Exclusive Meeting Events (EME), Windmere, Fla., has hired Joel Baker as vice president of supplier relations.
EME is the originator of the invitation-only, one-on-one formatted meetings that bring top distributors and suppliers from across the nation together, according to the company.
In this newly created position, Baker will be managing sales and operations for the EME Wired events that debuted in 2020. These invitation-only virtual events are structured the same as EME’s in-person events, with distributors having one-on-one private meetings with suppliers to discuss current projects and clients. Distributors simply log in to the virtual meeting system and EME’s technology handles moving them through each of the supplier meetings at the scheduled time. Additionally, Baker will be handling supplier relations for the EME Gold in-person events.
“I’ve been producing trade shows for 27 years and have worked on two Top 50 events in the country along with numerous medium size events throughout the years, and the face-to-face business building that EME provides to both suppliers and distributors is exceptional,” says Baker. “Working with the EME team is a great opportunity to continue building relationships with promotional products suppliers that I have been working with for the last 20 years.”
Baker began his career with Miller Freeman/VNU Exposition as sales manager for the building group. Then he spent nearly 20 years at Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), first as sales manager for exhibitions and then as major account manager.
“Joel has a tremendous amount of industry experience and understands how vital every detail is in creating the perfect event experience,” says Lauren Fox, EME vice president. “His compassion for the industry and honest caring for the participants is perfectly in line with EME’s goals and work ethic. His existing relationships with suppliers will help increase awareness to those unfamiliar with the tremendous 14 years of success EME Events has delivered. Joel’s knowledge and understanding of what is essential for suppliers makes him the perfect addition to the EME Team.” — D.S.
