ECEF 2025 Program

Sam Lippman, President, Lippman Connects sets the tone for the day with this fast-paced session highlighting key data points that have big implications.

Just when you’re beginning to doubt which way is ahead, ECEF brings you this perfectly timed keynote address from Consumer Technology Association CEO Gary Shapiro. His insights will illuminate a path forward for executives facing uncertainty.

Gary will deliver a masterclass on business flexibility from multiple perspectives. First and foremost, as the visionary who has led the Consumer Electronics Show to continuous unparalleled growth. And, as a close observer of the technology CEOs who lead CTA and increasingly other sectors of society.

It’s general knowledge that exhibitors usually pay more than their direct share of costs. As the cost burden on exhibitors continues to rise, organizers must wake up now to the reality that the prevailing arrangement is going to come crashing down.

Will Rising Exhibitor Costs Backfire? may seem like a rhetorical question, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. A major anchor exhibitor and a spokesperson for suppliers explain how rising costs are not merely affecting exhibitors but are also undermining the future of certain events. Jeannie Henson, Director, Exhibit Management, Siemens Healthineers, and Julie Kagy, Executive Director, ESCA: Exhibition Services & Contractors Association, will break it down for you.

Every January, the World Economic Forum brings together political, business, and thought leaders. Better known as Davos, it is arguably the most exclusive annual event in the world. Although more than 3,000 leaders attend as well as more than 500 members of the press, Davos does not measure success by attendance or media coverage. In this thought-provoking session, regular Davos attendee Dr. Charlotte M. Farmer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, UL Research Institutes, will explain how Davos organizers evaluate its impact by the conversations sparked, partnerships formed, and progress achieved. Here is some of what you will take away:

• Purposeful Design Created Spaces for Impact — Dedicated spaces for multilateral discussions enabled diplomats, CEOs, and thought leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue. These hubs are designed to encourage openness, innovation, and partnership.
• Seamless Logistics Orchestrated a Flawless Experience — Davos achieved easy access and mobility while providing enhanced security for thousands of world-famous VIPs.
• Designed for Exclusivity and Engagement — Explore first-hand examples of how Davos created moments that feel both intimate and exclusive, while also fostering a sense of community.

In this interactive session, Hervé Sedky, President and CEO, Emerald, will moderate a panel of experts, including Kevin Hinton, Managing Director, Group Travel, U.S. Travel Association and Isabelle Icso, Executive Director, International Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Each speaker will represent a key sector facing economic disruption, sharing insider knowledge on how to mitigate and even avoid pitfalls. The emphasis will be on information sharing and preparing for unforeseen opportunities to leverage unexpected circumstances. 

What sets groundbreaking event organizers apart from those who simply maintain the status quo? First, Freeman Senior VP - Strategy Ken Holsinger and mdg President Kimberly Hardcastle will unveil key Freeman research findings on the fundamental differences between "Innovators" and "Conventionalists" in relation to event planning and execution. Next, two forward-thinking organizers — Tom Gattuso, Vice President, Events - Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Nicole Hallada, Senior Vice President of Exhibitions & Marketing (AEM) — will share how they embraced the "Innovator" mindset to drive real change and meet the evolving needs of their audiences. You’ll leave with fresh perspectives and actionable insights to elevate your approach to managing teams, stakeholder expectations and the long-term success of your event.