Thanks for joining us for Episode 2 with our guest our guest Tony Lorenz, Founder at HeadSail. Hosted by Dan Sherman and Ryan Barth, CMP.
In this episode we'll touch on the Top Ten industry news stories on July 1, 2020, connect with Tony Lorenz about Bridging the Physical and Virtual Event Gap, Content Distribution and Monetization and how serendipity led to one of his most professional rewarding moments.
Tony Lorenz Professional Bio:
Founder, HeadSail
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonylorenz/
Prior founding HeadSail as a platform for value creation, Tony’s most recent four year journey, as CEO of PRA (PRA), based in Chicago, IL, transformed the business, and drove significant change in the overall sector PRA continues to lead in North America, and now beyond.
PRA is a market-leading event management firm in the Business Events industry, with 28 locations throughout North America . Tony began his chapter as CEO in January, 2016 under prior private equity owners, Core Capital, based in London. He then led an 18-month process of strengthening the business through strategic plan development, acquisition of several franchise locations, a substantial out of network acquisition , and technology changes made in anticipation of further growth.
Tony led the sale process with JEGI , at which point PRA was purchased by CI Capital Partners, delivering a strong return to prior ownership. As a capital partner and CEO of PRA, Tony then led a transformation of the management team, which together with the team drove a move of the HQ to Chicago , a full technology platform buildout, brand refresh , global strategic partnerships , global sales expansion, and other strategies to drive significant profitable growth. PRA is now on track to more than double corporate revenue over the previous 28 months given double digit sustainable organic growth, and several core sector acquisitions in Nashville , Miami , New York , the Rockies , and adjacent sectors of the business. PRA is now well positioned to extend its clear leadership position in the marketplace, and tee up Tony’s next purposeful chapter of value creation.
Prior to PRA, Tony was a Founder and/or CEO of three successful event-focused businesses, including an award-winning online platform, BOB.tv – Best of Business , later acquired by Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) for the technology, content and other resources in PCMA’s global online strategy.
Previously, Tony founded, and then in 2007 sold his successful business event marketing firm, ProActive, to Freeman . Over four years post sale, Tony led strategy and creative at this global industry leader, building a foundation for what is now a strong creative team at Freeman.
In 2001, Tony was a founding principal of rEvolution , now one of the largest independent sports marketing firms in North America, with John Rowady serving as founder and CEO today.
In addition, Tony holds a deep financial background and extensive experience in acquisitions and integration to drive aggressive and profitable growth. Tony is recognized as one of the 25 most influential people in the global meetings industry . He is a graduate of Harvard Business School – Owner/President Management program, holds a BS in Accounting from the Kelly School of Business at Indiana University, and has been an active Board member across several leading industry and civic organizations throughout his career.
The Traveling Podcast is Presented by: HIP Network
HIP Network is a B2B digital media company shaping the hospitality industry’s agenda with expertly curated c