Our guest for the August 7th edition of PlayMakers Talk Show: Marsha Flanagan, President & CEO, International Association of Exhibitions and Events

Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, is the President and CEO of the IAEE. As IAEE’s president, Marsha 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 fundraising efforts, advocating for the industry and the organization’s members, providing organizational leadership and strategic counsel to the board. She also serves as the association’s representative with industry coalitions, partner organizations and strategic alliances. Currently serving as the Chair of the ISO/TC 354 “Events – sustainability management and other aspects” committee.

Before joining IAEE, Marsha 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.

Marsha spent 6 years in the medical industry serving in various roles overseeing operations, purchasing, revenue cycle management, marketing, and business development.

Marsha 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.

Most recently, Marsha was named by Smart Meetings Magazine as a Hall of Fame recipient in 2026, was also named as a Smart Women in Events Visionary Award winner in 2025, was named one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry by Successful Meetings in 2017, and lastly named to BizBash’s Inaugural Top 500 in the Events Industry in 2018 and 2019. In 2021. Marsha was also 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.

Marsha 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.

Marsha is a 5th-generation Texan, loves sports and the outdoors, and spends time with family.

IAEE.com

(972) 458-8002

Guest Marsha Flanagan, Host Steve A Klein