2025 Board Election Results Announced
submitted by Mary Tucker, IAEE
LOS ANGELES – The International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) announced today the results of the elections for its 2025 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. All officers serve a term of one year, except the secretary/treasurer who may hold the office for two years. The directors each serve three years in staggered terms to ensure continuity in the governance of the association.
Chuck Grouzard, Executive Vice President of Business Development, Creative and Design at GES, will serve as 2025 IAEE Chairperson of the Board. With 36 years of experience in the exhibitions industry, Grouzard is a seasoned leader who 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. Grouzard’s deep expertise lies in consultative and strategic selling, proposal and presentation development, and training and development, with a particular strength in analyzing industry and market trends to guide decision-making.
Grouzard 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; in addition to his service to IAEE, Grouzard previously served as Chairperson for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) as well as President of the Exhibitions Services Contractor Association (ESCA) and the IAEE Midwestern Chapter.
In 2023, Grouzard 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. Grouzard is known as a visionary who leads the way with passion, grit and kindness.
“I am filled with excitement and optimism for the future of our industry as I step into the role of IAEE Chairperson in 2025,” Grouzard said. “Together with Marsha Flanagan, our talented IAEE team, the Board of Directors and our dedicated members, I look forward to advancing our shared vision of innovation, growth and collaboration. The opportunities ahead are immense, and I am eager to work alongside all of you to shape the future of exhibitions and events.”
“Chuck embodies outstanding leadership and unparalleled industry expertise,” commented IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. “His history of fostering innovation and achieving remarkable growth positions him as a transformative force. We are excited for the vision and direction he will bring to IAEE as we aim for new milestones in 2025.”
The newest member to the 2025 IAEE Board of Directors is:
Nicole Hallada
Senior Vice President, Exhibitions and Marketing
Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
Continuing Board of Directors members include:
Chairperson-Elect Brian Pagel
Executive Vice President
EmeraldX
Secretary/Treasurer Mary Bender
Vice President of Sales and Customer Service
Taffy Event Strategies
Immediate Past Chairperson Marie Browne, MBA
Group Vice President
RX Global
Director Mark Bogdansky
Vice President, Trade Shows and Community Engagement
Auto Care Association
Director Mike Carlucci
Chief Operating Officer
Clarion Events, North America
Director Michael Clarke
Senior Director, B2B Events and Programs
Portfolio, Luxury and Leisure
Global Sales Organization – U.S. and Canada
Marriott International Inc. and Marriott International Luxury Brands
Director Emile K. Davis, CEM
Managing Director, Business Development
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Director Michelle Edmonson, CEM
Vice President, Exhibitions
AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology
Director Sonia Fong, MBA
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
MDM Hotel Group
MDM USA
Director Mary Pat Heftman
President
MPH LLC
Director Anytra Lowe, CEM
Executive Vice President, Client Solutions
Freeman
Director Necoya Tyson, CEM-AP, CGMP, CCEP
Owner and CEO
Lightsey Event Solutions
Director Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP
Interim Chief Commercial Officer
Senior Director of Sales and Event Services
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Director Nichapa (Nikki) Yoswee, CEM
Senior Vice President
Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB)
Ex-officio Directors are:
Representing the Chapter Leaders Council
Justin Moore, MBA, CEM
Director of Meetings & Events
Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA)
Representing the Consumer Events Council
Courtney Harold
Head of Business Development & Partnerships
Informa Fashion: OFFPRICE SECTOR
Informa Markets, Informa
Representing the MATSO Council
Lisa Malikow
Senior Vice President, Event Operations & Programming
Informa Connect
Representing the Past Chairpersons’ Advisory Group
Chris Brown
Founder and CEO
Level Up Event Strategies LLC
The announcement was made during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2024 in Los Angeles, Calif. 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 and Snöball. Visit www.iaee.com for more information.
