Pagel is a senior executive with nearly 30 years of experience in the business-to-business (B2B) events and media industry. He is widely recognized for building high-performing teams and driving sustained growth through innovation, data-driven decision-making and transformational leadership.
Over the course of his career, Pagel has produced more than 300 live trade events across diverse vertical markets and forged long-standing partnerships with leading trade associations. He has successfully launched brands into new and adjacent markets, steered iconic brands through challenging economic cycles, transformed underperforming businesses into growth engines and sponsored multiple strategic acquisitions.
His expertise spans strategic planning, brand repositioning, association partnerships, event co-locations, business development and talent cultivation. Passionate about the power of face-to-face engagement, he brings a forward-looking mindset and a bias for action that has consistently delivered measurable results and accelerated growth.
A graduate of the University of Kansas, Pagel also actively volunteers with the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the Marine Corps Association (MCA) and IAEE, underlining his long-standing engagement with industry and professional communities.
“I am deeply honored to serve as IAEE’s 2026 Chairperson and to work alongside such a dedicated and talented Board,” Pagel said. “Our industry continues to evolve, and I’m committed to ensuring IAEE remains at the forefront of innovation while strengthening the connections that make face-to-face events so powerful for business growth and community building.”
IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, highlighted the importance of Pagel’s appointment for the association and its members. “Brian brings exceptional leadership experience and a proven track record of success in the exhibitions and events industry,” she said. “His strategic vision and collaborative approach will serve our members well as we continue to advance IAEE’s mission and support the growth of exhibitions and events worldwide. We’re also excited to welcome our new Board members and grateful for the continued dedication of our returning directors, whose diverse expertise and perspectives strengthen our organization.”
The newest members to the 2026 IAEE Board of Directors are:
- Eric Blanc, CMP, CEM, Deputy Director, Orange County Convention Center
- Stacy McManus, CEM, Director, Corporate Relations, Society of Interventional Radiology
- Justin Moore, MBA, CEM, Director of Meetings and Events, BPAA
- Julia Slocombe, CTA, Senior Vice President, Smart City Networks
- Jess Tyler, CEM, Vice President and Market Leader, Questex
Continuing Board of Directors members include:
- Chairperson-Elect Michelle Edmonson, CEM, Vice President, Exhibitions, AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology
- Secretary/Treasurer Emile K. Davis, CEM, Managing Director, Business Development, The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- Immediate Past Chairperson Chuck Grouzard, Executive Vice President of Business Development, Creative and Design, GES
- Director Mark Bogdansky, Vice President, Trade Shows and Community Engagement, Auto Care Association
- Director Mike Carlucci, Chief Operating Officer, Clarion Events, North America
- Director Sonia Fong, MBA, CDME, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, MDM Hotel Group, MDM USA
- Director Nicole Hallada, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions and Marketing, Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
- Director Kapil Kher, CEM, Chief Information Officer, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
- Director Anytra Lowe, CEM, Executive Vice President, Client Solutions, Freeman
- Director Necoya Tyson, CEM-AP, CGMP, CCEP,Founder and CEO, Lightsey Event Solutions
- Director/Member At-Large Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP,Chief Commercial Officer, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Ex-officio Directors are:
Representing the Chapter Leaders Council
- Russell J. Callahan, CEM, President, National Operation, Quest Events
Representing the China Council
- Daben Mao, Deputy General Manager, China Merchants Exhibition Management Shenzhen Co., Ltd
Representing the MATSO Council
Lisa Malikow, Senior Vice President, Restaurant Show, Informa Connect
Representing the Past Chairpersons’ Advisory Group
- Carrie Ferenac, Co-Founder and President, CNTV
The announcement was made during Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2025 taking place 8-10 December in Houston.
Tags: Marsha Flanagan, International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
