In the high-stakes world of professional conferences, Marcus Viscidi isn't just organizing events—he's creating transformative experiences that breathe life into the restaurant industry's most critical conversations.

As vice president of sales for Informa, Viscidi oversees an impressive portfolio of industry gatherings that include Create, Restaurant Leadership Conference, FS Tech, and the National Restaurant Association Show. His approach goes far beyond traditional event planning, focusing instead on understanding the deep human dynamics that make professional connections meaningful.

The Covid-19 pandemic tested Viscidi's resolve, with months spent canceling conferences and navigating unprecedented uncertainty. There were moments he questioned whether industry events would ever return. But when doors finally reopened, restaurant operators rushed back with an electrifying energy—ready to reconnect, share ideas, and propel their businesses forward.

At the heart of Viscidi's strategy is a profound understanding that gatherings are not mere spectacles, but carefully engineered platforms for professional growth. 'Humans are social beings,' he explains. 'You get away from your day-to-day, you see content that inspires you, and you surround yourself with peers who help you level up.'

Take the Create event in Nashville, Tennessee, which Viscidi describes as 'the one event built specifically for emerging brands.' By deliberately positioning the conference in a strategic middle ground—not a noisy show floor, nor an exclusive leadership retreat—he's designed an environment that feels approachable yet powerful. Innovative features like speed networking sessions, powered by AI matchmaking tool Grip, ensure that conversations feel intentional and valuable.

Location selection is another critical element of Viscidi's approach. Nashville works because it draws a national audience, while Southern California attracts hundreds of emerging brands within driving distance. 'Location is everything,' he insists. 'It has to be either easy to get to or worth the trip.'

Each event in the Informa portfolio serves a distinct purpose. The Restaurant Leadership Conference targets top executives, while the National Restaurant Association Show provides opportunities for independent operators. What remains consistent is Viscidi's unwavering commitment to creating spaces where curiosity, collaboration, and professional growth can flourish.

In an industry defined by constant urgency, Viscidi has mastered the art of creating moments of reflection and connection. His events are more than gatherings—they're lifelines for an industry that thrives on human interaction, shared knowledge, and collective ambition.