The Year Ahead: IAEE's Industry Insights, Association News, and 2024 Trends to Watch For

I am privileged to manage (and grow!) a portfolio of industry leading events at RX, a global company in the business of building businesses. My current portfolio spans a wide range of industries from industrial sectors such as pharmaceutical manufacturing to retail sectors such as vision, and golf.

So why am I privileged? Because I get to manage the best team of people who do the hard work to make sure that our event brands are leaders in their industries. And I get to learn everyday about the ins and outs of so many industries that drive innovation and the economy.

In addition to managing a portfolio of events, I participate in company strategy and M&A. I have handled transactions of events and business representing values from $5M to $50M in the US, Mexico, and Brazil. I have also led the launch of new business representing $10M+ new revenue per year.

I am also honored to serve as the Chair of Center for Exhibitions Industry Research (CEIR) and on the Board of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE).

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.