Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Exhibition & Convention Alliance (ECA) is a coalition of leading industry organizations, including advocates for the business events industry. The nine specific groups that make up the ECA include the Association of Experience Designers and Producers, the International Convention and Convention Association, the Exhibition Services and Contractors Association, the Professional Convention Management Association, the International Exhibition and Event Association, the Independent Exhibition Association, organizers including the International Venue Managers Association, Trade Show Labor Federation and UFI (Universal Association of the Exhibition Industry). In mid-January, ECA appoints its elected officials and board of directors for the coming year.
The following elected officers are appointed by the Board of Directors to serve one-year terms:
- Herve SedkyChairman: President and CEO of Emerald Expositions (New York City), on behalf of the Association of Independent Exhibition Organizers
- Mark BogdanskiVice President: Auto Care Association (Bethesda, MD) Vice President of Trade Shows and Community Engagement, representing the International Association of Exhibitions and Events
- Chris GriffinTreasurer: President and CEO, Crew XP (Las Vegas, NV and Orlando, FL), representing the Association of Experience Designers and Producers
- Fernando FisherSecretary: President, Americas, Reed Exhibitions (U.S. headquarters in Norwalk, CT), on behalf of the Association of Independent Exhibition Organizers
The 2025 ECA Board of Directors includes the following event industry professionals:
- Mike Carlucci: Chief Operating Officer, Clarion Events North America (Shelton, Conn.), on behalf of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events
- Beth Cowperthwaite: Senior Vice President of Communications at Emerald Expositions
- Janet Dyer: Freeman CEO (Dallas, TX)
- Martha Donato: Founder and President of Mad Event Management (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA), representing UFI (Universal Association of the Exhibition Industry)
- Douglas Emsley: Chairman of Cuil Bay Capital (Guildford, UK), on behalf of the Association of Independent Exhibition Organizers
- Martha Flanagan: President and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events
- Senthil Gopinath: CEO, International Congress and Convention Association
- Sherif Karamat: President and CEO, Professional Conference Management Association
- Kevin McLaughlin: Executive Secretary and Treasurer, Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council (Chicago, IL), representing the Trade Show Labor Alliance
- Trevor Mitchell: President and CEO, International Association of Venue Managers
- Vincent Polito: CEO, Association of Independent Exhibition Organizers
- Chris Shimek: Freeman Chief Operating Officer, Events and Exhibition Services, representing the Exhibition Services and Contractors Association
- Nancy Walsh: President North America, Informa Markets (London, UK), on behalf of the Association of Independent Trade Show Organizers
“ECA is extremely fortunate to benefit from the leadership of … industry leaders who guide and guide the alliance’s advocacy efforts,” ECA Vice President Tommy Goodwin said in a prepared statement. “Per Each board member brings a unique perspective that enables ECA to fully represent the diversity of business and professional events in front of policymakers, from event organizers and service providers to venues and our vast workforce.”
exhibition and conference alliance.org
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