In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sit down with Mark Johnson, Founder & CEO of Star Exhibits and former owner of ExhibitorLIVE, to discuss leadership, legacy, and the evolving power of live events.

Mark shares the inside story of how ExhibitorLIVE was at risk of shutting down — and why he stepped in to preserve it for the industry. The conversation explores the transition to IAEE, the importance of CTSM and continuing education, and why collaboration across associations strengthens the entire exhibitions ecosystem.

They also dive into a bigger theme: why face-to-face experiences are becoming even more valuable in the age of AI. As digital noise increases, authenticity, trust, and community matter more than ever.

Key topics:

The history and impact of ExhibitorLIVE
Saving a 40-year industry institution
IAEE partnership and what it means for the future
Education, certification, and industry leadership
Why live events are evolving — not declining

If you're in trade shows, experiential marketing, or the events industry, this episode is a reminder: investing in education, community, and collaboration is how we move the industry forward.

Listen in — and we’ll see you on the show floor.

👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.

This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive

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