As part of ESCA’s initiatives, advocacy represents one of four pillars in our strategic plan. We advocate for our membership to ensure that they have their voice heard on important issues, protect and promote their rights as valued organizations, and have their views and wishes genuinely considered when decisions are made about our industry. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this has become even more crucial. ESCA is a key contributor to the Go Live Together initiative and the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance (ECA) and a strong supporter of the “Exhibitions Mean Business” initiative.

Neil McMullin – Advocacy Committee Chair
Fern

ESCA’s annual awards program recognizes individuals and organizations for outstanding service and performance.

Dianna Warren Gonzalez – Co-Chair
AFR

Chris Casconi – Co-Chair
Willwork

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 both personal and professional backgrounds. We strive to foster a community of authentic inclusivity and respect so that we may successfully serve all members and customers truly and equally. Our mission is to create a community that recognizes, respects and values each of 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 important to understand that our individuality and distinctness from one another is something we must embrace as a community. As ESCA members, we all must work towards playing a role in promoting this this type of inclusion.

Sheila LeMaster – Co-Chair
GES

Damon Ross- Co-Chair
CORT Events

Jenna Mazzurco
Freeman

Esther Wiliams – Chair
Midas Event Supply

Ben Cramer
GES

Lillian Shen
CORT Events

The Education Committee aims to provide members with current information about the events and exhibitions industry.

Bob Ryley – GES

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.

Taylor Vriens – Chair
Modern Expo & Events

Sheila LeMaster
GES

Rich Stone
ExpoCad

We are uncompromising in our commitment to our membership, subcontractors, customers, and 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 – Chair
GES

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

Mike Brownlee
The Expo Group

Neil McMullin
Fern

Pat Putzer
Emerald Carpets

Richard Maranville
Freeman

Rob Wilson
Expo Convention Contractors

Terry Praag
Modern Expo

The Council has been established to pursue common interests, promote goodwill, provide education, and pursue harmonious labor/management relationships.

Joanne M Sanders – Co-Chair
IATSE

Guy Langlais – Co-Chair
GES

Representatives from the Trades

U.B.C Carpenters
Kevin McLaughlin – Primary
Bob Tarby – Alternate

I.U.P.A.T. Decorators
Steve Bigalow – Primary
J.C Garcia – Alternate

I.B.E.W. Electricians
David Jones – Primary
Brian Baker– Alternate

I.A.T.S.E. Stagehands
Don Gandolini – Primary
JoAnn Sanders – Alternate

I.B.T. Teamsters
James Harmer – Primary
Tommy Blitsch – Alternate

Representatives from Management

CORT Furniture
Debbie Rorabaugh – Primary

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

MC2
Bernie Massett

The ESCA Membership Committee is your liaison and sounding board at ESCA. We are committed to your continued participation by understanding your expectations and assuring that you find value in all that ESCA has to offer. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, suggestions or requests.

Esther Wiliams – Chair
Midas Event Supply

Andy Minton
AEX Convention Services

Mike Morrison
WS Displays, mike@wsdisplay.com, 760-309-1631

Lauren Chung
AFR

Ben Cramer
GES

Chris Schimek – Chair
Freeman

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 – Chair
Shepard Exposition Services

Debbie Rorobough
CORT Events

Mark Staples
American Exposition Services

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.

Cory Clayton – Co-Chair
Freeman

Neil McMullin – Co-Chair
Fern

Damon Ross
CORT Events

Taylor Vriens
Modern Expo & Events

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Norm Friedrich
Octanorm USA

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Pat Putzer
Emerald Carpet

Guy Langlais
GES

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Mark Staples – Chair
American Exposition Services

Dianna Warren Gonzalez
AFR

Anthony Montanaro
Vista

This Council is established to pursue common interests, address common issues and concerns, promote goodwill, provide education, and seek harmonious venue & contractor relationships.

Brett Mitchell – Co-Chair
Overland Park Convention Center

Cory Clayton – Co-Chair
Freeman

Neil McMullin – Board Liaison
Fern