Committees
Get Involoved
We would love to have you participate in one of our committees or councils. If you would like to get involved, please click here to complete the form indicating your interest
ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
As part of ESCA’s initiatives, advocacy represents one of four pillars in our strategic plan. We advocate for our members to ensure that they have their voices heard on important issues, protect and promote their rights as valued organizations, and genuinely consider their views and wishes when making decisions about our industry. This has become even more crucial in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. ESCA is a pivotal contributor to the Go Live Together initiative and the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA) and a strong supporter of the “Exhibitions Mean Business” initiative.- Tim Heffernan, T3 – Chair
- Bob Tarby, United Brotherhood of Carpenters
- Donna Echols, Convention Display Services
- John Hinkell, GES
- Neil McMullin, Fern
- Russ Callahan, Quest Events
- Scott Lebwohl, SMT Expo
- Tommy Goodwin, ECA
AWARDS COMMITTEE
ESCA’s annual awards program recognizes individuals and organizations for outstanding service and performance.- Chris Casconi, Willwork – Co-Chair
- Diana Gonzalez, AFR – Co-Chair
- Gary Minter, Modern Expo
- Rich Curran, Expo Convention Contractors
- Salinda Horrocks, Modern Exposition Services
- Seth Kagy, Navy Pier
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE
The ESCA Diversity and Inclusion Committee seeks to honor the individual differences that make up ESCA’s membership and the customers of the exhibition, meeting, and special events industries. We attribute the association’s success to the wealth of diversity and available representation of all demographics, including personal and professional backgrounds. We strive to foster a community of authentic inclusivity and respect to serve all members and customers truly and equally successfully. Our mission is to create a community that recognizes, respects and values our members regardless of anyone’s particular demographic. ESCA is committed to providing an environment where all members and customers of the exhibition, meeting, and special events industries feel comfortable interacting, learning, and conducting business with one another. Although we all have a lot in common within this industry, it’s essential to understand that our individuality and distinctness are something we must embrace as a community. As ESCA members, we all must play a role in promoting this type of inclusion.- Damon Ross, CORT – Co-Chair
- Sheila LeMaster, GES – Co-Chair
- Brandy Gilman, Canwil Textiles
- Crystal McAlpin, Georgia Expo
- Esther Williams, Midas
- James Letchworth, GES
- Rosilyn Romero, CORT Events
- Toby Purdy, The Expo Group
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
The Education Committee aims to provide members with current information about the events and exhibitions industry.- Taylor Vriens, Modern Exposition Services – Chair/ESCA Learning Officer
- Bob Ryley, GES
- Brandy Gilman, Canwil Textiles
- Cheryl Witt, GES
- Kevin McLaughlin, Carpenters Union
- Rob Wilson, Employco
- Russell Callahan, Quest Events
- Saira Beig, Stonco
- Vanessa Thornton, Superior Expo Services
FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee provides financial analysis, advice, and oversight of the organization’s budget and financial health. Their responsibility is to ensure the organization is creating and living within budgets, following all generally accepted accounting principles and sound financial practices, and upholding ESCA’s members’ fiduciary interests. (This committee now exists as a part of the Executive Committee.)HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
We are uncompromising in our commitment to our membership, subcontractors, customers, and the community’s health and safety. We will continually improve our processes, demonstrate leadership, and promote comprehensive safety guidance. The committee is dedicated to that purpose.- Sheila LeMaster, GES – Chair
- Bob Ryley, GES
- Chris Casconi, Willwork
- Dave Jones, IBEW
- Debbie Rorabaugh, CORT Events
- Don Gandolini, IATSE
- Dustin Blaine, Expo Convention Contractors
- James Harmer, Teamsters
- Kevin McLaughlin, Carpenters
- Mark Staples, AES
- Mark Zimmerman, Zimmerman Group
- Michael Kaack, GES
- Mike Brownlee, The Expo Group
- Neil McMullin, Fern
- Pat Putzer, Emerald Carpets
- Richard Maranville, Freeman
- Rob Wilson, Expo Convention Contractors
- Russ Callahan, Quest Events
- Terry Praag, Modern Expo
LABOR & MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
The Council has been established to pursue common interests, promote goodwill, provide education, and pursue harmonious labor/management relationships.CO-CHAIRS OF THE COUNCIL
- Trade Representative Joanne Sanders, I.A.T.S.E
- Management Representative, Guy Langlais, GES
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TRADES
- B.C Carpenters
- Kevin McLaughlin, Primary
- Bob Tarby, Alternate
- U.P.A.T. Decorators
- Steve Bigalow, Primary
- C Garcia, Alternate
- B.E.W. Electricians
- David Jones, Primary
- Matt Paules, Alternate
- A.T.S.E. Stagehands
- Don Gandolini, Primary
- JoAnn Sanders, Alternate
- B.T. Teamsters
- Tommy Blitsch, Primary
- Tom Mari, Alternate
REPRESENTATIVES FROM MANAGEMENT
- Fern Expositions & Events
- Michael Cox, Primary
- Neil McMullin, Alternate
- Freeman
- Dennis Sullivan, Primary
- Cory Clayton, Alternate
- Global Experience Specialists
- Guy Langlais, Primary
- Pete Carroll, Alternate
- Shepard
- Steve Basch, Alternate
- Steve Margos, Primary
- The Expo Group
- Michael Brownlee, Primary
- Lloyd Van Meter, Alternate
SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR MEMBER
- CORT Furniture
- Debbie Rorabaugh, Primary
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE/BRANDING
The ESCA Membership Communications and Branding Committee is ESCA’s liaison and sounding board. We are committed to growth and continued membership participation, ensuring members find value in all ESCA offers and brand recognition. This committee is the public relations arm of ESCA.- Ben Cramer, GES – Chair
- Debbie Rorabaugh, CORT
- Diana Warren Gonzalez, AFR
- Donna Echols, Convention Display Services
- Jim Kelly, Fern
- Mike Morrison, WS Displays
- Tammy McGlade, epIQ
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Nominating Committee is responsible for selecting board members and onboarding all new members. The selection process usually takes place in October.- Neil McMullin, Fern – Chair
- All Executive Committee Members are designated as members of this committee.
SCHOLARSHIP
The ESCA scholarship fund will award up to four academic and need-based scholarships for industry members and their families to pursue university studies in fields related to the exhibition industry and help educate the next generation’s leaders. In addition, one Dennis Hale Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year.- Steve Basch, Shepard – Chair
- Debbie Rorabough, CORT Events
- Mark Staples, AES
- Patrick Putzer, Emerald Carpets
SUMMER EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE
ESCA’s Summer Educational Conference offers programs designed to allow you to learn the latest trends in our industry, network with your peers, make new contacts, and impact the exhibition industry’s future.- Bob Ryley, Chair
- Cory Clayton, Freeman
- Damon Ross, CORT Events
- Larry Arnuadet, ESCA
- Lillian Shen, CORT Events
- Mark Murphy, ESCA
- Mark Staples, AES (Silent Auction)
- Mitt Arnaudet, ESCA
- Neil McMullin, Fern
- Norm Friedrich, Octanorm USA (Fishing Tournament)
- Pat Putzer, Emerald (Golf Tournament)
- Russell Callahan, Quest Events
- Scott Lebwohl, SMT Expo
- Taylor Vriens, Modern Exposition Services
- Tony Rissley, Expo Auctions
EXHIBITION
- Scott Lebwohl, SMT
- Mitt Arnaudet, ESCA
FISHING TOURNAMENT
- Norm Friedrich, Octanorm USA – Chair
GENERAL CONTRACTING
- Matt Veal, Veal
GOLF TOURNAMENT
- Pat Putzer, Emerald Carpets – Chair
- Guy Langlais, GES
REGISTRATION
- Mark Murphy, ESCA
SILENT AUCTION
- Mark Staples, American Exposition Services – Chair
- Tony Rissley, Expo Auctions
SPECIALTY FURNITURE
- Lilian Shen, CORT
STAGE SET
- Russ Callahan, Quest
VENUE COUNCIL
This Council is established to pursue common interests, address common issues and concerns, promote goodwill, provide education, and seek harmonious venue & contractor relationships.- Freddie Peterson, Miami Beach Convention Center – Co-Chair
- Cory Clayton, Freeman – Co-Chair
REPRESENTATION FROM VENUES
The following is the current list of venues invited to participate. Each venue must submit its designated representative’s name and an alternate to the ESCA Executive Committee. One venue member should be on the ESCA Board of Directors.- Colorado Convention Center, John Adams
- Dallas Convention Center, Anthony Lopez
- Duke Energy Convention Center, Ric Booth
- George R. Brown Convention Center, Luther Villagomez
- Georgia World Congress Center Authority, Joe Bocherer, and Matt Hollander
- Kentucky International Convention Center, David Beck
- Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Kevin Aivis
- Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Diane DiAntonio
- McCormick Place, David Causton
- Miami Beach Convention Center, Freddie Peterson
- Music City Convention Center, Charles Starks
- Orange County Convention Center, Mark Tester
- Overland Park Convention Center, Brett Mitchell
- Palm Beach County Convention Center, David Anderson
- Pennsylvania Convention Center, Kelvin Moore
- Renasant Convention Center and Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, Dean Dennis
- San Diego Convention Center- Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center- Samuel Thomas Kelvin Moore
REPRESENTATION FROM OFFICIAL CONTRACTORS
The ESCA Executive Committee will submit a list of eight (8) representatives from the official contractor membership. Each company selected should provide a Primary and an Alternate. One member should be on the ESCA Board of Directors.- CORT Events, Damon Ross
- Expo Convention Contractors, Dustin Blaine
- Fern, Neil McMullin
- Freeman, Cory Clayton
- GES, Bob Ryley
- Hargrove, Scott Finlayson
- Modern Exposition Services, Salinda Horrocks
- Shepard Exposition Services, Steve Basch
- The Expo Group, Randy Pekowski
- Willwork, Chris Casconi
IAVM REPRESENTATION
- Brad Mayne
- Mark Herrera
WIS COMMITTEE
ESCA’s WIS Committee is dedicated to enhancing and growing ESCA’s Worker Identification and Security program.- Taylor Vriens, Modern – Chair
- Bob Ryley, GES
- Dustin Blaine, Expo Convention Contractors
- Freddie Peterson, Miami Beach Convention Center
- Larry Arnaudet, ESCA
- Laure Chachere, Freeman
- Mark Murphy, ESCA
- Mark Zimmerman, ESCA
- Mitt Arnaudet, ESCA
- Neil McMullin, Fern
- Rich Stone, ExpoCad
- Sheila LeMaster, GES
- Steve Basch, Shepard
