Meet your source for top event talent.
Sean Falk
President and COO
Sean Falk, the President and COO at Careertopia, gets to combine his passion for business growth with his love for building strong relationships. Over the years, He’s led the charge in transforming businesses and spearheading franchise expansions, turning visions into reality and driving success across various industries.
With a background as diverse as the franchise landscape itself, He’s had the pleasure of navigating multiple organizations to multi-million-dollar growth. His journey has taken him from engineering sales to leading franchise operations, always with a focus on strategic leadership and market penetration. He prides himself on his ability to recruit, train, and mentor teams that excel and push boundaries.
Outside the boardroom, he’s a proud Marine Corps veteran and a University of Michigan alum. His dedication to the franchise community has seen him actively engage with the International Franchise Association, contributing to numerous committees and boards.
He’s thrilled to be part of Careertopia’s incredible journey, helping our clients find top-notch talent and build the teams of their dreams. Whether you’re a long-time partner or new to our network, let’s connect and create something amazing together!
Tom Portesy
Partner
Tom is a principal of Business Show Media, which produces a number of events including The International Franchise Show in London, as well as the Business Shows taking place in London, Los Angeles, Miami and Singapore. Prior to that, Tom served as President and CEO of MFV Expositions for over 20 years. During his time at MFV Expositions, he oversaw and adapted to the ever-changing marketplace. Tom remains exceptionally active in the franchise industry and is a Board Member of the International Franchise Association.
During his career, Tom was also responsible for events in several other industries, as well as managing a global network of partners. Tom has participated as a panelist and moderator in countless educational seminars and symposia. Prior to joining MFV Expositions, Tom owned an advertising and PR firm and was a founder and Group Vice President of an instant printing franchise.
Brian Howell
Senior Advisor, Events Division
Brian brings 35 years of truly global Event Operations experience to the Careertopia team. Formerly a partner of Acumex Ltd. (UK), acquired by the Blenheim Group in 1988, Brian went on to produce hundreds of events, coast to coast, while living in the USA. Following the Blenheim sale in 1997 and a return to the UK, he spent 4 years delivering trade shows and conferences across the world in the International Treasury/Banking sector. Events as far afield as Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Singapore, India, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Dubai, as well as multiple events in USA all fell under his operations remit. In 2001 he joined forces with other former Blenheim executives at Tarsus Group where he was Global Operations Director for 22 years. His personal experience now extends to China, Turkey, Indonesia and beyond.
Sal Infurnari
Advocate. Dealmaker. Fixer.
Sal Infurnari, CEO and Principal of GIO Global Expo Consultants, LLC, has had an extensive career in the exhibition, event, and hospitality industries, spanning over four decades. Before founding GIO Global Expo, he spent 43 years with the GES organization, where he most recently served as EVP of Global Accounts. His career at GES was marked by significant roles in global business development, international sales, mergers and acquisitions, and client relations. Sal also contributed to major business initiatives for association organizations, focusing on global strategies, corporate sponsorships, and international pavilions.
Sal’s leadership and expertise in the international exhibition industry played a crucial role in establishing GES as a global leader. Throughout his tenure, he managed and developed global teams responsible for significant business development and the execution of high-profile events and exhibitions across North America and EMEA. He was instrumental in the integration of sales organizations from four major competitor companies acquired by GES in the early 1990s and established the GES International/Global business units division in EMEA, leading to strategic alliances and acquisitions in the UK and Dubai.
Sal’s contributions to the industry have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Top Performers Sales Club, Gold Club, and Platinum Club awards, among others. He has been an active member of several industry associations, such as UFI, IAEE, and the Nevada Hotel & Lodging Association. Sal holds an Associate of Arts Degree from Villa Maria College of Buffalo and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.