Scott Crawford drives innovation and growth as IAEE Southeastern Chapter chair
Scott Crawford, CEM, has distinguished himself as a visionary leader within the exhibitions and events industry, gaining recognition for his contributions after more than two decades of dedicated service. A member of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) for 23 years, Scott currently chairs the IAEE Southeastern Chapter Board of Directors. His career at Global Experience Specialists (GES) spans 26 years, where he serves as Senior Vice President of Business Development. Over this time, Scott has been honoured with multiple leadership awards, including three Exhibition and Events Sales Leadership Awards from GES and the prestigious IAEE Chapter Merit Award in 2024, presented at the association’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Los Angeles.
Scott’s leadership approach combines strategic vision with an empowering style, strongly influenced by recent industry shifts such as the adoption of artificial intelligence, real-time analytics, and CRM tools, which enhance understanding of exhibitor and attendee behaviour. This technological evolution has transformed how exhibitions personalise and improve the show experience. Scott emphasises fostering innovation from all levels of his team, particularly following the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, illustrating a keen awareness of leadership's adaptive needs in times of rapid evolution.
Under Scott’s stewardship, the IAEE Southeastern Chapter has expanded its influence significantly. His strategy for growing the board hinges on leveraging peer networks and internal referrals, often identifying candidates actively contributing through committees or advocacy groups within the chapter. He highlights the importance of volunteering driven by a clear “why,” such as shaping the future of global exhibitions, impacting education, and building lasting leadership relationships. This personal and purpose-driven recruitment tactic has helped sustain and energise the chapter’s governance.
One of Scott’s key achievements is his pivotal role in organising the 2023 Southeastern Classic, the chapter’s hallmark two-day educational conference. The event blends comprehensive industry education, networking opportunities, and social interactions, with the 2023 edition notably held alongside Surf Expo at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. This alignment allowed attendees to experience one of the largest watersports and coastal life trade shows globally, enhancing the event's practical value. Success metrics for the Classic include attendee surveys, which consistently deliver very favourable feedback, underscoring its effectiveness in meeting professional development and networking needs.
Scott’s extensive experience at GES informs his IAEE leadership role, grounding it in practical industry realities while fostering empathy and strategy in management. His involvement with IAEE has also enriched his professional growth, facilitating leadership development, relationship-building, and exposure to innovative practices through collaboration with industry peers.
An advocate for continuous learning, Scott holds the Certified Exhibition Management® (CEM) designation and is a graduate of the IAEE Leadership Institute. He encourages emerging professionals to pursue credentials like the CEM, which signal expertise across critical areas—planning, marketing, finance, logistics—and enhance career advancement. He notes that maintaining such certifications ensures professionals stay at the forefront of industry trends, a crucial factor in career longevity and success.
The IAEE Southeastern Chapter itself, serving six states and nearly 1,500 members, actively supports professional growth and networking through frequent events, including luncheons, meet-ups, charity functions, and the signature Summer Classic. The chapter continues to thrive under a board led by seasoned industry professionals like Scott Crawford.
As the 2025 Call for Nominations opens, Scott’s trajectory exemplifies the blend of visionary leadership, industry expertise, and commitment to community development that defines contemporary exhibition and event management leadership.