The holidays brought good cheer for companies looking to hire or promote from within throughout the end of 2014.

The International Association Exhibitions and Events appointed Cathy Breden, CAE, CMP as the organization's executive vice president.  In this role, she will oversee additional strategic planning and operational responsibilities.

"Cathy has been an integral member of the IAEE team for many years and has worked tirelessly to promote IAEE's strategic plan and initiatives," said David DuBois, president and CEO of IAEE. "She has earned respect and appreciation from our staff, volunteer leaders and global members."

Breden manages the day-to-day operations of the association including overseeing marketing and communications, membership, education, conventions and events, and administration.

In addition, she currently serves as the managing director of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) whose primary purpose is to promote the growth, awareness and value of exhibitions and other face-to-face marketing events by producing and delivering research-based knowledge tools.

Sharon Enright has been promoted from vice president to executive vice president of the Trade Show Division of Business Journals Inc, a leading integrated business-to-business media company primarily serving the men’s and women’s fashion industry. The promotion is effective immediately.

In making the announcement, Britton Jones, president and CEO of Business Journals, said, "In her almost 17 years with the company, Sharon has demonstrated relentless passion and outstanding leadership skills. She has been and continues to be a driving force in the outstanding growth and success of the BJI Fashion Group trade shows."

Hargrove hired on Dan Cole as their new senior vice president for Trade Shows and Exhibits.
 
With more than 27 years of professional sales and leadership experience, Cole was most recently vice president of Business Development for the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the organization which produces it - the Consumer Electronics Association.  

He began his career in the trade show industry in 1992 as a national accounts manager for National Trade Productions, progressing there to Sales Director and went on to hold a number of important executive positions at companies such as Advanstar and Yellowbrix. 

Hargrove COO and EVP Diana Simmons said, “Dan Cole brings outstanding, award-winning experience to Hargrove. This is a huge addition for us. I worked with Dan at National Trade Productions, and am very excited about his joining Hargrove leadership team. His insight and background will no doubt help the company grow and enhance our visibility and reach in the industries we serve.”

CompuSystems named Chris Williams as its new president. Williams joined CompuSystems in 1996 and within a few short years became director of sales. Under his leadership, sales nearly tripled and most recently in his role as senior vice president, Williams has been Instrumental in directing CompuSystems' product development and setting strategic goals.

In his new role, Williams will be responsible for all aspects of day-to-day operations and overseeing the senior management team.

Also at Compusystems, Scott Allen was hired on as chief sales officer. Allen, who was hand-picked by CompuSystems' President Chris Williams, previously served as senior regional manager at Oracle where he was in charge of the Central Region.

Allen has 20 years of experience with four Fortune 500 companies in the IT and technology service industries. 

Freeman named Paul Cunniffe business development vice president of the Exposition division at Freeman.

“We are excited to announce the addition of Paul Cunniffe to our Exposition team. Paul joins us with more than 20 years’ experience working with customers such as the Democratic National Convention, Major League Baseball, National Hockey League, and the American Physical Therapy Association,” said Steve Anderson, executive vice president, Business Development, Freeman.

Andrew P. Riester has rejoined ShowNets after a 13-year hiatus.  He began his professional career with ShowNets, LLC as an operational technician and now rejoins the team as a strategic account representative.