McConnell Resigns From Advanstar

NEW YORK – Laura McConnell, Advanstar Fashion Group’s executive vice president since June 2006, has resigned. McConnell helped expand Advanstar’s fashion business, integrating the Project and POOL shows into the MAGIC Marketplace.

Advanstar CEO Joe Loggia said in a statement: “Advanstar’s Fashion Group is a vital part of our portfolio, and although Laura will be missed by all who worked with her, strong MAGIC, Project and POOL management teams remain in place to continue to provide exceptional service to our customers.”

Reached for comment late last Friday, McConnell said, “I am grateful to everyone who helped me be successful over the last 10 years.” She gave special mention to Loggia for her success.

McConnell was hired to work with MAGIC in 1997 and became vice president of marketing and attendee development in 1999. From 2000 to 2002, she was the general manager of the Women’s events, WWDMAGIC. McConnell was promoted to the Fashion Group’s vice president and manager in 2002, a position she held for four years until she was promoted to executive vice president.

According to Advanstar, McConnell’s resignation is effective September 14, 2007.