Clarion Events, an event planning and production company with offices in Shelton, Connecticut; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Rochelle Park, New Jersey; announced on Feb. 13 that Greg Topalian has been promoted from CEO of Clarion Events’ North America business to chairman. In this role, he will focus on acquisitions and business development while providing high-level strategic planning for Clarion both globally and domestically. He will be supporting Clarion Events North America President Liz Irving, as well as Kelly Comboni, president of Quartz Network, Consero, and LeftField Media—who will run the day-to-day strategy and operations businesswide.
“I am so proud of what we have accomplished as a team since 2017 and I’m excited to be able to continue to help shape the growth and evolution of Clarion in my new role,” Topalian says in a prepared statement. “I look forward to supporting Liz and Kelly in their growth as leaders which will undoubtedly drive our company to new heights. Joining Clarion in 2016 through the acquisition of LeftField Media was a life-changing decision.”
Clarion Events North America produces and hosts nearly 65 events per year spanning 12 vertical markets, specializing in trade and enthusiast events. It is the U.S. division of Clarion Events, UK, and backed by The Blackstone Group. Globally, Clarion Events operates over 180 events in 50 countries with 15 offices spread across the United Kingdom, the U.S., South Africa, Brazil, Germany, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands.
“I would like to offer my congratulations to Greg,” says Clarion’s Group CEO Lisa Hannant in a prepared statement. “His visionary leadership has been instrumental in guiding Clarion’s remarkable growth and has helped establish Clarion as a major player in the U.S. market. His focus on organic growth, significant acquisitions, a commitment to a customer-first mentality, and a strong focus on our people has allowed us to build a world-class business in North America.”
