“Empowering Global Markets through Innovation, Sustainability, and Strategic Partnerships – Shaping the Future of Events and Economic Growth Worldwide.”
ES. Your professional journey has spanned multiple industries, ranging from jewellery and luxury goods to the events industry, hospitality, and even private equity. Can you walk us through some of the defining moments in your career?
Marco Carniello. Starting with my time at Bain & Company, I was exposed to strategic consulting across various industries, including events and consumer goods, which laid a strong foundation for my future roles. The transition to leading roles in the jewellery sector at Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) was pivotal. During this time, I managed global exhibitions like VICENZAORO, launched new events in Dubai, and successfully integrated new markets such as Singapore.
A particularly defining moment was steering IEG’s Jewellery and Fashion Division through the global pandemic. This period demanded innovation, and we strengthened the division’s global standing by launching hybrid formats and new international partnerships. Most recently, as Chief Business Officer at IEG, I now oversee all the fairs and innovation for the group. This broad scope allows me to leverage my multifaceted background in industries like food & bev, green technology, tourism, and many others to drive the company’s business strategy.
ES. IEG has expanded its reach through joint ventures in markets like the U.S., China, and the Middle East. Could you share your vision for IEG’s international strategy?
Marco Carniello. IEG’s international strategy is centered on building long-term, value-driven relationships. As we’ve expanded into critical markets such as the U.S., Singapore, China, and the Middle East, our approach has been to leverage on our own network and knowledge in specific industries and to form strategic partnerships that respect regional business needs, cultures and practices. Our vision is for IEG to continue this path of collaborative growth—leveraging local expertise and reaching a bigger scale in the countries we operate.
ES. The events and trade fair industry has undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by digital innovation, sustainability trends, and evolving consumer preferences. In your view, what are the key trends reshaping the future of exhibitions and events globally?
Marco Carniello. Several trends are transforming the global exhibition landscape. Firstly, the integration of digital technologies, such as virtual and hybrid event models, is enabling broader participation and more personalized experiences. Secondly, sustainability has moved from a trend to a mandate—both exhibitors and visitors increasingly
demand greener practices, from waste reduction to carbon-neutral event operations. Thirdly, we are seeing a shift in consumer preferences toward more immersive and interactive experiences. Visitors now expect more than a traditional trade show—they want content-driven experiences that offer learning, networking, and tangible value. Lastly, data analytics and AI are becoming key tools for understanding visitor behaviors and optimizing exhibitor outcomes, which will further personalize and enhance the event experience in the coming years.
ES. IEG hosts some of the most prominent trade shows in Europe, including Ecomondo, which focuses on green and sustainable technologies. How important is sustainability to IEG’s business model, and what initiatives has the company implemented to make trade fairs more eco-friendly?
Marco Carniello. Sustainability is absolutely central to IEG’s business model. With events like Ecomondo, which focuses on green technologies and circular economy principles, we are not only promoting sustainability but leading by example in our own operations. We’ve implemented a range of initiatives to make our trade fairs more eco-friendly—these include energy-efficient venue management, zero-waste targets, and encouraging exhibitors to adopt sustainable booth designs and materials.
ES. IEG’s success story includes numerous international collaborations and joint ventures across multiple continents. How do you approach forming strategic partnerships with global or local organizers in markets as diverse as the UAE, Mexico, and China?
Marco Carniello. First of all I must say that many of our partnerships started from meetings at UFI events and having as CEO Corrado Peraboni who’s a past President of Ufi helped a lot.
For IEG, the key has always been to ensure that our international partnerships are mutually beneficial and rooted in a long-term vision. We prioritize transparency, local stakeholder engagement, and co-creating value. Whether in the UAE, Mexico, or China, we aim to collaborate with partners who share our values of innovation, sustainability, and community development.
ES. Trade fairs and conferences are often catalysts for local tourism and economic growth. What role do you see IEG playing in revitalizing tourism and local economies in the post-pandemic world?
Marco Carniello. In the post-pandemic world, trade fairs and conferences are more important than ever for driving local economic recovery. IEG, which has the municipalities of Rimini and Vicenza as main shareholders, plays a key role in this ecosystem by organizing large-scale events that attract international exhibitors and visitors, directly benefiting local businesses—hotels, restaurants, and transport services.
Beyond this, IEG organizes the biggest Travel and Hospitality trade show in Italy and we are very active in directly supporting the development of our country and regions through tourism.
ES. As digital transformation reshapes industries, how do you see technology influencing the future of trade fairs and exhibitions?
Marco Carniello. Technology is set to revolutionize every aspect of the exhibition experience. From AI-driven matchmaking tools that connect exhibitors with the right buyers to immersive AR and VR experiences, the trade fair of the future will be highly personalized and tech-enabled. Hybrid events, where physical and virtual components coexist, will allow us to expand our reach and engage participants from across the globe who may not be able to attend in person.
Additionally, data analytics will play a pivotal role in enhancing both exhibitor ROI and visitor experience by offering real-time insights into behaviors and preferences. We are already exploring ways to implement these technologies to make our events smarter, more engaging, and more efficient.
ES. As someone who has successfully navigated complex global markets and industries, what advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to careers in business development and leadership?
Marco Carniello. My advice would be to always stay curious and adaptable. The business world is constantly evolving, and the ability to learn from different industries, cultures, and experiences is invaluable. Take risks early in your career, seek opportunities in global markets, and surround yourself with diverse perspectives.
Finally, leadership is about empathy—understanding your team, your partners, and your clients. And this, in our industry which is a “people business”, is even more important.
