USA – The general manager of Chicago's McCormick Place says he will stay on throughout the labour shake-up rather than take early retirement from the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA).
The MPEA offered David Causton and 19 other senior executives early retirement as part of a sharp reduction in its ranks, according to EW partner Trade Show Executive, which claims Causton was offered a three-year window due to his professionalism and to maintain continuity during a time of change for McCormick Place.
However, Causton said he would not be leaving any time soon. “The MPEA board asked me and I agreed to stay on to continue to work on various initiatives to make Chicago and McCormick Place more competitive and aligned with our competition,” Causton told TSE. “My goal is to stay as long as I feel that I am making a contribution to that effort.”
The MPEA, along with city and state political leaders, has vowed a significant shakeup at McCormick Place aimed at lowering trade show costs. Causton’s decision avoids the need to find a replacement for a key position at a critical time. He said he was confident reforms would be made to increase the competitiveness of McCormick Place. “I believe we have the opportunity to make real and significant changes to help customers,” he said.
