Marsha Flanagan to Take the Helm as IAEE President and CEO
November 14, 2023
Following an extensive search process, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has tapped Marsha Flanagan to serve as its newest president and CEO. She takes the helm on Dec. 1, just before Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition opens on Dec. 5 in Dallas.
Focused on leading innovative strategies and fostering purposeful collaborations, Flanagan will lead IAEE into its next era of service to the global exhibitions and events industry while upholding the association’s core pillars of advocacy, sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, according to IAEE officials.
In her previous role as IAEE’s senior vice president of events and learning experiences, Flanagan spearheaded all events and learning initiatives, overseeing leading industry designations including Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM), Certified in Exhibition Management – Advanced Professional (CEM-AP) and CEM Fellow (CEM-F).
Dennis Smith, 2023 IAEE Board of Directors chairperson, expressed confidence in Flanagan’s future leadership.
“Under Marsha’s leadership, IAEE will continue to serve as the leading trade association for the global exhibitions and events industry,” Smith said. “Her vision and strategic approach will ensure that IAEE remains a trusted partner for our members by engaging in industry collaborations and delivering valuable resources, advocacy and learning opportunities to drive success in the exhibitions and events ecosystem.”
Back story
Bringing a wealth of expertise to IAEE, Flanagan has served in pivotal leadership roles in prominent industry organizations, showcasing exceptional leadership and a successful track record of driving accomplishments.
“IAEE plays a vital role in advancing the global exhibitions and events industry, and I am honored to take on the position of president and CEO,” Flanagan said. “I am excited to work closely with the IAEE board of directors, staff, our members and other stakeholders to drive community engagement and growth for the organization.”
Flanagan’s appointment arrives at a pivotal juncture for IAEE and the industry at large, according to IAEE officials.
“During this period of transition, it has been business as usual with everyone on staff continuing to demonstrate a passion for the industry, delivering exceptional programming and networking opportunities,” said CEO Cathy Breden, who was appointed IAEE’s interim CEO on Oct. 1 following the departure of longtime president and CEO David DuBois.
Why it matters
Before her time at IAEE, Flanagan directed content strategy and development at the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), steering strategy and developing and delivering professional development and editorial offerings. Additionally, she spent six years in the medical industry, holding diverse roles encompassing operations, purchasing, revenue cycle management, marketing and business development.
Flanagan’s career trajectory includes 12 years at Meeting Professionals International (MPI), where she served in various roles, including as executive vice president of professional development, in which she oversaw strategic partnerships, professional development offerings and meetings management.
A fifth-generation Texan, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University and a master’s in education from the University of Arkansas, specializing in Meeting, Tourism and Recreation Management. Flanagan obtained her Certified in Exhibition Management designation in 2021.
“We are thrilled with the search committee’s selection of Marsha Flanagan as IAEE’s next president and CEO,” said Mark Gnatovic, executive vice president, SearchWide Global. “Working with a highly engaged search committee that met with several candidates was a very rewarding and successful process. Their commitment and active participation throughout the search were invaluable. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact Marsha will undoubtedly make in her new role.”
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Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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