2026 Board Election Results Announced
HOUSTON, 10 December 2025 – The International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) announced today the results of the elections for its 2026 Board of Directors. Members of IAEE’s Board of Directors are elected on an annual basis by the official voting member of each IAEE member company.
Brian Pagel, Executive Vice President at Emerald, is a seasoned senior executive with nearly 30 years of experience in the business-to-business (B2B) events and media industry. Pagel is widely recognized for building high-performing teams and driving sustained growth through innovation, data-driven decision-making, and transformational leadership.
Throughout his career, Pagel has produced more than 300 live trade events across diverse vertical markets, forged long-standing partnerships with leading trade associations, and successfully launched brands into new and adjacent markets. He has led guided iconic brands through challenging economic cycles, transformed underperforming businesses into growth engines and sponsored multiple strategic acquisitions.
Pagel’s expertise spans strategic planning, brand repositioning, association partnerships, event co-locations, business development and talent cultivation. Passionate about the power of face-to-face engagement, he brings a forward-looking mindset and a bias for action that consistently delivers measurable results and accelerated growth.
A proud alumnus of the University of Kansas, Pagel actively volunteers with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the Marine Corps Association (MCA) and IAEE.
“I am deeply honored to serve as IAEE’s 2026 Chairperson and to work alongside such a dedicated and talented Board,” Pagel said. “Our industry continues to evolve, and I’m committed to ensuring IAEE remains at the forefront of innovation while strengthening the connections that make face-to-face events so powerful for business growth and community building.”
“Brian brings exceptional leadership experience and a proven track record of success in the exhibitions and events industry,” added IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. “His strategic vision and collaborative approach will serve our members well as we continue to advance IAEE’s mission and support the growth of exhibitions and events worldwide. We’re also excited to welcome our new Board members and grateful for the continued dedication of our returning directors, whose diverse expertise and perspectives strengthen our organization.”
The newest members to the 2026 IAEE Board of Directors are:
Eric Blanc, CMP, CEM
Deputy Director
Orange County Convention Center
Stacy McManus, CEM
Director, Corporate Relations
Society of Interventional Radiology
Justin Moore, MBA, CEM
Director of Meetings and Events
BPAA
Julia Slocombe, CTA
Senior Vice President
Smart City Networks
Jess Tyler, CEM
Vice President and Market Leader
Questex
Continuing Board of Directors members include:
Chairperson-Elect Michelle Edmonson, CEM
Vice President, Exhibitions
AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology
Secretary/Treasurer Emile K. Davis, CEM
Managing Director, Business Development
The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Immediate Past Chairperson Chuck Grouzard
Executive Vice President of Business Development, Creative and Design
GES
Director Mark Bogdansky
Vice President, Trade Shows and Community Engagement
Auto Care Association
Director Mike Carlucci
Chief Operating Officer
Clarion Events, North America
Director Sonia Fong, MBA, CDME
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
MDM Hotel Group
MDM USA
Director Nicole Hallada
Senior Vice President, Exhibitions and Marketing
Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
Director Kapil Kher, CEM
Chief Information Officer
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
Director Anytra Lowe, CEM
Executive Vice President, Client Solutions
Freeman
Director Necoya Tyson, CEM-AP, CGMP, CCEP
Founder and CEO
Lightsey Event Solutions
Director/Member At-Large Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP
Chief Commercial Officer
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Ex-officio Directors are:
Representing the Chapter Leaders Council
Russell J. Callahan, CEM
President, National Operation
Quest Events
Representing the China Council
Daben Mao
Deputy General Manager
China Merchants Exhibition Management Shenzhen Co., Ltd
Representing the MATSO Council
Lisa Malikow
Senior Vice President, Restaurant Show
Informa Connect
Representing the Past Chairpersons’ Advisory Group
Carrie Ferenac
Co-Founder and President
CNTV
The announcement was made during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2025 taking place 8-10 December in Houston. Click here for more details about the event.
About IAEE
Trusted since 1928, IAEE provides quality and value to its members through leadership, service, education and strong relationships. IAEE is the largest association of the exhibitions and events industry in the world, with a membership of show organizers, exhibitors and exhibition suppliers. Organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events around the world are members of IAEE, and the organization advocates and promotes the awareness of face-to-face exhibitions and events as the primary medium for business development and growth. IAEE provides relevant, timely and innovative education to its members and the industry. IAEE recognizes its strategic partners: 4imprint, Convention News Television (CNTV), eShow, Freeman, GES | onPeak, Grit Productions and Expositions, IMEX, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Risk Strategies Company | Buttine Insurance, Snöball and Swapcard. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.
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Media Inquiries:
Mary Tucker
Sr. Communications & Content Manager | IAEE
+1 (972) 687-9226
mtucker@iaee.com