Ron Walden transitions from Nike to head of Agenda and ComplexCon tradeshows

Coming from iconic company Nike, former senior sales director Ron Walden has now been named the head of a major tradeshow organization. Reed Exhibitions just recently brought on Walden as its group vice president and head of the tradeshow's portfolio which includes Agenda and ComplexCon.

The announcement follows after founding member Aaron Levant confirmed he would be leaving the streetwear show. In January, FashionUnited reported that Levant would depart from Reed Exhibitions to try his hand at other entrepreneurial ventures. As he spent most of his life helping to grow the shows, he confirmed this would be his 'retirement' from trade shows.

The portfolio for Reed Exhibitions includes five events total also including Agenda Festival. As Agenda and ComplexCon have grown in recent years, Walden's role is imperative now to growing the trade events. Taking over the job after Levant's departure, Walden will work closely with the former founder in this transition period. “I’ve known Ron for more than 10 years, and I’m confident he is the perfect person to carry my vision and legacy alongside our talented team,” Levant told Apparel News. "I’m honored to have him continue to lead the group I’ve built at [Reed] with his deep understanding of culture, brands and retail.”

Last year, ComplexCon held in Long Beach had over 50,000 attendees according to the publication. Agenda, which started originally in 2003, has also grown from a small, independent trade show to a major event. Last year, Agenda introduced its first consumer day with about 500 pop-up shops. In continuing the trade show's growth, Walden will have quite the shoes to fill.