EP130: EXCLUSIVE! Hugh Jones, RX CEO- "Managing Gas Stations, Leadership, Trump & Navigating the Future of Trade Shows"

The Dan Assor Show #eventprofs

Dive into an insightful conversation with Hugh Jones, CEO of RX, as he unveils his journey through the dynamic world of trade shows and exhibitions. From his unexpected start managing gas stations to leading one of the largest B2B event organisers globally, this episode highlights Hugh’s leadership in transforming RX, and his unique perspective on the challenges and innovations shaping the industry.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Unconventional Career Pathways: Learn how Hugh Jones's early experiences managing gas stations provided him with unique management insights that propelled his rise in the trade show industry.
• Navigating Through Crisis: Discover the strategies Hugh employed to steer RX through the challenges of the global pandemic, highlighting resilience and adaptability in crisis management.
• Innovation in Trade Shows: Explore how RX is integrating cutting-edge technology like AI to transform traditional trade show experiences, making them more engaging and efficient.
• Focus on Sustainability and Inclusivity: Gain insight into RX’s initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and inclusivity at trade shows, ensuring they are accessible and enjoyable for all attendees.
• Revolutionizing Sales and Marketing Strategies: Understand how RX is shifting from traditional sales tactics to value-based pricing and consultative selling to better meet the needs of exhibitors and visitors.
• Leadership Insights from a Top Executive: Hear directly from Hugh about the qualities that define effective leadership in today’s fast-paced business environment, including transparency, humour, and a willingness to embrace failure as a path to success.

About The Guest

Hugh’s philosophy in life? Every executive has to place bets in order for the value propositions to remain relevant to the customers, but not every bet has to work. That philosophy has served him well over the years since joining RELX in 2011, following the purchase of Accuity where he was Chief Executive Officer. In addition to leading Accuity to become one of the world’s largest and most significant companies in the payment routing and Anti Money Laundering sectors, he has also led Fircosoft, NRS, I.C.I.S, Estates Gazette (EG) and Cirium; and before joining RX he was Global Managing Director within the Risk and Business Analytics Division. Hugh’s philosophy has seen him lead large scale acquisitions and subsequent integrations of many companies that now reside and prosper within the RELX portfolio. Hugh joined RX as CEO at the start of 2020 bringing with him plenty of experience in public company protocol and all facets of business management including P&L oversight, talent development, forecasting, sales execution, technology innovation and product discovery, launch and growth. Hugh’s experience has been invaluable in navigating RX’s response to challenges and his strategic understanding of technological innovation has accelerated the use of digital and data products and services across RX events, as an ongoing core component of RX face to face events. Passionate about building a culture of collaboration, exploring, risk taking, accountability and courage, Hugh champions the creation of a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace for all.

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