Mike Rusbridge is Chairman and CEO of Reed Exhibitions, the world's leading exhibition organiser and a division of the Reed Elsevier group plc, a world-leading publisher and information provider.

Mike has over 30 years experience in the exhibition industry, both at the sharp end, launching and running successful events, and in a strategic role, transforming a collection of local businesses into the world's most global exhibition network. He joined the industry in 1979 becoming Managing Director of Cahners Exhibitions Ltd (part of Reed Elsevier) in 1982, Chief Executive for Reed Exhibitions Europe in 1988, President for Reed Exhibitions Europe and Asia in 1994, and Chairman of Reed Exhibitions worldwide in 1996.

During his career with the company, Mike has developed Reed Exhibitions’ global network into one of unrivalled brand strength, industry knowledge and organisational expertise. In doing so, he has negotiated a series of successful partnerships and acquisitions with venues, organisers, trade associations and government bodies. In 2000 he oversaw the purchase of Miller Freeman Europe which added one million square metres of space to Reed Exhibitions’ already established portfolio, creating the world’s largest exhibition organiser.

Today the company employs over 2100 event specialists in 26 offices worldwide and organises some 420 events serving 49 industry sectors.