Executive Shuffle at Advanstar, Pool
Nearly one year after Pool trade show was acquired by Advanstar Communications, founder Ronda Walker has left the streetwear trade show. When Pool joined Advanstar, parent company of MAGIC Marketplace and Project Global Trade Show, in August 2005, Walker agreed to head up the show for three years. Pool debuted in 2002.
Walker’s decision to leave was mutual, according to an Advanstar statement. “Advanstar thanks Ms. Walker for her hard work and commitment to the Pool trade show and wishes her well in her future endeavors,” said a release from the New York-based business-to-business media company.
Walker, it said, left to pursue other business interests. She could not be reached for comment at press time, but in a statement Walker said she was confident Pool would remain the alternative choice of trade shows for all boutique designers.
Reports said Walker’s position as general manager would not be filled. Instead, Mindy Weiner, Pool’s director of operations, will assume responsibility for the show.
Advanstar also announced management changes at MAGIC. Laura McConnell, the former vice president and general manager of the giant trade show, has been promoted to executive vice president of fashion. In her newly-created position, McConnell will head up Advanstar’s entire fashion portfolio.
Assuming McConnell’s former position and reporting to her will be Chris McCabe, formerly of Reed Exhibitions. Also joining Advanstar from Reed is Tony Calanca, who was named executive vice president of exhibitions. Calanca is charged with overseeing and developing all of Advanstar’s trade shows.
—Erin Barajas
