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An accomplished executive with more than 27 years of experience in international association management, trade show production, education and certification programs, legislative advocacy and workforce development, Don Gilpin has served as IFMA President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) since March 2020.
Previously serving as IFMA COO, overseeing global events, credentials, membership experience, international business development and association operations, Gilpin renewed focus on core business, organizational stability and financial growth. As president and COO, he has continued to concentrate on internally focused items such as finance, human resources and operations, while also interacting with volunteer leaders globally and building relationships with other like-minded industry associations.
Gilpin began his career in the marketing department of Fortune 500 companies Dayton Hudson Corp. (Target stores) and Deluxe Check Printers. Prior to joining IFMA, Gilpin spent 18 years leading an international trade association in the smart home industry. As executive director and COO of the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA), he was instrumental in growing the organization’s conference and trade show into Trade Show Weekly’s “Top 50 Trade Shows in America.” Gilpin was responsible for opening new markets for the industry in Latin America, Europe, China and Australia. He was part of a team that created one of Europe’s largest technology events, ISE – Integrated Systems Europe, which now attracts more than 70,000 global attendees.
Gilpin was also instrumental in creating a new research and benchmarking department for CEDIA, working with industry leaders, the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Veterans Administration to re-establish an apprenticeship program for the Electronic Systems Technician – EST, and promoted workforce development through the “Hiring Our Heroes” campaign.
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