In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Cockerton , Co-Founder of the Digital Accountancy Show, to explore his journey from a media and fintech background to building one of the UK’s fastest-growing niche events for the accountancy sector. We discuss how Daniel and his business partner James Howell identified a market gap, grew the show from 600 attendees to over 5,000, and recently sold the business to global events giant Easyfairs. Daniel opens up about his entrepreneurial mindset, the power o...
May 02, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 132
In this episode, I sit down with Dodge Woodall, the mastermind behind Bournemouth 7s Festival, host of the Eventful Lives podcast, and a serial entrepreneur. From selling nightclub tickets as a 10-year-old to building one of the UK's most successful independent festivals, Dodge shares his raw, unfiltered journey of risk-taking, resilience, and relentless ambition. He shares the highs, lows, and brutal realities of entrepreneurship and how at one point, he had to remortgage his house, risking eve...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 131
Dive into an insightful conversation with Hugh Jones, CEO of RX, as he unveils his journey through the dynamic world of trade shows and exhibitions. From his unexpected start managing gas stations to leading one of the largest B2B event organisers globally, this episode highlights Hugh’s leadership in transforming RX, and his unique perspective on the challenges and innovations shaping the industry. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Unconventional Career Pathways: Learn how Hugh Jones's earl...
Feb 28, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 130
In this episode, I sit down with Eman Pulis, the visionary founder of the SiGMA Group, a global media and events company focused on the gaming and emerging technology sectors. Since its inception in 2014, SiGMA has rapidly evolved from a small, niche event to a global powerhouse. The brand redefined itself through rebranding initiatives, strategic acquisitions, and the establishment of new pillars, such as SiGMA Foundation and Ikigai Ventures. Catering to over 1,200 exhibitors and 80,000 industr...
Feb 07, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 129
Join me as I sit down with Yancy Weinrich, President of North America & Board Director at CloserStill Media, to uncover her remarkable journey in the trade show and exhibition industry. From her early days as an exhibitor to leading one of the fastest-growing event companies globally, Yancy shares insights into leadership, innovation, and the future of events. In this episode, we discuss: ✅ Her career journey from Reed Exhibitions to CloserStill Media. ✅ The transformative impact of the pand...
Jan 17, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 128
In this special year-end episode, I sit down with Peter Jones, CEO of Nineteen Group, one of the UKs fastest growing B2B event organisers, to reflect on a ground breaking year for the business and explore what lies ahead for 2025 in the trade show and exhibitions industry. Peter delves into the key milestones of 2024, including Nineteen Group’s acquisition of Oliver Kinross and the transformative sale to the Growth Partnership Fund. He shares his thoughts on how these events have shaped the comp...
Dec 19, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 128
Duncan Reid’s journey in the events industry is nothing short of extraordinary. From organising house parties as a teenager to nearly 25 years at global giants UBM and Clarion Events, Duncan has been a force in reshaping how events are conceived and delivered. Recorded on the show floor at Event Tech Live 2024 in London ExCel, this episode dives into his career, the pivotal lessons he’s learned, and his thoughts on the next big trends shaping the future of events. We explore Duncan’s early influ...
Dec 06, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 126
Join me for an insightful conversation with Enrico Gallorini, CEO of GRS Research and Strategy, as he shares his journey in the events industry and discusses his new book, In-Person: A Journey Through the Unstoppable Evolution of Events. Enrico reflects on the history of gatherings, the impact of culture on events, and the future of in-person connections in a digital age. Discover how his upbringing in Italy, personal challenges, and professional experiences have shaped his passion for creating ...
Nov 21, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 125
In this episode, I welcome Doug Emslie, former CEO of Tarsus Group, and current chairman of Cuil Bay capital and Raccoon Media Group. Doug shares insights into his recent investment in Jacobs Media, a leader in travel media and events, to support its expansion into global markets, particularly the Middle East and U.S, and the launch of an animal health division at Raccoon Media, highlighting the growing demand for passion-led events in areas like pet care and equestrian shows. This move signals ...
Nov 07, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 124
Join me in this insightful episode as I sit down with Geoff Dickinson, CEO of DMG Events, to explore his incredible career journey, from humble beginnings and studying law to becoming one of the most influential leaders in the global events industry. In this candid interview Geoff talks about his his background, and the fact that he wasn't worried about taking risks because he grew up with limited financial resources. Coming from a place where he had "nothing to lose," he felt that taking risks ...
Oct 23, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 121
In this episode, I sit down with Kate Disley, founder and CEO of TEMBO, a specialist marketing agency for event organisers, to explore her incredible entrepreneurial journey. Kate shares how a simple misunderstanding launched her into the world of exhibitions and events, turning an unexpected twist into a thriving business. We dive into the challenges she faced as a single mum navigating the corporate world, her leap of faith into entrepreneurship, and how she built TEMBO from the ground up. Kat...
Oct 10, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 122
In this episode, I sit down with Rick Stainton, the visionary founder of The Smyle Group, one of the world’s leading creative creative agencies delivering live and digital brand experiences globally. Rick shares his inspiring 20-year entrepreneurial journey, from the early days of launching Smyle with a bold vision, to growing it into a global powerhouse serving the world’s biggest brands. Hear Rick’s candid reflections on the challenges, high-stakes moments, and key lessons learned along the wa...
Sep 26, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 121
In this episode, I sit down with Ross Ashman, co-founder and CEO of Public Sector Network, a multi-million dollar social learning platform based out of Australia, created to improve the life of public sector employees - and the citizens they serve. Ross takes us on a journey through his entrepreneurial experience. From his beginnings as an event sales executive to co-founding one of the leading platforms connecting public sector professionals across the globe, Ross shares valuable insights into ...
Sep 12, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 120
In this episode, I sit down with Michael Westcott, Co-Founder and Board Director of Global Trade Show & Exhibition Organiser CloserStill Media and Co-Chair of Torquay United Football Club in the UK. Michael shares his inspiring journey from a budding journalist to a key player in the global events industry. Discover how Michael’s early passion for journalism led him to Asia, where he transitioned into publishing and eventually the dynamic world of events. Michael delves into the formation an...
Jul 25, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 119
Welcome to the latest episode of The Dan Assor Show where I chat with Greg Hitchen, CEO of Terrapinn, a global trade show and conference organiser. In this episode, Greg shares insights into Terrapin's impressive growth trajectory, with revenues skyrocketing from $68 million in 2019 to an expected $143 million in 2024. We delve into the strategies that fuelled this success, including the expansion of their Solar and Storage Live brand and significant contributions from their Dubai and Saudi Arab...
Jul 11, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 118
Welcome to another episode of The Dan Assor Show. In this episode, we sit down with Kelvin Newman, the mastermind behind brightonSEO, the world's largest search marketing conference & Trade Show. Kelvin shares his incredible journey from a small meetup in a pub in Brighton, England, to organising events in the UK and US attended by thousands of digital marketers from over 50 countries. Join us as we delve into; Kelvin's early days in the music industry and how his passion for events began. T...
Jun 21, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 117
Welcome to the latest episode featuring Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA, a global federation of national trade associations and organiser of exhibitions and conferences for the screen, digital and textile printing industry. In this insightful conversation, Neil shares the fascinating journey of FESPA, from its humble beginnings above a sandwich shop to becoming a global powerhouse representing 37 national associations and over 14,000 printers. Join us as we delve into Neil' experiences and insights on...
Jun 07, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 116
For the latest episode of The Dan Assor Show podcast for eventprofs, I interviewed Jessica Webber, the Global Head of Bloomberg Live Experiences. The conversation is a dive deep into the world of event management, community building, and the future of live events. Key Highlights: Creating Memorable Experiences: Jessica shared her unique journey from acting to event management and her passion for crafting unforgettable moments. Building True Communities: Examples of how events can forge strong co...
May 24, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 115
Ray Rhodes, the Head of Inclusion and Diversity (I&D) at RX, shares his journey from personal struggles as part of the LGBTQI+ community in a conservative setting to spearheading global I&D initiatives. Through the establishment of employee resource groups and a focus on psychological safety, Ray illustrates the significant cultural transformation within RX, emphasizing inclusive practices that have integrated into the organization's operational ethos. He discusses strategies for fosteri...
May 02, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 114
My guest for this episode is Amy Baker CEO and Co-founder of The PIE, a media, recruitment and events business created to inform, inspire and connect a global community of leaders in international education, edtech and global language learning. The PIE’s flagship news website reached one million users in 2023 and Amy is a regular commentator and host of events focused on the industry’s latest developments, including The PIE Live - a series of three conferences held in the UK, US and Australia , ...
Mar 14, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 113
For almost 2 decades, Trixie LohMirmand has been at the helm of the UAEs leading event venue, the Dubai World Trade Centre. For the latest episode of The Dan Assor Show I had the privilege to discuss a range of topics with Trixie, with highlights including; Trixie's experience arriving in 2005 as a young female leader in Dubai and her personal journey over the last 18 years Evolution of the Dubai World Trade Centre and its impact on Dubai's economy and global events industry Development of trade...
Feb 22, 2024•46 min•Season 1Ep. 112
Raccoon Media Group (Raccoon) is set to double its portfolio in the first year since it was acquired by Cuil Bay Capital (CBC) with the acquisition of Abilities Expo in the USA. This announcement brings Raccoon’s UK and US show portfolio to 17 events with more launches and acquisitions to be announced later in the year. In this exclusive interview with Raccoon CEO, Mike Seaman discusses the reasons behind the acquisition, M&A strategy in general, and how he is getting on his new role under C...
Feb 08, 2024•19 min•Season 1Ep. 111
My guest for this episode is Mike Costain, MD of Lyrical Communications, organisers of InstallerSHOW , the UK’s number one destination for influential installers and specifiers of heat, water, air and energy technology. In 2022, after a period of rapid growth, Lyrical was acquired by Nineteen Group, the UK based events and media business, and Mike sits on their leadership team. In this episode, co-hosted by Piers Bearne, founder of Collingwood Advisory, Mike gives us a fascinating insight into h...
Feb 01, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 110
In early January 2024, Easyfairs, the world’s largest privately owned exhibition organiser, announced the acquisition of European Trade & Exhibition Services, organiser of Southern Manufacturing & Electronics, bolstering its already extensive engineering and manufacturing portfolio that incorporates Advanced Engineering as well as many other brands across Europe. Read the full press release here In this exclusive interview Helen Woodbridge, Head of Business Development at Easyfairs, prov...
Jan 19, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 109
My guests for this episode are the new Managing Director of tfconnect Miranda Martin, and founder and now Chairman, Trevor Foley. tfconnect is the events and exhibitions industry's recognised global recruiter and senior executive search and selection specialist. https://www.tfconnect.global/ Miranda and Trevor discuss M&A, Private Equity, the evolution of the Trade Show format, roles and skill set requirements for exhibition organisers, candidate compensation plans and more! The Dan Assor Sh...
Jan 05, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 108
My guest for this episode is Heather Holst-Knudsen, CEO & Founder of H2K Labs. Based out of Florida, H2K Labs helps events, media, marketing, and technology companies develop data-powered revenue growth. https://www.h2klabs.com/ Conversation includes: What is meant by a data first approach? What are the first steps businesses can make in utilising data in their sales strategies? Best practices when integrating new products, services and businesses into an existing infrastructure The role of ...
Dec 07, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 107
My guest for this episode is Ruth Yarnit Co-Founder and CEO of LeadDev (formerly White October Events). Ruth co-founded LeadDev in 2013 with Dave Fletcher. Started as a small UK conference, the LeadDev team have developed their content function for their community as well as now running conferences in London, Berlin, New York and the West Coast of America. Their chosen audience, leaders of software engineering teams, had a proven appetite for events and a community to help them develop their tec...
Nov 29, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 106
My guest for this episode is Josh White, Co-Founder and Global Brand Director of CanO Water. A remote island. Plastic bottles everywhere. This sight changed everything for three friends from London. There had to be a more recyclable and recycled solution. Spotting a lot of brands they knew from home, bottled water seemed to be the biggest culprit. That got Josh and his 2 friends thinking, there had to be a more recyclable and recycled solution for when you’re on-the go or if you forget your trus...
Nov 17, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 105
My guest for this episode is Jamie Leonard, Founder & CEO, of The Recruitment Events Co. who create engaging experiences that empower, connect, and inspire talent acquisition professionals worldwide. RecFest, which now takes place annually in the UK, Knebworth, and USA, Kentucky, stands as a testament to their dedication to innovation and collaboration in the recruitment sphere, offering a platform where industry leaders can share insights, showcase innovations, and build lasting relationshi...
Nov 01, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 104
My guest for this episode is Hugh Forrest, Co-President and Chief Programming officer of South by Southwest “SXSW” Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference an d festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. The event, an essential destination for 300,000+ global professionals, features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. Hugh who joined SXSW in 1989, was named “Austinite...
Oct 19, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 103
