(The Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) welcomes its newest board members—Andre Burns II, Glenn Charles Jr., Larry Grossenbacher, James Halsey, Kevin Small, and Rob Wilson—each bringing a wealth of experience and fresh leadership to drive the industry forward in 2025.)
A Look at the Leaders Driving ESCA’s Mission Forward in 2025
submitted by ESCA
CORY CLAYTON
President
Cory Clayton is a distinguished figure in the field of event and exhibitor services, with an impressive career spanning over 20 years he joined Freeman in 2017. His extensive experience and unwavering dedication have significantly contributed to the success and growth of Freeman and the industry. Cory is responsible for execution in the Southeast markets for Freeman, including Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, and Orlando.
Currently serving as the President of ESCA (Exhibition Services Contractors Association), Cory has been a vital part of the association for 15 years. His leadership and commitment to advancing industry standards have played a pivotal role in shaping the future of exhibition services.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cory’s heart belongs to his family. He is a devoted husband to Sarah and a proud father of three wonderful sons, aged 16, 14, and 8. The Clayton family shares a deep passion for outdoor adventures, often embarking on exciting journeys together. Their favorite pastime is enjoying the serene waters, whether they’re on their boat or during unforgettable fishing expeditions in the beautiful Florida Keys.
RANDY PEKOWSKI
President-Elect
With over 25+ years of experience in trade shows and events and as President since 2006, Randy Pekowski has led The Expo Group in realizing double-digit organic and acquisition annual compounded growth. Randy has been heavily involved in both strategic planning and operational execution throughout his career. His insight and leadership in process and technology innovation led him to become an inventor-of-record for The Expo Group’s Automated
Convention Processing System and Method (U.S. Pats. and 6,721,763), that enables the company to deliver its renowned Single Source Solution@service delivery model.
Since that time his servant leadership succeeded into the role of CEO & President in 2024 and continues to challenge of the status quo of the competitive landscape through corporate transformation, organizational culture, and financial performance building an industry recognized operation. Randy enjoys sharing his experience as an active board member in executive board roles in Y PO and ESCA, and industry engagement. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management from Texas A&M University and post-graduate studies in Owner President Management from Harvard Business School.
PETE CARROLL
Vice-President
Pete Carroll is the Vice President of Operations for GES, where he has dedicated 33 years to overseeing the North Division, which includes production facilities in Chicago, New Jersey, and Baltimore. He began his career at the Palmer House in Chicago before joining GES. In addition to his role at GES, Pete serves as the Vice-President of the ESCA Board of Directors and chairs the ESCA Health and Safety Standards Committee. He is also a member of the Labor and Management Committee for McCormick Place and acts as a trustee for the Teamsters Local 727 401k plan.
Residing in Naperville, Illinois, Pete enjoys spending weekends at the lake in Michigan with his wife, Lynn, and their two daughters.
Pete’s extensive experience and leadership have made him a respected figure in the industry.
JIM KELLEY
Secretary/Treasurer
Jim brings over three decades of industry expertise to his role, showcasing a diverse career trajectory spanning multiple sectors, including audiovisual & production, hospitality management within hotels and convention centers, and a significant tenure in the Official Service Contractor realm. Since 2019, Jim has assumed the role of Vice President of Marketing and Industry Relations at Fern, a premier player in the trade show and event services sector.
With an unwavering commitment to advancing the industry, Jim actively participates in various leadership capacities within prominent professional associations, including IAEE, PCMA, the Corporate Event Marketing Association, and the Incentive Research Foundation. Presently, Jim holds a seat on the Board of ESCA, further solidifying his dedication to driving industry standards and innovation forward.
Fern stands as the nation’s third-largest provider of trade show and event services, boasting a robust network of over a dozen locations spanning from Washington DC to Washington State. Year after year, Fern orchestrates the success of some of the nation’s most notable trade shows, regional events, and corporate gatherings, with a focus on connecting people through experiences.
TAYLOR VRIENS
ESCA Immediate Past – President
Taylor Vriens is president and CEO of the Modern Display Group of Companies, which includes Modern Display, Modern Expo, Events & Exhibits, and Ensign Wholesale Florer Market. He has been actively engaged in the exposition and live events industry for more than 30 years and has led the company as president and CEO since 2009. Taylor oversees the exposition, events and exhibits divisions of the company as well as oversees the overall administration of the company.
Taylor is active in industry and community organizations and has served in leadership positions in several organizations, including as president of the International Floral Distributors association (IFD), Board Chair of Visit Salt Lake, and currently serves as president of the Exposition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA).
Taylor and his wife, Krista, are parents of four beautiful daughters and one very spoiled granddaughter. He enjoys sports, particularly basketball, and loves to ski and enjoy the great outdoor life that Utah has to offer.
ANGELA ARMSTRONG
Board Member
After graduating from New Mexico State University, Angela started her career as an Exhibitor Services Rep with Concept Convention Services in Phoenix Arizona. Within six months, she was promoted to Account Manager. Concept Convention Services was acquired by
GES where Angela continued her career. During her 30-year tenure with GES, she held various positions, such as Global Account Manager, Sales Manager, Director of Account Management, Director of Sales, Regional Director of Sales, General Manager, Regional General Manager and in her current role as Vice President Mountain Division. Angela still resides in Arizona where she oversees several markets including Phoenix, Reno, Denver and Seattle. She loves her job and most importantly the people she works with daily.
ANDRE BURNS, JR.
Board Member
Andre Burns Jr. is the Vice President of Logistics & Material Handling at Shepard Exposition Services, where he has been a dedicated leader for nearly 18 years. With extensive experience in logistic management, equipment management, and continuous improvement, he is an accomplished and results-driven professional.
Andre excels in providing strategic leadership to achieve both short- and long-term goals, utilizing innovative techniques that align with the company’s mission and core values. His expertise in operational excellence, strategic planning, and proactive problem-solving has been instrumental in driving growth and enhancing performance.
Throughout his career at Shepard, Andre has been recognized for his leadership and contributions, earning two Operations Supervisor of the Month Awards and the prestigious 2017 Presidential Operations Award for delivering high-quality leadership and results.
LAURE CHACHERE
Board Member
Laure Chachere has spent the last 25 years of her career at Freeman, serving currently as Senior Vice President of Customer Experience. She has served in multiple sales, operations, training and leadership roles throughout her tenure at Freeman. Her background also includes leadership and training roles with Marriott.
Laure is currently the Co-Chair of ESCA’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee and serves as Co-Chair of Freeman’s Women’s Leadership Development Group. She has also served in several Board positions for the Central South Carpenters Union.
Outside of work, Laure is involved in several mentor groups for breast cancer patients/survivors. She is a wife (to Mark) and mother to three young adults (Clare, Grace and Pierce).
GLENN CHARLES, JR.
Board Member
Glenn Charles, Jr. is the President and CEO of Show Strategy, a Chicago-based entrepreneur who has founded and acquired multiple businesses over the past 15 years. Currently leading Show Strategy, Inc., Glenn oversees a General Services Contractor that provides strategic services in the Exhibition, Exhibit, Experiential, and Events Industry.
A common thread across all of Glenn’s ventures is the project management expertise required to successfully execute complex initiatives. With over 25 years of experience in design, construction, and live event production, he has built a reputation for delivering high-impact solutions in the industry.
Born and raised in Chicago’s Englewood area, Glenn’s background in architecture and construction began at Simeon Vocational High School, where he studied architecture, followed by further education at Harold Washington College in Architecture and Construction. His extensive industry knowledge and entrepreneurial vision continue to drive Show Strategy’s success in delivering innovative and effective event solutions.
LARRY GROSSENBACHER
Board Member
Larry Grossenbacher is the President of the General Contracting Division at CSI Worldwide, bringing nearly four years of leadership to the company. With over 20 years of experience in digital trade shows, event management, and brand experience ecosystems, he has a proven track record of leveraging technology to transform challenges into opportunities that drive business growth and enhance attendee engagement—always with a focus on bottom-line profitability.
Before joining CSI Worldwide, Larry was at Metropolitan Exposition Services, where he helped lead operations before the company was acquired by Freeman. He continued his leadership at Freeman, further refining processes and expanding technology-driven solutions for large-scale event management. Prior to that, he spent seven years at the Jacob K. Javits Center, where he built systems, procedures, and teams to manage a 1,500-person union event labor force—a critical component of New York’s convention and trade show landscape.
Larry earned his degree from Binghamton University in New York and now resides in the Phoenix area with his wife and family.
JAMES HALSEY
Board Member
James serves on the ESCA Board of Directors in the Labor seat. He has been in the electrical industry for 35 years. James has worked as a Journeyman Electrician, Organizer, Business Agent, Business Manager and now International Representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He looks forward to utilizing his knowledge of the tradeshow industry to provide valuable input to the Board. James is honored, for this opportunity on the ESCA Board of Directors, to offer a voice to the thousands of skilled craftsmen and women who work in the tradeshow industry and to the companies they are employed with. James and his wife Kandy have lived in Las Vegas for 28 years and have 3 children, Jimmy, Dylan and Haleigh.
SCOTT LEBWOHL
Board Member
Scott Lebwohl has an extensive background in the exhibition service industry, with over 15 years of experience that includes founding SMT expo and holding key Executive leadership positions at Glenmore Industries, eplQ Creative Group, and Customer Leaders Institute. Shaping the trade show landscape through transformative product development, adept management of streamlined manufacturing, and strategic corporate governance, Scott’s expertise has driven significant advancements in innovation, service quality and operational efficiency. His commitment to innovation has garnered the 2022 ESCA Innovation Award, and he was the recipient of the Exhibit City News 40 under 40 award.
His vision for ESCA focuses on leveraging strategic modernization and sustainable practices to bolster global competitiveness and set new industry standards. Scott aims to foster collaboration and enhance member services, ensuring the exhibition service industry not only thrives but leads in global business practices. Scott’s strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset to the ESCA board, where he is determined to further the association’s mission and contribute to the success of the exhibition industry at large.
STEVE ROWE
Board Member
Over the past 25 plus years in the Exposition and Event Services Industry, Steve has held leadership roles in a broad range of positions, including operations, business development and account management for Concept Convention Services, GES, and Brede. Steve has supervised daily business activity in the Western Region; has implemented successful approaches and plans to business expansion; has mentored current department leaders; and has created method and development policies that shaped consistent profitability and improved business functions in all company departments under his direction. Steve’s success is founded on his consistent establishment of meaningful, trusting working relationships with his clients, with a goal of always exceeding client expectations.
Steve enjoys spending time outdoors mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking with his wife Anett. Steve and Anett have two adult daughters, both graduates of ASU.
KEVIN SMALL
Board Member
Kevin Small is a Director of Client Services at GES, bringing in over 14 years of experience in the tradeshows and live events industry. Having held various positions within GES, Kevin has developed expertise through hands-on roles and a dedication to growth, education, and mentorship. He is passionate about integrating new products and technologies to improve the experience for clients, exhibitors, and most importantly the attendees. Before his career at GES, Kevin proudly served as an enlisted member of the U.S. Air Force.
ANN VANCOILLE
Board Member
Over the past 30 years, Ann Vancoillie has been a pillar globally in the exhibits industry. As Owner and President of exhibit provider Creaplan and modular system and LED manufacturer Aluvision, Ann has been an advocate for innovative ideas, strong support for customers, and positive culture throughout the Aluvision family.
When it comes to sustainability, there are few people you will find more dedicated to finding effective solutions across all areas. With three children, Ann understands how important it is to protect the future with changes both big and small.
Ann has been an active member of several industry organizations including IFES, UFI, and EDPA; and she has been a proud and dedicated board member with Expobel (Belgium), UNIZO (Belgium), and, most recently, ESCA.
Ann currently lives in Belgium with her husband, Dirk, and enjoys the opportunity to visit with customers all over the world.
ROB WILSON
Board Member
Rob Wilson is the President & Co-Founder of Employco USA, a leading national HR outsourcing firm known for its customized solutions in payroll, HR, employee benefits, and workers’ compensation insurance. By leveraging substantial buying power, Employco helps companies reduce costs while streamlining HR functions.
During the pandemic, Employco led 40+ webinars on PPP loans and assisted 300+ clients in securing funds and loan forgiveness. In 2015, Inc. Magazine recognized Employco as one of America’s fastest-growing companies, and the company recently received the Outstanding Service Award from ESCA. This year, Employco proudly celebrated 26 years of service.
A high-energy leader and entrepreneur, Rob is frequently interviewed by major media outlets, including Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, NBC, Forbes, USA Today, CNBC, and WGN. He was named to Crain’s Chicago Business 2021 Notable Leaders in HR and has been a finalist for both the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Business Ledger Magazine’s Today’s Young Executive awards.
ESCA EXHIBITION SERVICES & Contractors Association STAFF
JULIE KAGY
Executive Director
After graduating from Purdue University Northwest, Julie Kagy began her career at The Ritz-Carlton Four Seasons Chicago, where she played a pivotal role in earning the hotel four Top North American Hotel recognitions from Condé Nast Traveler.
Transitioning into the trade show industry, Julie spent 12 years at GES, holding leadership roles including Exhibitor Services Manager, Director of Account Management, and Vice President of National Account Management. During this time, she spearheaded initiatives that enhanced client satisfaction, operational efficiency, and industry collaboration.
In 2015, Julie joined the Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA)and now serves as Executive Director, a role she leads with vision and dedication. Passionate about shaping the future of the trade show industry, she works closely with industry leaders to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and implement initiatives that elevate the experience for all stakeholders.
Julie resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband of 20 years, Seth, and their two children. Beyond her professional pursuits, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family and many pets.
TAMMY MCGLADE
Director of Marketing & Membership
With over a decade of experience in the events and services industry, Tammy McGlade has built a reputation for marketing expertise, client relations, and project management. Her diverse background includes event shipping, sales at Brede, and four years as a project manager at A2Z, where she managed high-level accounts.
Most recently, Tammy served as Director of Marketing and Client Success at eplQ Creative Group, collaborating closely with clients, vendors, and media partners while leading a small team. Her work with ESCA’s members and broader community through epIQ
Creative Group made her transition into her current role a natural fit.
A passionate advocate for industry growth, Tammy is committed to engaging and expanding ESCA’s membership while ensuring members stay informed about industry news, regulations, and educational initiatives. In 2023, she was recognized as Sales Professional of the Year at the ESCA Winter Celebration & Awards, highlighting her contributions to the industry.
Tammy holds a bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality and has lived in the U.S. since immigrating from Serbia in 2014. Fluent in English, German, and Serbian, she brings a unique perspective to her work, fostering strong industry relationships and innovative marketing
KAREN MURPHY
ESCA Badge Manager
Karen brings a wealth of customer service and event industry experience to her role. Her career began as an Esthetician in Ontario’s day spas, later transitioning into academia, where she spent four years teaching Spa Management and Medical Esthetics.
After relocating to Las Vegas, Karen entered the event industry, specializing in registration and lead retrieval. This path led her to support ESCA’s Winter Awards and Summer Conference, where she witnessed firsthand the tight-knit community of event professionals.
For the past decade, Karen was a key part of Freeman’s Exhibitor Services department, where she honed her customer service skills and collaborative work ethic. Now, she is eager to enhance and expand ESCA’s Badge System, ensuring seamless access for industry professionals nationwide.
Outside of work, Karen enjoys crafting, gardening, and spending quality time with loved ones, all while indulging in a diverse mix of movies and TV shows—from Star Wars to Letterkenny.
RACHEL RODEAN
Director of Education & Events
Hailing originally from Maryland and now calling North Carolina home, Rachel brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role as Director of Education and Events at ESCA. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Event Management from High Point University, Rachel embarked on her journey in the events industry, gaining invaluable experience at the High Point Market Authority, where she played an integral role in planning events for the world’s largest home furnishings trade show.
This hands-on experience has equipped Rachel with a deep understanding of event logistics, strategic planning, and stakeholder management, making her well-prepared to take on the challenge of her new role at ESCA. She is eager to leverage her skills and knowledge to contribute to the organization’s mission of advancing the exhibitions industry.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Rachel leads an active lifestyle in Raleigh, including playing pickleball and immersing herself in the pages of a good book.
