How will artificial intelligence, acquisitions and global cooperation shape the future of the exhibition industry?

At the TSNN News Desk during Connect Marketplace, Danica Tormohlen, VP of Content for Trade Show News Network, sits down with Vinnie Polito, CEO of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO).

Vinnie discusses:

• Why AI is a tool for event professionals—not a replacement for the human touch
• How live events deliver the authenticity and trust audiences increasingly value
• The strength of the U.S. exhibition market and opportunities for global cooperation
• Growing energy and attendance at the SISO Leadership Conference
• The industry’s ongoing surge in mergers, acquisitions and private equity investment
• His prediction that strategic buyers will become more active in 2027
• SISO’s new membership drive, regional meetups and member exchanges
• An early preview of the 2027 SISO CEO Summit in Amelia Island

Vinnie also shares how pitching an event to Steve Jobs helped launch his trade show career—and explains what he enjoys most about representing and advocating for the exhibitions industry around the world.

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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Industry Leadership and Guest Background
01:48 Guest's Start in the Event Industry and Career Path
03:53 Global Perspectives: Speaking Engagements in Mexico, China, and Turkey
06:01 The Role of AI in Trade Shows and Industry Applications
08:12 New Initiatives at SISO: Media Partnerships and Special Interest Groups
09:19 Upcoming SISO CEO Event and Industry Outlook for 2027
11:01 Personal and Professional Next Steps for the Guest