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SWIAEE History

SWIAEE Chapter History

SWIAEE history starts with two separate chapters: one from Southern California and the other from Southern Nevada (including Las Vegas). In the 1990's each chapter's board of directors decided to merge as Southern California had many show organizers, but few suppliers and Las Vegas had no show organizers, but lots of suppliers. 


Arizona came on board years later. Collectively, we have the largest group of convention centers, hotels and amazing weather in the country! 

2024 Executive Committee

Ann Olson, CEM

Russ Callahan, CEM

Russ Callahan, CEM

Executive Committee - Chair 

Vice President, Client Relations at GES

Russ Callahan, CEM

Russ Callahan, CEM

Russ Callahan, CEM

     Executive Committee - Vice Chair

         Director of National Operations at Quest Events

Stephenie Hawkins

Erika Welling, CEM

Erika Welling, CEM

Executive Committee - Treasurer

 Event Director at Informa Tech 

Erika Welling, CEM

Erika Welling, CEM

Erika Welling, CEM

 Executive Committee - Immediate Past Chair

   Founder of Blendz Events

2024 Board of Directors

Stephenie Hawkins, CEM

Kristin Martinez, CMP, HMCC

Stephenie Hawkins, CEM

       Director - Academia Co-Chair

   Operations Manager at Informa Tech

Jill Jensen

Kristin Martinez, CMP, HMCC

Stephenie Hawkins, CEM

  Director - Membership Engagement

     Strategic Account Manager 

       at Cort Trade Shows Furnishings 

Kristin Martinez, CMP, HMCC

Kristin Martinez, CMP, HMCC

Kristin Martinez, CMP, HMCC

  Director - Academia Co-Chair

    Senior Event Manager at Fast Forward

Veronica Medina, CEM, CRME

Veronica Medina, CEM, CRME

Kristin Martinez, CMP, HMCC

 Director

        Director of Global Sales, Citywide, and Entertainment at MGM Resorts International

Kelly Rich, CEM

Veronica Medina, CEM, CRME

Kelly Rich, CEM

  Director - Program and Events Chair

          Manager, Conference Exhibits and Sponsorship Sales at WorldatWork

Jill Syler

Veronica Medina, CEM, CRME

Kelly Rich, CEM

               Director                

  Senior Client Relationship Manager

    at Freeman

Paul Treanor

Heather Willden, CSEP, CHE

Steve Walker, CEM

Director - MarCom Committee Chair

  Senior Manager, Content and Community 

  at Informa Markets 

Steve Walker, CEM

Heather Willden, CSEP, CHE

Steve Walker, CEM

  Director - Golf Committee Chair

  Executive Director, City Wide Sales 

    at MGM Resorts International 

Heather Willden, CSEP, CHE

Heather Willden, CSEP, CHE

Heather Willden, CSEP, CHE

      Director

       UNLV Part-Time Instructor and 

Director, SEPA Program 

         at Smart Electric Power Alliance 

Participate on a Committee

Program and Events

Marketing and Communications

Program and Events

Program/Meetings/Education Committee plans and produces chapter meetings, events and educational programs. It is our goal is to add value, enhance the careers and skills of our members, and to help them develop meaningful professional relationships through education and social meetups spanning the industry. Responsibilities shared among committee members include the full scope of event management - content development, marketing, and logistical support such as site selection, food/beverage arrangements, registration, and onsite support. 

Sponsorship

Marketing and Communications

Program and Events

The Sponsorship Committee offers viable sponsorship opportunities to our Chapter and adjacent community, which allow for the promotion of their brand, at the same time providing revenue dollars to fund unique and engaging learning and networking opportunities to our members. 

Marketing and Communications

Marketing and Communications

The Communications/Marketing Committee is the voice of SWIAEE, sharing important chapter news, event announcements, and celebrating the victories of individual members, the chapter, and our industry as a whole. Committee members craft marketing copy, keep the website updated, generate creative collateral for our communications, and promote industry news across SWIAEE social channels.

Young Professionals/Academia

Young Professionals/Academia Committee supports and elevates young professionals in the trade show industry by providing focus on the needs of those who are at the beginning of their career paths and to provide an educational, social, and professional support network.

Membership Engagement

Membership Engagement Committee welcomes new members to SWIAEE and develops leaders in the chapter for roles on committees and Board of Directors.  

Golf

The Golf Committee plans and executes an annual SWIAEE golf tournament. Duties include recruitment of golfers and sponsorships, pre-event planning and onsite execution of the event.

Contact SWIAEE

Additional Information

 If you would like more information on how to become a member of the Southwest Chapter, please contact us at administrator@swiaee.com.

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