World-Class Strategy Experts Join Forces with IAEE to Drive Growth and Navigate Industry Challenges

 The International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE), in collaboration with the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), announces a new partnership with leading strategy experts Dr. Sam Potolicchio and MBB Consulting Group. This collaboration brings world-class consulting services to the exhibitions and events industry, helping organizations navigate complex challenges, drive growth and optimize performance.

Through this partnership, IAEE members gain access to strategic advisory services that combine deep research insights with hands-on expertise:

Dr. Sam Potolicchio is a renowned geopolitical strategy and leadership consultant who will provide guidance on navigating global uncertainties and making strategic decisions in complex environments. Beyond his expertise in geopolitical and political keynotes, Potolicchio offers comprehensive leadership development programs focusing on essential soft skills and executive capabilities.

His offerings include:

• Judgment Under Pressure: Leading When the Stakes Are High
  A universally relevant session that resonates with executives across industries.
• Leading When the Map is Blank: Navigating the Unknown
  A compelling theme for innovation, uncertainty and transformation.
• Mastering Soft Skills
  A highly interactive, practical and universally applicable session perfectly suited for breakout discussions, role-play and group exercises.
• The Narrative Advantage: Storytelling as a Strategic Leadership Skill
  This session lends itself naturally to hands-on practice through crafting and delivering stories along with peer feedback.
• The Choice Factor: How Leaders Decide in Uncertain Times
  Excellent for simulations, this session incorporates case studies and real-world decision-making exercises.

MBB Consulting Group is a management strategy consultancy with decades of senior-level B2B experience that will deliver growth and profitability strategies, market intelligence, M&A advisory, and venue consulting services tailored to the exhibitions and events sector.

“IAEE and CEIR are committed to providing members with actionable insights and tools to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving events landscape,” said IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. “This partnership brings unparalleled expertise to our community, combining research-driven insights with strategic implementation to help our members succeed.”

“The exhibitions industry is at a pivotal moment, and organizations that leverage research-driven insights and strategic guidance will be best positioned to succeed,” added Potolicchio. “I’m excited to work with IAEE members to provide practical solutions that address today’s challenges and prepare them for tomorrow’s opportunities.”

“MBB Consulting is thrilled to partner with IAEE and CEIR to support the exhibitions and events community,” noted CEO and Founder Matthias Tesi Baur. “By combining our operational expertise with consulting capabilities, we can help organizations unlock growth, improve performance and navigate complex market dynamics.”

The partnership will also offer educational programs and workshops, providing professional development opportunities alongside strategic consulting. This initiative reflects IAEE and CEIR’s ongoing mission to support organizers, venues and industry professionals with innovative solutions, practical strategies and data-driven guidance.

Click here for more information or to schedule a consultation.

About IAEE
Trusted since 1928, IAEE provides quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the world’s largest association of the exhibitions and events industry, with members including show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. More than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events worldwide are organized by IAEE members, and the organization advocates for face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. IAEE provides relevant, timely and innovative education to its members and the industry. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: 4imprint, Convention News Television (CNTV), eShow, Freeman, GES | onPeak, Grit Productions and Expositions, IMEX, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Risk Strategies Company | Buttine Insurance, Snöball and Swapcard. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.

About CEIR
The official research division of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE), the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) advances the growth, awareness and value of exhibitions and other face-to-face marketing events by producing and delivering knowledge-based research tools. These tools enable stakeholder organizations to enhance their ability to meet current and emerging customer needs, improve business performance and strengthen their competitive position. Visit ceir.iaee.com for more information.

About Dr. Sam Potolicchio
Dr. Sam Potolicchio is a globally recognized consultant and thought leader specializing in geopolitical strategy, leadership, and organizational decision-making in complex environments. Visit www.sampotolicchio.com for more information.

About MBB Consulting Group
MBB Consulting Group provides management strategy consultancy services for international businesses, including the tradeshow industry and governmental bodies. They specialize in growth and profitability strategies, mergers and acquisitions, market intelligence, and venue consulting, supported by decades of senior operational expertise. Visit www.mbb-consultinggroup.com for more information.

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Media Inquiries:
Mary Tucker
Sr. Communications & Content Manager | IAEE
+1 (972) 687-9226
mtucker@iaee.com