Hanley Wood named Rick McConnell President of Hanley Wood Exhibitions and Shawn Pierce Senior Vice President. Hanley Wood Exhibitions produces 12 trade shows, including the International Roofing Expo.

DALLAS -Hanley Wood named Rick McConnell President of Hanley Wood Exhibitions and Shawn Pierce Senior Vice President. Hanley Wood Exhibitions produces 12 trade shows, including the International Roofing Expo.

“Rick McConnell has a great deal of expertise and an outstanding track record,” said Frank Anton, CEO. “We believe he is the right person for the job and will successfully grow our exhibitions business.”

McConnell succeeds Galen Poss, who has served as President since the division’s inception in 1999. Poss resigned on June 15, along with Executive Vice President Michael Green.

“Preserving a level of excellence while creating a new and exciting future is a challenge I look forward to tackling,” said McConnell. “We will continue moving forward as the leading exhibitions company in the building industry.”

McConnell has more than 21 years experience in the trade show industry and began his career at Hanley Wood in 2001 as Show Director. Most recently McConnell was Senior Vice President, with overall profit and loss responsibilities for the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo, International Roofing Expo, Remodeling Show, JLC LIVE Residential Constructions Shows, DeckExpo and CONNECT, the online social networking tool. In addition, McConnell was responsible for sales and marketing initiatives across the exhibitions group.

“McConnell is a superb choice to lead the exhibitions group in its next era,” said Peter Goldstone, President of Hanley Wood. “Rick has demonstrated the ability to grow exhibitions and is completely onboard with the power of integrated, cross-platform selling. I look forward to working with him on growing our business.” Prior to Hanley Wood, McConnell held senior management positions with Miller Freeman/VNU and MAGIC International. Pierce has more than 16 years experience in the trade show industry and began his career at Hanley Wood in 2000, after seven years at Miller Freeman. Most recently Pierce was Vice President of Divisional Operations. Pierce continues to have overall profit and loss responsibilities within the exhibitions group for the e-media team and internal operations, while finding new efficiency improvements. In addition, Pierce will take on an increased role developing revenue-generating e-media initiatives company-wide.

“Shawn has played a vital role in guiding technology efforts and revolutionizing the way traditional operations are done,” said McConnell. “His new position will allow him to concentrate his considerable knowledge, expertise and skill to e-media initiatives that will open up new revenue opportunities.”

McConnell and Pierce are longtime active members of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and are frequently speakers at events and seminars. Pierce serves on the Board of Directors of the newly formed International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing.

For more information about the International Roofing Expo, visit www.theroofingexpo.com.