Expo! Expo! 2025 Aligning Leadership & Sales: A C-Suite Strategy For Event Revenue

Brittany Shoul is SVP of Revenue Strategy & Operations at MCI USA, where she leads a sales team specializing in outsourced advertising, sponsorship, and exhibit sales for associations and event organizers. With nearly 20 years of experience driving non-dues revenue growth, Brittany partners with associations to create high-impact sales strategies that increase revenue, member value, and partner ROI. Brittany is a frequent speaker and contributor on topics including AI in business development, data-driven sales leadership, and designing value-driven sponsorship programs. Her insights have been featured in industry publications and podcasts, and she continues to shape the conversation around the future of association revenue. 

Dan Cole serves as Senior Director, Partner Relations for eMerge America, headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida.

Formerly Senior Vice President of Strategic Relationships at the International SPY Museum, and Head of Sales at AVIXA's InfoComm show, Dan' Cole's previous roles include executive positions at Hargrove, Inc. and over 16 years at the helm of business development for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and its parent organization.

With over 35 years of professional sales and leadership experience, Dan Cole is a renowned executive, writer, and speaker known for his expertise in sales fundamentals and team succe Dan's career began in sales at Lanier Worldwide, leading to notable roles at National Trade Productions, Advanstar, and Yellowbrix. Along the way, he has earned prestigious awards such as IAEE’s Most Outstanding Sales and Marketing Executive, esteemed designation IAEE CEM Fellow, a PAR (Professionals for Association) G.O.A.T and the International Business Awards Most Outstanding Sales Executive. Dan's dedication to excellence continues to shape the industry landscape, making him a sought-after figure in sales and leadership. Dan remains an established top authority in sales and leadership, sought after throughout the industry.

Jay Blankenship is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in leadership and entrepreneurship. He has a proven track record of designing and executing successful sales and marketing strategies that drive revenue growth, delivers measurable marketing results, and enhance customer experiences.  Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Revenue Strategy & Operations, Enterprise for MCI USA, Jay leads all project-based work involving sales and revenue consulting. He also leads the enterprise sales team specializing in non-traditional non-dues revenue. Jay has extensive knowledge of the legal, oceanography, proAV, and energy sectors.

Prior to his current role, Jay held leadership positions with prominent mass media and event sponsorship organizations such as BridgeTower Media, BH Media Group, Media General, HiBu, and iHeartMedia. He oversaw integration with digital agencies as well as built revenue models for professional and consumer-based events. He has developed membership marketing programs and budgets for various nonprofit organizations, including co-founding his own nonprofit focused on educating young entrepreneurs.

Jay earned his Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies with a concentration in Advertising and a minor in Graphic Design from Radford University. When he’s not working, he enjoys indulging his passion for cooking and spending time outdoors with his wife, two daughters, and three dogs. 

Sean Soth is the Founder of Professionals for Association Revenue (PAR), a community of association leaders focused on advancing business development and non-dues revenue strategies. Through flagship initiatives such as the RevUP Summit, Association Business Week, and a growing library of member resources, PAR equips organizations with the tools and insights needed to innovate and sustain revenue growth across the industry. A frequent conference speaker, Sean shares practical perspectives on audience development, strategic partnerships, and modern sales leadership.

Sean also serves as CEO of Hi-Fidelity Group, Inc., a leading sales and marketing firm specializing in non-dues revenue generation for associations and organizations. Under his leadership, the firm delivers high-impact strategies that drive tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue, supporting clients that range from global brands to emerging start-ups. Based near Baltimore, Maryland, Sean enjoys life with his family, their Goldador, Ginny, and a good playlist to end the day.