Leadership
The IAEE Board of Directors plays a critical role in setting the direction for the association, ensuring necessary resources are in place for carrying out the mission, values and vision. They establish IAEE policies and priorities based upon the mission; represent member needs; ensure the financial stability and growth of the association; and promote the broad exhibitions and events industry.
IAEE Board of Directors
2025 Chairperson
Chuck Grouzard
Executive Vice President of Business Development of Creative and Design
GES
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With 36 years of experience in the exhibitions industry, Chuck Grouzard is a seasoned leader and the Executive Vice President of Business Development, Creative and Design at GES. He leads the company’s business development team with a focus on strategic selling initiatives aimed at driving revenue growth, expanding market share, and cultivating meaningful partnerships with both existing and potential clients. Chuck’s deep expertise lies in consultative and strategic selling, proposal and presentation development as well as training and development, with a particular strength in analyzing industry and market trends to guide decision-making.
Chuck is a recognized thought leader in the industry and has extensive experience in change management, leveraging his knowledge to navigate complex challenges and inspire innovation. His leadership extends beyond GES, serving as the current Chair of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) , and past Chair of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR). He is also a former President of both the Exhibitions Services Contractor Association (ESCA) and the Midwest Chapter of IAEE.
In 2023, Chuck was honored as one of Connect Corporate’s “15 Over 50” award winners, recognizing his profound impact on the meetings and events industry. He is deeply passionate about mentoring and coaching the next generation of industry professionals, exemplifying his commitment to paying it forward and shaping the future of the industry. He is known as a visionary who leads the way with Passion, Grit, and Kindness.
Immediate Past Chairperson
Marie Browne, MBA
Senior Vice President
RX
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Marie Browne, Senior Vice President, RX
As Senior Vice President for RX, Marie has the privilege of overseeing and expanding a diverse portfolio of industry-leading events. These range across sectors such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, golf, spirits, and performance apparel.
Additionally, I lead RX’s centralized conference business, which comprises 15 conferences across various industries, all focused on delivering exceptional educational experiences for speakers and attendees alike.
What makes my role so rewarding is the incredible team I work with—dedicated professionals committed to ensuring our event brands set the benchmark in their respective fields. I am fortunate to continuously learn about the intricacies of so many industries that drive both innovation and economic growth.
Before taking on event management, I specialized in M&A, as well as launch strategy. This involved overseeing transactions across the U.S., Mexico, and Brazil, and leading new business launches that delivered significant incremental revenue.
It is also an honor to serve as the Immediate Past Chair of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and as the Executive Sponsor of Women Connected, RX’s Employee Resource Group.
On a more academic note, I hold a BBA from Baruch College and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. While perhaps less relevant today, these experiences helped lay the foundation for my career.
Chairperson Elect
Brian Pagel
Executive Vice President
Emerald X
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Brian Pagel currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Business Development and oversees the Residential and Commercial Connections portfolio at Emerald. Brian began his career at Shore Varrone in 1998 and has worked in a variety of leadership positions with Bill Communications, VNU, Nielsen Expositions and Emerald.
Brian has produced nearly 100 events in his career, successfully repositioned several struggling properties and was a part of the deal team that acquired CEDIA Expo in 2017. In 2013 he helped to champion an effort to co-locate the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) with the International Builders Show (IBS), creating Design and Construction Week. Brian holds a degree in Organizational Communications from the University of Kansas and is an active volunteer with both the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). He is also a frequent industry speaker, blogger and guest columnist.
Brian is originally from Littleton, Colorado, but currently lives and works in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Secretary/Treasurer
Mary Bender
VP of Sales & Customer Service
Taffy Event Strategies
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Mary has been in the trade show industry for 20 years and has excelled in a variety of roles including sales and marketing for service providers as well as show management teams.
Prior to joining Taffy Events, Mary led marketing and sponsorship sales efforts for U.S Boat Shows, a division of Informa Exhibitions.
Prior to Informa, Mary worked for trade show industry companies including Smart City, Sands Expo & Convention Center, GES and Emerald Expositions (formerly GLM).
In addition, Mary has been active in the trade show industry serving on the Southwest Chapter board for IAEE as well as multiple committees focusing on awards, education and innovation.
Member at Large Director
Emile K. Davis, CEM
Managing Director, Business Development
The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
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Emile K. Davis is the Managing Director of Business Development at the American Institute of Architects (AIA). AIA is the largest design organization in the world and represents the interest of over 100,000 architects, designers, and the built environment, dedicated to designing and constructing an innovative, safe, and sustainable world.
In his role, Emile oversees all sales initiatives and relationship management with exhibitors, sponsors, advertisers, and corporate partners. Prior to joining AIA in 2023, he spent 26 years at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), where he served as the Director of Exhibits & Sponsorships, leading sales, client experience, and operations for all SHRM events.
With over 25 years of experience, Emile excels in relationship management, strategic sales, competitive positioning, and organizing large events and tradeshows. He is a graduate of George Mason University with a degree in Marketing, holds a CEM from the International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE), and chaired the IAEE Expo! Expo! Advisory Committee in 2023 and 2022. Emile received the Trade Show Manager of the Year (SMOTY) Award in 2019 and was featured in the 2016 Connect 40 Under 40 Next List.
Beyond his professional achievements, Emile, together with his wife Mattu, celebrates 20+ years of marriage and are proud parents to three lovely children. During his leisure time, he indulges in airplanes, reading, soccer, travel, and cherishing moments with his family.
Director
Mark Bogdansky
Vice President, Tradeshows and Community Engagement
Auto Care Association
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Mark Bogdansky is the Vice President, Tradeshows and Community Engagement for the Auto Care Association. Bogdansky oversees all tradeshows for the Auto Care Association, its segments, committees and managed associations, including the AAPEX and HDAW shows. His responsibilities include strategic planning, tradeshow management, partner and vender relationships, contract negotiation and on-site logistics.
Prior to joining the Auto Care Association in November 2016, Bogdansky worked on the conventions for the National Retail Federation and Heart Rhythm Society. Prior to that, Mark was a high school teacher and college basketball coach.
He is an active member of the International Association of Exhibition and Events, and currently serves as the Immediate Past Chair of the MATSO Council. He has also served on multiple industry advisory boards and committees and spoken at several industry events.
Raised in Boston, Bogdansky graduated from Yeshiva University in New York, with a bachelor of arts in mathematics and a minor in business. He lives with his son in Maryland.
Director
Mike Carlucci
Chief Operating Officer
Clarion Events, North America
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Since joining Clarion Events in 2014, Mike Carlucci has transformed North America’s sales, operations, and service functions as an instrumental leader in driving revenue for Clarion by focusing on sales enablement, building teams, and developing a distinctive and inclusive culture.
Carlucci serves as Chief Operating Officer, leading North America’s sales, operations, and service arm and driving the commercial vision for customer success, partnership, and scaling the sales functions for growth and profitability. In 2023, his role expanded to manage the key attendee team, focused on further developing insight and value driven programs. In addition, he plays a critical role in building quality industry partnerships by aligning stakeholders, needs, and expectations to drive revenue operations and service to deliver experiences seamlessly and consistently.
Through his unwavering dedication to enhancing the customer experience and innate ability to address customer needs, he fosters strong relationships within the business and across the industry to develop and deliver customer-centric strategies and processes that improve customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention.
Prior to joining Clarion, Mike spent 13 years at Reed Exhibitions, advancing to Group Portfolio Director during his tenure, where he oversaw sales on a large portfolio of events, including Global Gaming Expo and The Vision Expos.
Mike attended Bentley University. He is married with two daughters and lives in Connecticut.
Director
Michael Clarke
Senior Director, B2B Events, Programs, and Partnerships
Portfolio, Luxury & Leisure, Global Sales Organization – US & Canada
Marriott International Inc. & Marriott International Luxury Brands
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Michael leads a dynamic team of marketing and business event professionals inside the Global Sales Organization at Marriott International. With a focus of assisting the GSO Team in staying connected with Marriott’s largest volume customers within association, corporate, intermediary, wholesale, retail and TMC segments, he works with key GSO executive and associate stakeholders to provide strategy and relevant, personalized information and content to group, business transient and leisure travel customer channels, enabling more efficient decision making and problem solving across Marriott’s portfolio of 30 brands.
In addition, Michael manages Marriott’s meeting, event and tradeshow division, producing internal sales and external customer facing events across all segments and within all premium and luxury brands. Further, he is responsible for all of Marriott’s sponsor and partner programs with all industry associations and organizations.
He and his team recently launched Marriott’s first and very successful hybrid event – Connect With Confidence – showcasing an effective planning approach to both virtual and in-person events with the purpose of encouraging our industry to once again consider face-to-face business events within a well-being environment.
Director
Michelle Edmonson, CEM
Vice President, Exhibitions
AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology
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Michelle Edmonson, CEM is the Vice President – Exhibitions for AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology. Her 30+ years of trade show history allows her to combine her experience with fresh ideas to all AMT events – including IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show.
Michelle enjoys working on all aspects of IMTS from strategy and ideation to marketing, content, creation and production. In addition to IMTS, the physical show, Michelle loves being involved in other events and IMTS+, the show’s digital twin.
Michelle proudly serves on the Boards of Directors for IAEE (International Association of Expositions & Events) and CEIR (Center for Exhibition Industry Research).
When not working, she enjoys cooking, volunteering, reading, walking and spending time with her family and friends.
Director
Kapil Kher, PMP, CEM
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
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Kapil Kher is the Chief Information Officer at the U.S. Green Building Council, where he leads technological innovations to promote sustainability and empower the global green building community. With over 20 years of Technology leadership experience, Kapil excels in aligning digital strategies with organizational goals, driving transformation, and fostering growth.
A visionary leader, Kapil made significant contributions to AVIXA, the producer of InfoComm, as Senior Vice President of Information Technology. During his tenure, he revolutionized event technology and enhanced digital experiences through strategic initiatives that fueled innovation, revenue growth, and inclusivity. His efforts in integrating AI into event planning and managing global events like Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) underscore his strategic acumen, commitment to excellence, and advocacy for diverse perspectives.
Prior to AVIXA, Kapil held numerous director-level roles in IT, consistently delivering operational efficiencies and spearheading global projects. His innovative solutions in database and web development have left a lasting impact across various organizations.
Kapil holds a Master of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Maryland and is Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) and as a Project Management Professional (PMP).
For the past three years, Kapil has served as the Chair of the Technology Committee for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), reflecting his dedication to innovation, diversity, and professional growth within the industry. His passion for leveraging technology, AI, and generative AI positions him as a transformative figure, shaping the future of sustainable development and event technology on a global scale.
Director
Sonia Fong, MBA
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
MDM Hotel Group/MDM USA
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Strategic sales & marketing leader with extensive experience in the hospitality industry. Ms. Fong leads the sales and marketing efforts across all of MDM’s properties, which include the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, Hotel Beaux Arts an Autograph Collection, JW Marriott Miami, Miami Marriott Dadeland and the Courtyard Miami Dadeland Hotel.
Ms. Fong’s responsibilities include developing and implementing the sales and marketing plan, outlining specific sales goals & marketing objectives and priorities, overseeing the sales and marketing teams to achieve annual revenue goals and sales optimization.
Prior to joining the MDM Hotel Group, she was Senior Vice President of Convention Development for Louisville Tourism and worked for the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) for 21 years serving in various sales positions including Vice President of Convention Sales & Services.
Fong has her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and her MBA from Florida International University. She’s fluent in Spanish and conversational in Mandarin and Cantonese.
Director
Nicole Hallada
Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Marketing
Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
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Senior Vice President of Exhibitions & Marketing Nicole Hallada joined Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) predecessor CIMA (the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association) in 1997 as a Marketing Coordinator, rising to her current role in 2020. In between, Hallada served in numerous marketing and leadership roles within AEM, including twice as Show Manager of The Utility Expo (formerly ICUEE). Before joining AEM, Hallada served in communications and marketing roles at Aurora Health Care and Metropolitan Marketing Group.
As Senior Vice President of Exhibitions & Marketing, Hallada leads exhibition management, digital services, operations, strategy planning, tradeshow education and marketing, for all exhibitions.
Hallada has also lent her talents to several associations and organizations throughout her career, including the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) and is a past board member of Career Skills Expo and CEIR Industry Research Committee. She has also been a part of TEMPO Milwaukee, Destination Imagination, Project Lead the Way, NASA’s Space Race Competition, and the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), while occasionally coaching her daughters’ sports teams for Big Bend/Vernon (WI) Recreation.
Hallada holds a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, a certificate in the Neuroscience of Exhibitions and Events from Madison College, and enjoys boating with her family on the “Floating Halladay.”
Director
Anytra Lowe, CEM
EVP, Client Solutions
Freeman
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Anytra D. Lowe began her career in the events industry in 1996. Anytra joined Freeman in 2004 and has held several positions such as Senior National Account Manager, Assistant Director of Sales of Las Vegas, and Director, National Account Management. Anytra was also responsible for overseeing many Association, Corporate, and Technology customer events while Vice President, Expositions of California. Her concentrated experience in both sales and account management has consistently helped customers elevate the show planning experience.
Currently, as Executive Vice President, Client Solutions, Anytra strategizes with internal teams and customers on high-level logistics, creating and implementing project plans focused on retention, account management, a superior service. She often takes a “no excuses” approach to account service and continuously develops our internal teams to align with customer and industry expectations.
Anytra joined the IAEE Board of Directors beginning in January 2022 and has extensively participated IAEE Chapter events as well as the Krakoff Leadership Institute and several task forces. Anytra is based in Las Vegas, has two children, three dogs, a turtle, and is an avid supporter of the National Brain Tumor Society.
Director
Necoya Tyson CEM-AP, CCEP, CGMP, CWP
Owner & CEO
Lightsey Event Solutions (LES), Convention and Tradeshow Management
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Necoya Tyson, CEM-AP, CCEP, CGMP, CWP is the visionary entrepreneur and driving force behind Lightsey Event Solutions (LES), a leading conference and tradeshow management firm. With a passion for creating unparalleled event experiences and a keen understanding of the intricacies of the industry, Necoya has built a reputation for excellence and innovation.
Having started LES from the ground up, Necoya brings a wealth of expertise in tradeshow logistics, strategic planning, and client relationship management. With a career spanning almost 20 years in the tradeshow and event management sector, she has successfully overseen the execution of numerous high-profile events, earning the trust of clients and industry partners alike.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Necoya is an active participant in industry associations and forums, contributing her insights to further elevate the standards of tradeshow management. She is a graduate of Shaw University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. She is also a certified corporate event planner (CCEP), certified exhibition manager-advanced professional (CEM-AP) and certified government meetings professional (CGMP).
Director
Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP
Chief Commerical Officer
New Orleans Ernest N Morial Convention Center
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Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP serves as the Senior Director of Sales and Event Services at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. She began her journey at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center with ARAMARK in 1996, serving as a sales manager.
In 2005, she earned the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation from the Convention Industry Council. In 2015, she achieved her Certification in Exhibition Management (CEM), and in 2021, she completed her CEM-AP (Advanced Professional) from IAEE.
In 2018, Williams expanded her reach as a contributing author for Professional Sales and Selling, a Guide for the Hospitality Industry. She actively engages with the professional community, serving on the Board of Governors for the International Association of Venue Managers’ (IAVM) Senior Executive Symposium and on the board of directors for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). She was nominated for a Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Supplier of the Year award in 2022.
Director
Nichapa “Nikki” Yoswee, CEM
Senior Vice President
Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)
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Nichapa Yoswee is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in the field of international business events. Her journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence, making her a notable figure in the business world. As a strategic thinker, Nichapa is known for her creativity and innovation, always push the boundaries and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Her leadership style is marked by versatility, and her skills in various aspects of business management including investment policy and framework development. She has played a pivotal role in shaping the sustainability practice in Thailand’s business event industry.
Nichapa’s adeptness in stakeholder management has been a driving force in her professional accomplishments. Her ability to build strong relationships with governmental, non-governmental, public, and private entities both on a national and global level has been crucial in fostering partnerships and securing strategic alliances. In her impressive journey, Nichapa has gained extensive knowledge and market intelligence across diverse industries, including international business, tourism, manufacturing, and business events. This resourceful understanding of the market has given her a competitive edge and allowed her to make informed decisions that propel organizations forward. With an illustrious career defined by leadership, innovation, and strategic vision, Nichapa Yoswee continues to be an inspiring figure in the world of international business, leaving a lasting impact on the organizations and industries she has touched.
Legal Counsel
Paula Cozzi Goedert
Attorney
Barnes & Thornberg LLC
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Chair of the firm’s Associations and Foundations group, Paula Goedert represents nonprofit organizations, including professional societies, trade associations, public charities and private foundations. Paula offers a depth of experience in guiding nonprofits through the challenges they face, and appreciates the opportunity to help make a difference.
Ex-Officio Members
Representing Chapters Leaders Council
Justin Moore, MBA, CEM
Director of Meetings & Events
BPAA
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Justin Moore, CEM, is the Director of Meetings and Events at the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America BPAA in Arlington, TX, where he leads a team responsible for managing a variety of events for BPAA, USBC, IBC Youth, Strike Ten Entertainment, and PWBA. With almost two decades of experience in event management, Justin has been with BPAA since 2015. Before joining BPAA, he spent 8+ year in live events working with local sports organizations.
Justin holds an MBA from the University of Dallas, specializing in Marketing Management and Sports & Entertainment Management. He also earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwood University. In 2016, Justin became Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM).
Outside of work, Justin enjoys spending with his wife, Lauren (who’s also in the industry), and their three daughters. He’s also passionate about coaching and playing soccer and loves listening to Texas Country music.
Representing IAEE China Council
Daben Mao
Executive Deputy General Manager, Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center
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Daben Mao has been in the exhibition trade for 20 years and gained rich experience in the organization of exhibitions both home and abroad.
He started exhibition training since 2002 and organized several Exhibition Practical training courses in Germany and Exhibition Management training courses in China. Since Dec. 2003, he developed the CEM (Certified in Exhibition Management) training program and made considerable contribution to China’s exhibition industry.
Representing IAEE Consumer Events Council
Michelle Metter
Partner
Fast Forward Event Productions
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With close to three decades in the B2B and B2C event’s industry, Michelle has driven strategies and teams through the launch and growth of trade shows, conferences, symposiums, consumer shows and festivals both domestically and abroad.
Her career spans a range of industry sectors from outdoor to alcohol beverage, large top 200 association trade shows to small, independently owned launches. Her company, Fast Forward Events, launched in 2004 and through it she has led her team through the expansion of award-winning shows such as the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival, SommCon, and acquisition of the Craft Beverage Experience, Craft Beverage Expo, and Women in Craft.
Michelle is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and a recognized thought leader in the live event sector. Her influence transcends organizational boundaries, as she currently serves on the board of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO), where she chairs the B2C Special Interest Group, and holds an Ex-Officio board member position with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) while chairing the Public Events Council. She is a current board member for the San Diego Events Coalition (SDEC) and the San Diego Tourism Authority as well as serving on the Board of Governors for Home of Guiding Hands.
Michelle lives in San Diego, soaking up the Southern California sunshine, sushi and tacos with her husband and two daughters, Harper and Elliot, and dog, Bowie.
Representing the IAEE MATSO Council
Lisa Malikow
Senior Vice President, Restaurant Show
Informa Connect
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Lisa Malikow is the Senior Vice President, Restaurant Show, Informa Connect and has over 23 years in exhibitions management experience.
In this role she is responsible for the strategic and operational management of The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® is the largest annual gathering of restaurants, foodservice, and lodging professionals in the world, from all 50 states and 110+ countries each May to Chicago, Illinois. Lisa joined the Show in October 2008 as Show Manager of the International Wine, Spirits and Beer Event focused on the adult beverage segment in foodservice. Currently, Lisa oversees a variety of critical areas for the Show, including event operations, special events, education programming, year-round digital strategies, and budget management.
Prior to the Restaurant Show, Lisa began her career at SmithBucklin Corporation, primarily focused on tradeshows in the technology and business-trade sectors.
Lisa is a former Chairperson of the Midwestern Chapter of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events and is currently chairperson for the Major American Trade Show Organizers (MATSO) council. Lisa is a graduate of DePaul University with a B.A. in Communications Arts & Sciences.
Representing the Past Chairpersons’ Advisory Group
Chris Brown
Founder and CEO
Level-Up Strategies
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Chris Brown is the founder and CEO of Level Up Event Strategies, a strategic consulting and advisory service focused on helping companies in the events business shape and implement innovation and growth initiatives. With nearly forty years of experience in the events space, Chris applies a unique perspective to challenging the status quo to build event strategies that are designed to create extraordinary value for communities and event participants.
Most of Chris’ career has been devoted to managing and producing large-scale trade shows, primarily on behalf of non-profit trade organizations. For twenty-five years Chris led the events team and strategy for the National Association of Broadcasters. NAB produces two major annual trade shows, one of which – the NAB Show – is the largest trade show in the world serving the media and entertainment industry. NAB Show is perennially among the 10 largest trade shows held in North America with more than 1,200 exhibitors and an attendance that exceeds 60,000. While at NAB Chris helped evolve its “show” business into a full, year-round portfolio of events and services serving the media and entertainment community; this included the acquisition of a regional trade show in New York, which is now NAB Show New York.
Chris has produced and launched events internationally and across various industries – from wireless telecom to food. He has also produced events of nearly every size, from 50-person executive forums to 200-person conferences to large-scale trade shows with tens of thousands of attendees.
Outside of work and career, Chris is a father of four amazing children (and a few terrific grandchildren) and lives with his wife, Sherry, in Fairfax, VA. He is a big sports fan and enjoys tennis, hiking and biking. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and earned a post-graduate degree in General Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
IAEE Executive Leadership Team
Marsha Flanagan, M. Ed., CEM
President & CEO
IAEE
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Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM is the President and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE). As IAEE’s president, Flanagan is responsible for the management of IAEE’s full-time professional staff, producing the annual business operating plan and budget, overseeing the support of all meetings of governance units, leading business development, directing fund raising efforts, advocating for the industry and the organization’s members, providing organizational leadership and strategic counsel to the board. Also, she serves as the association’s representative with industry coalitions, partner organizations and strategic alliances.
Prior to joining PPAI, Flanagan was the Director of Content Strategy and Development at the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), where she was responsible for steering strategy and the development and delivery of all PPAI professional development and editorial offerings.
Flanagan spent 6 years in the medical industry serving in various roles overseeing operations, purchasing, revenue cycle management, marketing and business development.
Flanagan began her career with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and spent 12 years in various roles including Executive Vice President of Professional Development where she oversaw operations, including all strategic partnerships, the design and delivery of all professional development offerings and meetings management.
She was named one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry by Successful Meetings in 2017 and named to BizBash’s Inaugural Top 500 in the Events Industry in 2018 and 2019. In 2021, she was listed in Meetings Today as a 2021 Trendsetter. In 2021, she obtained her GBAC Trained Technician Certificate of Completion from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA.
Flanagan received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University and her master’s in education from the University of Arkansas specializing in Meeting, Tourism and Recreation Management. She obtained her Certified in Exhibition Management designation in 2021.
Flanagan is a 5th generation Texan, loves sports and the outdoors and spending time with family.
Lisa Buchanan
Senior Vice President of Operations
IAEE
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Lisa Buchanan is IAEE’s Senior Vice President of Operations where she directs the general management of IAEE staff and is responsible for the association’s various departments including membership, chapter relations, digital strategy, marketing and communications, public relations, leading efforts towards growing IAEE membership and exploring new revenue streams. Previously she held the role of Vice President, Engagement and Digital Strategy and was formerly the Director of Membership and Chapter Engagement at the International Association for Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), where she was responsible for all membership and chapter initiatives across the globe. She works with the various chapter boards and committees to identify member needs and membership products and services.
Prior to joining IAEE, Buchanan spent 10 years in the medical and dental industry serving in various roles overseeing operations, purchasing, revenue cycle management, marketing, and business development.
Buchanan began her career with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and spent 8 years in various roles including Director of Global Chapter Relations and Member Services where she oversaw all membership and chapter functions for over 50 chapters worldwide.
Scott Stanton, CEM, CAE
Chief Financial Officer
IAEE
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Scott Stanton, CEM, CAE, joined the IAEE staff in 1999, and shortly thereafter was promoted to Chief Financial Officer. His primary responsibilities include oversight of all finance-related functions, including reporting, budgeting and investments. He also oversees the information systems and human resources departments, and handles office management. Mr. Stanton also serves as Chief Financial Officer of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research.
He received Bachelors of Business Administration degrees in both Accounting and Finance from Texas A&M University and an MBA in Management from Amberton University. Mr. Stanton earned IAEE’s Certified in Exhibition Management designation in 2013, and the Certified Association Executive in 2017. He is very active in his community, serving as a Boy Scout leader for 10 years. He enjoys scuba diving, woodworking and is a novice bagpiper.
