IAEE Taps Cathy Breden to Serve as Interim CEO, Announces Her Retirement in June
September 25, 2023
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has appointed Cathy Breden, current IAEE executive vice president and COO, as the interim CEO for the organization, effective Oct. 1. She assumes the helm following the departure of IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, for whom the organization is currently searching for a permanent successor.
“With 28 years of service to IAEE, there was no question in the minds of the Board of Directors who the best person would be to lead the association as we continue the search for a new president and CEO,” said 2023 IAEE Chairperson Dennis Smith, vice president of business development for the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). “Cathy not only possesses vast knowledge about the organization, but is a highly regarded authority of our industry.”
Once IAEE appoints a new president and CEO, Breden will resume her current position with the organization until her planned retirement in June 2024, according to IAEE officials.
“In this role, I will be the bridge to continue the good work of IAEE and to help the new CEO during this transition,” Breden said. “The association has made great strides in advancing its mission and strategic vision and I look forward to the future.”
Breden, who also serves as the CEO of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), embarked upon her association management career in 1984 and has served in a variety of positions, including board member, key staff contact, chief staff executive, volunteer leader and consultant. Additionally, she serves as the immediate past chairperson of the Events Industry Council board of directors and is a frequent presenter on industry topics including exhibition industry trends and the impact of face-to-face marketing through exhibitions.
Breden earned the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 1990, became a CMP Fellow in 2019, acquired the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 1995 and was granted the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation in 2019. She holds a Business Administration degree from Florida State University with an emphasis in Association Management.
“Cathy’s career has been an example to all of us in the exhibitions and events industry,” said Julie Smith, senior vice president, business development at GES. “Her unwavering leadership, commitment, diplomacy and experience make her the perfect choice to help shepherd IAEE into the next chapter.”
To find the organization’s next president and CEO, the IAEE Board of Directors has retained SearchWide Global, a full-service executive search firm that specializes in C-level positions in the event, convention, travel, tourism, hospitality, trade association, venue management and experiential marketing industries.
Established in 1928, IAEE represents supplier and trade show organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events worldwide, advocating for and promoting face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary platform for business development and growth.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn!
Partner Voices
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.
Add new comment