kris_longo.jpgIt’s a busy time behind the scenes in the convention space, with mergers, acquisitions, comings and goings. And here’s another one: Kris Longo has joined MAD Events as Managing Director and will work with MAD president Martha Donato on strategically positioning the company for growth.

MAD Events puts on the Long Beach Comic Con, Long Beach Comic Expo, New Jersey Comic Expo, and The Comic Creator Conference (C3). I was just at the Expo in Long Beach and it’s one of my favorite fun shows of the year.

Longo is also the proprietor of Geek Riot Media which, in full disclosure, handles the advertising for this very site. In the past, he worked as Sales Director several of MAD’s events. He’s a savvy industry veteran who will bring a lot to MAD’s portfolio.

As part of the move, MAD is repositioning some of its events. September will see a commemorative 10th edition of the Long Beach Comic Con. The New Jersey Comic Expo, originally planned for this June 2018, is getting a reboot and a move to a later date.

“Kris and I have developed a strong working relationship over the last several years, and the time was right to hand over the reins to him on the event side,” said Martha Donato, in a statement. “Kris has a unique vantage point, having spent over a decade at DC Comics and then going on to build Geek Riot Media into an important part of the comics community. His entrepreneurial spirit and amazing work ethic are the best combination to help me expand the MAD brand.”

“This was an easy and organic decision to make,” added Longo. “Partnering with MAD Event Management has strengthened Geek Riot Media in many ways, and we see so much potential in a more structured alignment between the two organizations. Our aggressive plans for Long Beach Comic Con and beyond will reinforce our commitment to producing events that benefit the fans, creators, publishers, exhibitors and sponsors alike.”

Longo will continue to operate Geek Riot Media in addition to his MAD Event responsibilities, offering premium advertising, sponsorship and marketing opportunities to brands large and small.

 

3 COMMENTS

  1. Fantastic news! I’ve long been impressed by the infectious professionalism that Kris brings to every project. What an A+ guy! Kudos to MAD and Geek Riot Media for all the great success.

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