Show Management Hires New VP of Consumer Marketing

Key part of role is to enhance company's traditional and digital marketing efforts

Show Management, producers of Florida's five largest boat shows including the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest in-water boat show in the world, announced the appointment of Mary Bender to the position of Vice President of Consumer Marketing.

Bender brings 17 years of trade and consumer event experience, with the last nine years focused exclusively on marketing luxury consumer shows in multiple U.S. markets. In addition, Bender is Chair of the Public Events Council for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, the leading association for the global exhibition industry.

"We are excited to have Mary join the team," said Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Informa's Global Exhibitions Division, which recently acquired Show Management. "We are confident that her unique skill sets will result in an infusion of new marketing efforts, especially within the digital realm, and will ensure the group's five show portfolio will continue to offer the best ROI for exhibitors while remaining top destinations for members of the boating community."

Bender will be charged with integrating the digital transformation strategy recently developed by Informa's Global Exhibitions Division, which utilizes new technologies to focus on enhancing the customer experience.

Show Management produces five of Florida's largest boat shows: Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Yachts Miami Beach, Palm Beach International Boat Show, Suncoast Boat Show in Sarasota and St. Petersburg Power and Sail Boat Show.

Bender's new position is a continuation of the company's commitment to achieve a new level of attendee engagement through community partnerships, increased commitment to local charitable organizations and an expanded focus on the exhibitor and attendee experience. 

"I am thrilled to be joining this exceptionally talented team," said Bender. "As a south Florida resident, I had previously attended the shows and have long admired their first-class event production. I'm now looking forward to capitalizing on those efforts while introducing some new initiatives I believe will increase attendance while also increasing exhibitor satisfaction."