Harrison Expands Advanstar Role

Will serve as MAGIC/Project bridge

NEW YORK – Lynda Harrison, most recently senior account executive for the premium and contemporary markets at MAGIC, has been appointed sales manager for both the MAGIC and Project units of Advanstar Communications’ fashion group.

In addition to her current role at MAGIC, Harrison now will work with Sharifa Cudjoe, director of sales for Project, to “jury applicants and objectively identify the best event for each brand within the premium and contemporary markets,” according to a statement issued by Advanstar. Her responsibilities for Project will include both its New York and Las Vegas shows. Harrison will continue to report to Chris McCabe, general manager of MAGIC International, and now will also report to Dani Diamantstein, chief operating officer of Project.

“With Lynda’s keen skills, great contacts and relationships with these brands, we will continue to maintain merchandise integrity while creating interesting and innovative neighborhoods for our customers,” said Laura McConnell, executive vice president of fashion for Advanstar.

In an indication of a desire to more clearly differentiate the roles of the two shows, Advanstar stated in its announcement that “MAGIC will continue to be the home for the designer and better men’s contemporary market.”

Harrison was quoted as saying, “We recognize that retailers’ increasingly hectic schedules require a clearly identified merchandising mix to help them shop our shows.”

Harrison has more than 20 years of experience in the contemporary market and has spent nearly half of her career with MAGIC.