Breaking Boundaries: B2B Strategies Inspired by B2C Innovation for Show Growth and Expansion

Courtney Harold is a pioneering force in business development, known for her remarkable ability to create new revenue streams and expand brand assets into novel products and markets. With an uncanny talent for brand transformation, Courtney has consistently fostered organic growth, evolution, and success across both B2B and B2C sectors.

As the Head of Business Development for Informa's Fashion: OFFPRICE sector, a distinguished brand renowned for its trade shows in Las Vegas and Orlando, Courtney has established herself as a visionary leader over her illustrious 20-year career. Her accomplishments include launching recurring, scalable, and profitable new products, sponsorships, partnerships, trade shows, events, conferences, and consulting solutions across various industries.

Courtney's unwavering commitment to growth and innovation is underscored by her frequent reference to Complex Con as an inspiration for both B2B and B2C events. She emphasizes the potential for product launches and collaborations in the current business landscape.

Beyond her professional journey, Courtney, during the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, rekindled her glory days by returning to rowing after a hiatus since college at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This endeavor culminated in her rowing in an alumni boat at the prestigious Head of the Charles regatta. To further her commitment to personal and professional development, Courtney earned her master’s in executive leadership in 2022.

Currently, she divides her time between Santa Monica and San Diego, all while maintaining a close connection with her three nephews. 

With close to three decades in the B2B and B2C event’s industry, Michelle has driven strategies and teams through the launch and growth of trade shows, conferences, symposiums, consumer shows and festivals both domestically and abroad. Her career spans a range of industry sectors from outdoor to alcohol beverage, large top 200 association trade shows to small, independently owned launches. Her company, Fast Forward Events, launched in 2004 and through it she has led her team through the expansion of award-winning shows such as the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, SommCon, and acquisition of the Craft Beverage Experience, Craft Beverage Expo, and Women in Craft.

Michelle is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and a recognized thought leader in the live event sector. Her influence transcends organizational boundaries, as she currently serves on the board of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO), where she chairs the B2C Special Interest Group, and holds an Ex-Officio board member position with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) while chairing the Public Events Council. She is a current board  member for the San Diego Events Coalition (SDEC) and the San Diego Tourism Authority as well as serving on the Board of Governors for Home of Guiding Hands.

Michelle lives in San Diego, soaking up the Southern California sunshine, sushi and tacos with her husband and two daughters, Harper and Elliot, and dog, Bowie.