David DuBois calls it like he sees it.
It’s what comes naturally to the newly appointed president and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). What else would you expect from a Dearborn, Mich., native who has been an ice hockey referee for 21 years? “As an official on the ice, players are always trying to do stuff behind your back. You have to keep your head on a swivel,” says DuBois. “I like to think it helps give me a 360-degree view of what’s happening on a global, exhibition industry basis, too. You get all the facts and then make a decision.”
In October 2012, DuBois assumed the role long held by former IAEE president Steven Hacker. After an extensive national search, DuBois was unanimously selected. Running on his “presidential candidacy promises” of sales and marketing growth, DuBois has a lengthy track record in the hospitality industry; previously, he held executive leadership roles with Sheraton and Ritz-Carlton hotels, the Professional Convention Management Association and Meeting Professionals International.
The 17-year Texan, and current Fort Worth resident, sees the sky as the limit for the future of IAEE. “I’ve known the IA EE organization for a while now,” DuBois says. “My colleagues and I are flying forward with lots of good ideas already. We’re looking to grow the organization and make more financial resources available, making things even better for our industry and our members.”
DuBois stressed four main goals he would like to accomplish: education, advocacy, international development and skill development. “First and foremost, we would like to improve the quality of education-based opportunities,” DuBois says. “How can we provide better education for our members? They have to see value in those membership dues.”
Still, DuBois says he’s at the helm of a financially healthy, well-staffed organization: “It just needed a couple more spark plugs and some gasoline in the engine. I hope to leave it in better stead when I am done.”
