Karen Gonzales (pictured right), CMP, has joined the staff of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events as director, partnership relations. In this role, she will assist with selling exhibit space for Expo! Expo! IAEE’s annual meeting & exhibition and manage the sponsorship and advertising programs for IAEE, as well as fundraising for Exhibitions Mean Business. Gonzales will also engage in outreach and attendee acquisition for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research Foundation’s initiatives.
“I am honored to join the IAEE Team,” says Gonzales. “This role allows me to engage and expand global opportunities for the exhibitions and events industry,” adding, “This position fits right in with my experience and expertise and will allow me to foster new and existing relationships while supporting the overall mission of IAEE and CEIR.”
Gonzales’ previous experience includes serving as vice president/business development for the Association Forum in Chicago, where she was responsible for all business development that included partnerships, sponsorships, advertising sales and revenue generation. She was also involved in the strategic development and direction for the organization, along with creating plans to support successful outcomes.
In addition, Gonzales served as executive vice president/sales & business development for Destinations International (formerly Destination Marketing Association International), where she was responsible for membership growth and retention; business and global development; sponsorships; and administrative and financial reports. Her duties included setting strategies, goals and objectives for the department; creating and implementing member value and benefits; and ensuring business processes and procedures, as well as evaluating industry trends. Prior to Destinations International, Gonzales was managing director, multicultural program/initiatives for Meeting Professionals International.
Gonzales is an active member of various industry associations including the Meetings Industry Fund, American Society of Association Executives and Professional Convention Management Association. She is also past-chair of the Certified Meeting Professional governance council.
“Karen’s vast resumé of experience is a welcome addition to the IAEE staff,” said IAEE President & CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. “Her impressive results in revenue generation, along with her profound understanding of the inner workings of trade associations, will serve as an incredible asset to IAEE and our ability to offer the best amenities to our members.”
Karen Gonzales can be reached at kgonzales@iaee.com or (972) 687-9219.
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, a2z, Inc., BearCom, Buttine Exhibition Insurance, Convention News Television, Delta Airlines, Mexico Tourism Board, New Orleans Morial Convention Center, New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, Orange County Convention Center, Streampoint Solutions and Synchronicities (Visit Anaheim, Visit Baltimore and Visit San Antonio). For more info, visit www.iaee.com.
