Its executive director, Lew Shomer, will step down next year, the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) announced yesterday.
Shomer, who became head of SISO in 2008, manages the organization via Shomex Productions, a career-fair production company that he founded in 1984. He will relinquish his position effective Sept. 30, 2015, when SISO's management agreement with Shomex Productions expires.
"This has just been the most wonderful experience I could have imagined when I took over the position at SISO," said Shomer, who plans to focus his attention henceforth on Abilities Expo, a series of expositions for people with disabilities that debuted in 1979 and has been under Shomex's management since 2008. "I believe we will leave SISO in an excellent position with a great and robust membership, loyal and wonderful sponsors, and money in the bank."
SISO will commence a search for Shomer's replacement immediately. "We will be seeking another management company with a strong leader like Lew, who is familiar with SISO and comes from an organizer's background," said SISO Chairman Rick McConnell. "We hope that the Executive Committee will be able to review applications by Jan. 17, 2015, and appoint Lew's successor by the end of March so that we may have a full six-month transition and continue to provide the best possible service to our members and the industry."
Interested candidates who own a company and can simultaneously serve as executive director of SISO should request an RFP from Tony Calanca before Nov. 21, 2014.
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