The Path Ahead: IAEE's Vision for the New Year, Industry Updates, and Anticipated Trends for 2025

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.

Chuck Grouzard is EVP of Business Development at GES with over 36 years of industry experience and the 2025 Chairperson of the IAEE Board of Directors for 2025. His leadership in business development for North America has fueled company growth by creating new revenue opportunities, initializing cost savings, and driving innovation and thought leadership.

Chuck has collaborated with clients including SEMICON West, Material Handling Industry of America, and the National Safety Council. He is currently Chairperson Elect for International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and Chair for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR). Chuck is also past president of Exhibitions Services and Contractors Association, and the Midwest Chapter of IAEE. Chuck was recognized by Connect Corporate as one of 15 over 50 award winners for impacting and advancing the meetings and events industry.