Ron Walden is the Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Emerald Exhibitions. In addition, Ron serves as the executive level advocate for DEI. He is known as a well-networked individual with connections across a diverse range of industries including tech, entertainment, sports, and media, to name a few. 

In his role as SVP for Strategic Partnerships,  Ron is responsible for developing and maintaining C-suite relationships and driving revenue with major brand partners. 

As DEI Advocate, reporting to the CEO, Ron is responsible for driving greater diversity and inclusion in three key areas: our people; our communities, including charitable outreach; and our business, including our exhibitors, attendees, partners and vendors.  

Prior to Emeraldx Exhibitions, Ron held leadership team roles at Nike and Reed Exhibitions. During his tenure at Nike/Jordan from 2011-2018 he led award winning sales teams, drove marketplace transformation, and strategic planning across North America. At Reed Exhibitions, 2018-2021, Ron was the Group Vice President and managed a portfolio of B2C events which included Complexcon, Pop Sugar Playground, and Agenda tradeshows.  

A life-long advocate committed to elevating social causes; Ron currently serves on the advisory boards at Ally2Action. He is a former board member of the Multi-Cultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA); All Hands Raised (formerly the Portland Public Schools Foundation); and the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC). 

Ron and his family, wife Lindsay and daughter Jaeda live in Pasadena CA.