Like most extraordinary journeys, mine has been a winding one.
Professionally, my path has taken me from places like a PR firm and higher education marketing to co-founding a marketing, research and branding agency.
Events and associations have always been central to the journey, from running city-wide outdoor events to launching a conference and trade show to serving on various collegiate, non-profit, and association boards.
In my spare time (yes, you can laugh at that). I have taught and volunteered for some fantastic organizations.
The one thing all my experiences have in common is that they fed my desire to grow.
It’s why I am here, and I love what I do now—working in events and with associations and AMCs, sharing my knowledge with others, and helping organizations grow.
Fun & Unusual Facts
- Related to a signer of the Declaration of Independence
- Traveled to Australia six times
- Visited all four Walt Disney World Parks in a single day (eight times)
- Ran for political office (and lost)
The formal bio people always ask for…
Rich Vallaster, CEM, AAiP, QAS, is Personify’s Senior Director of Industry Relations and Community Engagement. His career, deeply rooted in the events and association industry, has seen him collaborate with some of the most prominent associations, organizations, tradeshows, and events. As the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) association board member and active member of the International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE) and American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Rich is actively involved in shaping the industry’s future.
Rich’s expertise has been recognized and shared in leading publications, including the New York Times, Trade Show Executive Magazine, Skift Meetings, Associations Now, Convene Magazine, Prevue Meetings & Incentives, and the Trade Show News Network.
His influence extends beyond the written word. He serves on several advisory committees and regularly speaks at prestigious events such as ASAE Annual, ASAE MMC + TEC, AMCI, numerous state SAEs, PCMA, and Expo! Expo!, engaging with association and event organizers. Rich wrote the forward for Marlys Arnold’s premier exhibition book, Build a Better Trade Show Image.
In 2024, he was appointed to the IAEE CEM Commission and will serve as Chairperson Elect for 2026 and as Chairperson for 2027. He teaches regularly in the IAEE Certified in Exhibition Management program. He has taught in the undergraduate and accelerated MBA programs at Hood College.
Rich earned an MBA from Mount St. Mary’s University and holds his Certification in Exhibition Management (CEM) from IAEE, Certified Association AI Professional (AAiP), Qualified Association Specialist (QAS) from FSAE and the Association Societies Alliance.
In his spare time, he enjoys everything Disney, traveling and spending time with his family.
Rich Vallaster 