In every industry, there are a few leaders who don’t just work in the ecosystem, they reshape it. This episode brings together three visionaries building the future of how the world gathers: - Trevor Mitchell, President & CEO of IAVM, representing more than 8,000 venue professionals who create meaningful experiences in venues around the world. - Joel Edmondson, CEO of VMA, an artist turned association leader building a powerful venue community across Australia and Southeast Asia. - Ste...

In this episode of Accelerate with David Alexander, three operators show how values, community, and systems translate into measurable returns. Alexander McCobin: Founder and CEO of Liberty Ventures, a community reaching 20,000 plus members. Former CEO of Conscious Capitalism with Whole Foods co-founder John Mackey. Co- founder of Students for Liberty. Tom Wojno: COO and SVP at International Dairy Foods Association. Represents a sector covering nearly 90 percent of U.S. dairy processing. Known...

In this episode of Accelerate with David Alexander, three industry voices shaping how modern leaders win come together: Bennie F. Johnson, CEO, American Marketing Association Represents nearly 30,000 CMOs and academic leaders.Michael Dominguez, CEO, Associated Luxury Hotels International Trusted by members to generate over $400 million in annual sales.Pádraic Gilligan, Co-Founder, SoolNua; former Global CMO, SITE Teacher turned entrepreneur whose startup grew to over $30 million annually.Acr...

This isn’t just another business episode. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how Freeman, one of the most iconic names in live events, is rewriting the playbook on what it means to lead with purpose, push boundaries, and still keep people first. With 250 million attendees reached each year, Freeman doesn’t just produce events, they shape global experiences. From NATO’s 75th Anniversary Summit to over 4,500 clients worldwide, Freeman’s legacy is grounded in courage, clarity, and culture. Now, th...

How does a company with nearly a century of history continue to innovate in an industry built on change? In this episode of Accelerate with David Alexander we explore the legacy and leadership behind Freeman, a global force in live event production and brand experiences. With 98 years of heritage, and an annual reach of over 250 million attendees, Freeman continues to shape the future of live experiences through purpose-driven transformation. Freeman's Chair, Carrie Freeman Parsons and Imme...

Our current series explores top associations and membership communities, so I was excited to learn that the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association (VBRA), a 100+ member restaurant network, had launched an art exhibit to showcase the farm to table story behind every dining experience. At the heart of this initiative is Martha Davenport, Executive Director of VBRA, whose leadership and vision have helped position Virginia Beach as a culinary destination. With a background in Fortune 500 marketin...

Welcome to first episode of Accelerate with David Alexander where we explore the life and legacy of Pavel Bosovik, a visionary leader and the embodiment of the American dream. From his humble beginnings in Ukraine to becoming a pivotal figure in the RV industry with 27 North, Pavel's story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Join me as we uncover Pavel's breakthroughs in the business world and his revolutionary approach to creating luxury expedi...

In this captivating episode of Accelerate, join us as we dive into the remarkable story of Angela Quinn, whose unexpected career pivot took her from being a distinguished lawyer to the first Chief Client Officer at Husch Blackwell. With insights from former CEO Greg Smith and Office Managing Partner J.Y. Miller, we uncover the courage, innovation, and strategic vision that propelled Angela and her firm to unprecedented success. Angela shares her "midlife awakening," the strategic decisions th...

Welcome to the final installment of our series, Building a Culture of Impact Part III. Today, we continue our conversation with David Peckinpaugh, President and CEO of Maritz. As the first non-family member to lead this 130-year-old, billion-dollar family enterprise, David oversees their comprehensive solutions across events, engagement, and automotive. In addition, today's episode features two special contributors from Momentus Technologies: Laurie McGrath, Chief Marketing Officer, and Steve...

Welcome to the latest episode of "Accelerate with David Alexander," part of our continuing series on family empires. Today's episode, "Building a Culture of Impact Part II," features an inspiring conversation between David Peckinpaugh, President and CEO of Maritz, and Bruce Harris, a transformative leader in the events industry. Bruce Harris, former CEO and Founder of Conferon (later Experient), played a pivotal role in shaping the industry, leading his company to become one of the largest in...

Welcome to the latest episode of "Accelerate with David Alexander," part of our continuing series on family empires. Today's episode, "Building a Culture of Impact Part I," features David Peckinpaugh, President and CEO of Maritz. With nearly 40 years in the events industry, David has been instrumental in continuing Maritz's success as a global leader in creating extraordinary experiences. As the first non-family member to lead Maritz, a 130-year-old, privately-owned billion-dollar bran...

In this episode of Accelerate with David Alexander, we examine the significant impact of family enterprises on the global economy, the essential leadership traits for their longevity, and the complexities of rebranding while honoring legacy. Episode Summary: Join us as we uncover how family businesses drive the global economy, achieve long-term success through effective leadership, and navigate the challenges of rebranding. Our guests share their experiences and insights, providing valuable l...

Welcome to Accelerate. I'm your host David Alexander. With my background in creating content featuring top executives from GM, Boeing, Johnson & Johnson, and more, I bring you into conversations with leaders who are redefining innovation. In each episode, we offer a unique blend of insightful stories and practical strategies, giving you and your team tools to lead without burnout. Our discussions explore essential truths about work, life, and leadership. More than a podcast; it's...