By Mary Tucker, Sr. PR/Communications Manager
IAEE Expo! Expo! Advisory Committee member Matthew Kalb CMP, CEM-AP is a Director of Business Development with PRG, a world leader in production. He started in the event industry in 2009 working for S.A.F.E. Management as an Operations Manager with the Baltimore Ravens. Following the 2011 season, he took an opportunity to work with Hargrove, Inc. as an Account Executive in Lanham, Maryland.
In 2017, Matthew moved to Denver and began a career with GES as a Sales Manager in its Tradeshow and Conferences Division. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 he transitioned to WorldatWork as a Manager of Exhibits & Sponsorship Sales. As events began their comeback following the pandemic, he was recruited to help PRG as their new Director of Business Development in June of 2021.
Matthew has a strong customer service background. His attention to detail and ability to think outside the box has positioned him as a leading innovator in the live event industry. He is a recipient of the CONNECT Associations 40 under 40 recognition, and part of the inaugural class of the CEM-AP designation.
Here, Matthew shares why he believes Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2022 is THE PLACE TO BE and why he looks forward to being at Expo! Expo! in Louisville, Kentucky on 13-15 December.
IAEE: What are your favorite aspects about the education sessions at Expo! Expo!?
Matthew: The educational sessions at Expo! Expo! give me the opportunity to learn and interact with industry leaders that you cannot get elsewhere. Each session is tailored specifically to topics that are relevant and top-of-mind within the industry, and give ample time for interaction with fellow sessions goers. I’ve met some of the most influential people in my career during Expo! Expo! educational sessions.
IAEE: What stands out to you when you walk the Expo! Expo! show floor?
Matthew: Walking on the show floor at Expo! Expo! is always an experience. IAEE challenges the way we look at floor plan design and flow of traffic to revolve around the attendee experience. Their ability to properly space activations, F&B, and exhibits allows me to get a diverse experience as I navigate the floor.
IAEE: What do you enjoy most about the networking activities at Expo! Expo!?
Matthew: Serendipitous reunions. Being a CEM Instructor, I often get the opportunity to run into former students at the networking activities. I also find that I run into people I’ve known in the industry for years but haven’t seen in quite some time. This industry is all about the relationships you create, and nothing brings me more joy than introducing former students, colleagues, friends, etc. to other amazing minds in the industry and these networking activities allow me to do this is a natural way.
IAEE: What are some of your favorite moments from past Expo! Expo! experiences?
Matthew: Having been to Expo! Expo! for the last 10+ years and instructing CEM courses for the last five years, I look forward to one moment every year: watching the incredibly bright and talented students I was lucky enough to teach walk across stage and receive their CEM. It’s a great reminder of why I continue to teach and brings me joy knowing I was able to contribute to their certification journey.
IAEE: What are you looking forward to experiencing at this year’s Expo! Expo! in Louisville, KY?
Matthew: Outside of my moment above, I look forward to experiencing the city of Louisville. When I started my career back in 2009, I produced my first event in Louisville, and I haven’t been back since. Going back as an attendee and being surrounded by my peers will make the experience that much better.
IAEE: What inspired you to serve on this year’s Expo! Expo! Advisory Committee?
Matthew: Being on the supplier side of the industry typically doesn’t give me many opportunities to contribute to the design and format of the events. Being on the Expo! Expo! Advisory Committee gives me this opportunity to collaborate with some of the most influential people in the industry. We all know how picky event professionals are when attending events and being a part of this committee that gets to challenge the industry norms is a true privilege.
Registration is open for this year’s Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2022. Get the BE SMART RATE today and prepare to experience THE PLACE TO BE in the exhibitions and events industry this December!
