Speakers

Margaret Pederson is President and CEO of Amirexx, a consulting firm that provides strategic and tactical services in four primary areas: creating corporate strategy, developing new businesses, repositioning troubled properties and maximizing profits through effective cost containment and increased productivity. Amirexx's primary expertise is on media companies, companies and associations with exhibitions, conferences and events; additional clients include governments and industrial ventures.

Prior to Amirexx, Pederson was Penton Media’s President of Exhibitions,  which had events in the Municipal, Entertainment Technology, Marketing, Health and Fitness, Medical, Industrial, and Wireless/Mobile Radio markets. Pederson was responsible for the division’s P&L, long-term strategic direction, growth and business development , including M&A, divestiture of existing properties, and the integration of new shows into existing businesses.

She formerly served as Senior Vice President for the Canadian and consumer divisions of Reed Exhibition Companies, a member of Reed Elsevier Plc group. In her career there, she held senior operating positions in the manufacturing, food, building, media and technology groups and spearheaded business development, planning and research and won the coveted Reed Chairman's .  President's and Pathfinder Awards

Tradeshow Week has recognized Pederson as one of "The 100 Most Influential People in the Tradeshow Business" and one of the "25 Women to Know".

Pederson served on the Board of Directors of SISO (Society of Independent Show Organizers) and as Chair in 2004-2005. She was most recently Chair of IAEE (International Association of Exhibitions & Events) and is the only person to serve as Chair of both organizations. Pederson served on the IAEE Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the Strategic Planning Committee. She was also Chair of the Nominating Committee and Consumer Show Group.