Effective Oct. 1, International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) executive vice president and COO Cathy Breden will serve as the organization’s interim CEO.
Breden will fill the role during the search for a permanent replacement for departing president and CEO David DuBois.
“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,” says 2023 IAEE chairperson Dennis Smith, vice president of business development of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association. “Cathy not only possesses vast knowledge about the organization but is a highly regarded authority in our industry.”
Once DuBois’ replacement is determined, Breden will return to her current role with the organization until her retirement in June 2024.
“In this role, I will be the bridge to continue the good work of IAEE and to help the new CEO during this transition,” says Breden. “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), began her association management career in 1984 and has served as a member of several boards of directors, including as a key staff contact, chief staff executive, volunteer leader, and consultant in addition to serving as immediate past chairperson of the Events Industry Council board of directors. She is a frequent presenter on the areas of exhibition industry trends and the power of exhibitions in face-to-face marketing.
Breden earned the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 1990 and became a CMP Fellow in 2019. She earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 1995 and was bestowed the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation in 2019. Breden graduated from Florida State University with a Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Association Management.
The IAEE board of directors has retained SearchWide Global, an executive search firm that specializes in C-level positions in the event, convention, travel, tourism, hospitality, trade association, venue management, and experiential marketing industries.
