(image of Jessica Jia who is to Lead Operations in China)
submitted by IAEE
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) announced its 2025 China Council, reinforcing its commitment to the Chinese exhibition industry through its Shanghai-based representative office. As a People’s Republic of China (PRC) approved Foreign Nongovernment Organization (NGO), IAEE established a representative office in Shanghai. The China Council assists IAEE in establishing working partnerships with key exhibition organizations in China for the purpose of sharing vital information, promoting the global exhibition industry and enhancing effective communications.
To date, IAEE’s Certified in Exhibition Management® (CEM) Learning Program in China has yielded more than 1,600 graduates. In addition, IAEE has maintained a 20-year relationship with the Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Training Center in Beijing who is the licensee of the CEM program in China. In 2022, in conjunction with CCPIT, the Certified International Exhibition Professional (CIEP) was launched with currently 260 professionals having achieved this prestigious designation.
Jessica Jia will serve as Director of Operations for the IAEE China Office. With nine years of experience at IAEE and a background in international business, she has established deep cooperation with government officials and local associations; navigated complex regulatory environments, especially post-2017 Foreign NGO Law; and leveraged cross-cultural communication skills to advance international exhibition resources in China.
Before joining IAEE, Jessica worked in the international business department of the National Convention Center, where she gained valuable experience in the exhibition industry. She was involved in planning and executing several high-profile overseas promotional activities and led multiple international market research projects, offering strategic advice to local organizations bidding for international conferences.
“IAEE is honored to contribute to the ongoing growth and global recognition of China’s exhibitions and events industry,” said IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. “Jessica’s profound knowledge of international business practices and her keen insight into the unique dynamics of the Chinese exhibition market position her as a key resource in fostering meaningful connections and advancing industry excellence.”
“I am truly honored to lead the IAEE China Office and contribute to the ongoing development and global impact of China’s exhibitions and events industry,” commented Jia. “With the support of the 2025 China Council, we will strengthen our collaborations with key industry partners in China and promote international best practices, education, and networking within the sector. As China’s role in the global exhibition industry continues to grow, I look forward to working closely with our members and partners to achieve our shared goals and drive greater success for the industry.”
Members of the 2025 IAEE China Council are:
Chairperson Daben Mao
Executive Deputy General Manager
Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center
Immediate Past Co-Chairperson Athena Gong
Managing Director
Informa Markets China
Chairperson Elect Xueli (Shirly) Song
Chairwoman, General Manager.
Chongqing Yuelai Investment Group Co., Ltd/Chongqing International Expo Center Co., Ltd.
Vice Chairperson Louis Zheng
Partner
Expotec
Council Member Vincent U
Chairman
Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR
Council member Allen Bai
GM of International Business Development
Hangzhou International Convention & Exhibition Group Co, Ltd
Council Member Doris Liu
Vice President
Hangzhou International Expo Center
Council Member Yan Zhou, Ph.D., CEM
Associate Professor
Beijing Union University
Ex-Officio Council Member Chuck Grouzard
2025 IAEE Chairperson
Executive Vice President, Business Development
GES
The IAEE China Council will replace the IAEE Asia Council. IAEE expresses its gratitude to the following members of the Council who have completed their terms for their service and dedication:
Xu Yingzi
Chairman and CEO
Xi’an Quijang International Conference and Exhibition Group
Gu Xuebin
CEO
WeMeet
Learn more about IAEE’s volunteer leadership opportunities here.
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 and Snöball. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.
