Built By Our Industry: What The Updated ISO 20121 Means For Exhibition And Event Organizers

Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM is the President and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE). As IAEE’s president, Flanagan is responsible for the management of IAEE’s full-time professional staff, producing the annual business operating plan and budget, overseeing the support of all meetings of governance units, leading business development, directing fund raising efforts, advocating for the industry and the organization’s members, providing organizational leadership and strategic counsel to the board. Also, she serves as the association’s representative with industry coalitions, partner organizations and strategic alliances.

Prior to joining PPAI, Flanagan was the Director of Content Strategy and Development at the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), where she was responsible for steering strategy and the development and delivery of all PPAI professional development and editorial offerings. Flanagan spent 6 years in the medical industry serving in various roles overseeing operations, purchasing, revenue cycle management, marketing and business development. 

Flanagan began her career with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and spent 12 years in various roles including Executive Vice President of Professional Development where she oversaw operations, including all strategic partnerships, the design and delivery of all professional development offerings and meetings management. She was named one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry by Successful Meetings in 2017 and named to BizBash’s Inaugural Top 500 in the Events Industry in 2018 and 2019. In 2021, she was listed in Meetings Today as a 2021 Trendsetter. In 2021, she obtained her GBAC Trained Technician Certificate of Completion from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA. Flanagan received her bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University and her master’s in education from the University of Arkansas specializing in Meeting, Tourism and Recreation Management. She obtained her Certified in Exhibition Management designation in 2021. Flanagan is a 5th generation Texan, loves sports and the outdoors and spending time with family.

After graduating from Purdue University Northwest, Julie began her career at the Ritz-Carlton Four Seasons Chicago, where she played a key role in earning the hotel four recognitions as a Top North American Hotel by Conde Nast Traveler. Transitioning to the trade show industry with GES, Julie spent 12 years developing her expertise in various roles, including Exhibitor Services Manager, Director of Account Management, and Vice President of National Account Management, where she led key initiatives that enhanced client satisfaction and operational efficiency. 

In 2015, Julie joined the Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA), where she now serves as the Executive Director, a role she embraces with passion and dedication. Committed to shaping the future of the trade show industry, Julie collaborates with industry leaders to foster innovation and drive impactful initiatives that elevate the experience for all stakeholders. Outside of her professional endeavors, Julie enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family and pets. Just as she cultivates her garden, Julie nurtures growth and innovation within the industry, always with an eye toward excellence and the future.