Episode 572 of “Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do” is an in-depth chat with Stuart Ruff-Lyon. He is the VP of Events and Exhibits for RIMS (Risk and Insurance Management Society) and the current chair of PCMA (the Professional Convention Management Association). In both these roles he is seeing all that things that are happening in the world of live meetings, conventions, and other events. There is a lot going on in this industry (the impact on the global GDP from live meetings is bigger than most people think).
About Stuart Ruff Lyons
Stuart Ruff-Lyon, CMP, DES is the Vice President of Events and Exhibitions at RIMS – the risk management society, where he oversees his association’s event portfolio and event sales initiatives. Stuart is passionate about the events industry, and he’s passionate about being a business event strategist. Currently, he is leading his team into the digital event world, and is excited about the new opportunities and challenges this endeavor will bring. Stuart is the chairman of the board for PCMA (Professional Convention Management Society), and is active on customer advisory boards for the cities of Chicago, Denver and San Francisco, as well as on the advisory board for Marriott.
About RIMS
As the preeminent organization dedicated to promoting the profession of risk management, RIMS, the risk management society®, is a global not-for-profit organization representing more than 3,500 industrial, service, nonprofit, charitable and government entities throughout the world. Founded in 1950, RIMS is committed to advancing risk management capabilities for organizational success, bringing networking, professional development and education opportunities to its membership of more than 10,000 risk management professionals who are located in more than 60 countries.
About PCMA
PCMA is the world’s largest, most respected and most recognized network of business events strategists. The business events industry is about more than business events. Because of professional experiences and personal connections, PCMA is in a unique position to transform the world economically and socially. PCMA has 7,000 members and an audience of 50,000 across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. With 17 chapters and activities in 30 countries, they are the global leader in business events.
PCMA was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the Professional Convention Management Association and previously operated from Birmingham, Alabama. PCMA’s annual signature event, CONVENING LEADERS, was first held in 1956, and PCMA formally incorporated as a non-profit in 1958.
About Thom Singer
Thom Singer is a keynote speaker and professional master of ceremonies / EmCee
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After a successful career in sales and marketing, Thom Singer became a growth leadership speaker in 2009. A decade later he has brought his high energy presentations and action-oriented content to over 900 audiences. Thom knows that as the speaker or master of ceremonies he has a responsibility to set the tone for a strong conference attendee experience. Known as “The Conference Catalyst” he creates an atmosphere of fun and interaction that lasts beyond his presentation.
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Thom earned his Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) in 2014 and is committed to the business of meetings. He is the author of 12 books and is the host of the popular “Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do” podcast. On his show he has interviewed over 400 entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, business leaders and others with a focus on discovering how the most successful people get farther across the gap between potential and results.
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At 50 years old Thom decided to reinvent his life and make age 50 to 75 the best years of his life. This meant saying yes to things that scared him, and trying new things. Since that time Thom has jumped off buildings, took up running (and lost 30 lbs) and began performing stand up comedy.
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After a successful career in sales and marketing, Thom Singer became a growth leadership speaker in 2009. A decade later he has brought his high energy presentations and action-oriented content to over 900 audiences. Thom knows that as the speaker or master of ceremonies he has a responsibility to set the tone for a strong conference attendee experience. Known as “The Conference Catalyst” he creates an atmosphere of fun and interaction that lasts beyond his presentation.
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Thom earned his Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) in 2014 and is committed to the business of meetings. He is the author of 12 books and is the host of the popular “Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do” podcast. On his show he has interviewed over 400 entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, business leaders and others with a focus on discovering how the most successful people get farther across the gap between potential and results.
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At 50 years old Thom decided to reinvent his life and make age 50 to 75 the best years of his life. This meant saying yes to things that scared him, and trying new things. Since that time Thom has jumped off buildings, took up running (and lost 30 lbs) and began performing stand up comedy.