CLARION EVENTS PROMOTES KELLY COMBONI TO CEO OF CLARION CONNECT
Underscoring Clarion’s commitment to the prioritization of connection-focused businesses
 

Shelton, CT (January 6, 2025)—Clarion Events is thrilled to announce the promotion of Kelly Comboni to CEO of Clarion Connect, a division dedicated to advancing the power of connections through innovative one-to-one event formats, digital platforms, and community-building experiences.

Comboni’s promotion underscores Clarion’s commitment to prioritizing connection-focused businesses, which have become essential to fostering growth, collaboration, and value for partners and attendees across industries. As CEO of Clarion Connect, Comboni will oversee key brands within the division, which include Quartz Network, Consero Events, Connect Events, Eaton Hall, and LeftField Media.

Clarion Connect operates globally, with business units and events spanning North America, Europe, and beyond. The division brings together brands that facilitate more than 60,000 business connections annually, redefining how organizations engage, collaborate, and grow through its portfolio of over 80 summits, forums, and networks.

Clarion Connect runs as a distinct business unit which focuses on connection-driven one-to-one formats and community-building events.

“Connections are at the heart of what makes Clarion’s events transformative,” said Lisa Hannant, Global CEO of Clarion Events. “Kelly’s promotion to CEO of Clarion Connect recognizes her exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and passion for fostering collaboration. Her ability to build high-performing teams and deliver exceptional value has already made an indelible impact across the brands she leads. I am confident Kelly will elevate Clarion Connect to even greater heights, ensuring we remain at the forefront of connection-driven businesses.”

In her previous role, Comboni played a pivotal role in bringing the division’s brands together under a unified strategy. Her leadership has driven strong revenue growth, market expansion, and operational innovation, positioning the division as an industry leader in delivering powerful connections through events and digital platforms.

“I’m incredibly excited to step into this role as CEO of Clarion Connect,” said Kelly Comboni. “At its core, this division is about creating opportunities for people and businesses to come together in ways that drive real impact—whether it’s through sparking innovation, solving challenges, or forming partnerships that last. As we continue to expand our global footprint and refine the way we connect communities, I’m eager to build on our success and deliver even more value for our customers and teams.”

She added, “Clarion Connect is unique in how it combines technology, relationships, and expertise to foster meaningful connections. I’m honored to lead such a talented team and look forward to shaping the future of connection-driven business together.”

Comboni will report directly to Greg Topalian, Chairman of Clarion Events North America, and Lisa Hannant, Global CEO of Clarion Events.

As part of the Clarion Connect portfolio, LeftField Media will continue as the division’s enthusiast consumer events arm. LeftField Media produces beloved fan conventions, including Anime NYC, Anime Frontier, Awesome Con, and Rose City Comic Con, which serve as cornerstone events in the growing enthusiast market.

Kelly Comboni joined Clarion Events in 2017, following Clarion’s acquisition of LeftField Media, where she was a co-founder and instrumental in building the company’s reputation for delivering fan-first events that resonate with audiences and communities. Over the past seven years, she has brought that same vision, innovation, and focus on customer value to Clarion’s business-to-business and business-to-consumer portfolios.

“Kelly has an extraordinary ability to identify opportunities and inspire teams to deliver beyond expectations,” added Lisa Hannant. “She embodies the vision and ambition required to lead Clarion Connect into the future. I’m excited to see her continue transforming how businesses connect and grow.”

With this appointment, Comboni will continue to lead the Clarion Connect division while working closely with the leadership teams across its diverse brands.

The entire team at Clarion Events congratulates Kelly on her well-deserved promotion to CEO of Clarion Connect. As the division continues to lead the industry in connection-driven solutions, Comboni’s leadership will ensure Clarion Connect remains the global leader in one-to-one events and meaningful business connections.