?
Jeff: The formalized gatherings at the event are terrific, but I most enjoy the 1:1 interactions on the floor with the people I’ve come to know through the years. These are so energizing to me; I love learning about the challenges and successes that others are having!
IAEE: What are some of your favorite moments from past Expo! Expo! experiences?
Jeff: For no particular reason, the ice sculptures at the Freeman party in Las Vegas back in 2011 stand out! Additionally, many of my favorite memories are simple – reconnecting with beloved contacts whom I haven’t seen in several years. I love those moments the most.
IAEE: What are you looking forward to experiencing at this year’s Expo! Expo! in Louisville, KY?
Jeff: Personal reconnection with the amazing people in the events industry. Some of this happened in Philadelphia last year, but it was muted and that was just prior to the Omicron spike that affected January/February events in 2022. I hope many more people return this year.
IAEE: What inspired you to serve on this year’s Expo! Expo! Advisory Committee?
Jeff: I care deeply about our industry and the people who serve in it. We’ve been through a challenging couple of years. Coming back together means so much.
Registration is open for this year’s Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2022. Get the BE SMART RATE today and prepare to experience THE PLACE TO BE in the exhibitions and events industry this December!
