Ep. 65—The Business of Fun with IAAPA VP Alice Mathu

In this episode of Trade Show Talk, host Danica Tormohlen interviews Alice Mathu, VP of Business Development and Partnerships at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). Mathu shares her remarkable career journey from Kenya to the U.S. and dives into IAAPA's global expansion, including their highly anticipated events in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The conversation also highlights the innovative strategies and attractions at IAAPA's flagship Expo in Orlando. Additionally, Tommy Goodwin, EVP for the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance, provides a timely advocacy update, discussing key issues such as tariffs, workforce development, and potential government shutdowns. 00:00 Introduction to Trade Show Talk 01:10 Meet Alice Matthew: A Powerhouse in the Global Exhibitions Industry 02:58 Alice's Journey from Kenya to the US 04:06 Discovering a Passion for Events 06:37 Joining IAAPA and Early Career Highlights 10:56 Challenges and Innovations in the Exhibition Industry 20:10 Expanding IAAPA's Global Reach 28:08 Effective Communication with Stakeholders 28:35 Shanghai Show Overview 29:30 Unique Challenges in China 31:20 Middle East Expo Expansion 35:08 Strategic Partnership with Licensing International 38:57 Personal Insights and Fun Questions 44:28 Advocacy Update with Tommy Goodwin 51:23 Government Shutdown Concerns 54:21 Conclusion and Farewell This episode is brought to you by Legends/ASM Global.