ESCA Staff

Bio: After graduating from Purdue University Northwest, Julie launched her career at the Ritz-Carlton, a Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago, where she contributed to the hotel’s recognition as a Top North American Hotel by Condé Nast Traveler four times. Transitioning to the trade show industry, she spent 12 years at GES in roles including Exhibitor Services Manager, Director of Account Management, and Vice President of National Account Management. Her leadership helped drive client satisfaction, streamline operations, and strengthen industry partnerships.

In 2015, Julie joined the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA), where she now serves as Executive Director. A passionate advocate for the trade show industry, she champions initiatives that enhance business opportunities, promote workforce development, and drive industry-wide collaboration. Under her leadership, ESCA continues to be a key voice in shaping the future of exhibitions and events.

Outside of work, Julie enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family and pets. Whether in the kitchen, the garden, or the boardroom, she is dedicated to growth, creativity, and fostering meaningful connections.

Bio: Ariel Kunkle serves as Program Services Manager at the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA), where she leads the day-to-day operations of The Badge Program, the industry-standard contractor credentialing system used across major convention centers nationwide. In this role, she oversees customer service, badge processing, system support, and fulfillment operations, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for members and stakeholders.

Ariel brings a strong background in recruiting, operations, and administrative management, with expertise in high-volume workflows, onboarding, payroll, and cross-functional coordination. Prior to joining ESCA, she worked as a Recruiter at Integrity Staffing Solutions, managing full-cycle hiring processes and delivering a positive candidate experience from sourcing through onboarding. Her career also includes roles in operations coordination, payroll administration, and team leadership, giving her a well-rounded foundation in process management and client support.

Known for her organization, responsiveness, and relationship-driven approach, Ariel is passionate about creating efficient systems and delivering high-quality service. She is dedicated to supporting the exhibitions and events industry while helping professionals navigate operational processes with ease.

Ariel holds a Bachelor of Education from Winona State University. She currently resides in Southwest Harbor, Maine, where she enjoys staying active, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends.

Bio: Tammy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality and brings a strong foundation in marketing, client success, and event operations to her role at ESCA. Her career includes experience in event shipping, sales at Brede, and more than four years as a project manager at a2z, where she managed complex, high-level client accounts.

Most recently, Tammy spent three years as Director of Marketing and Client Success at epIQ Creative Group, leading client strategy, collaborating with vendors and media partners, and managing a growing team. Since epIQ Creative Group became an ESCA partner in 2022, Tammy has worked closely with ESCA members and the broader exhibitions community, making her transition into the organization a natural fit. Fluent in English, German, and Serbian, she brings a global perspective to her work.

In 2023, Tammy was recognized as ESCA’s Sales Professional of the Year, highlighting her impact and dedication to the industry.

Bio: Mike Montgomery has spent the last 25 years in the Service Industry, starting at ARAMARK in Philadelphia, where he assumed the responsibilities of the Food & Beverage Director at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. He joined GES in 2006 and took on many roles in Sales, Operations, and Client Services. He finished his career at GES as the SVP of Client Services where he led the Exhibitor Services Team, National Call Center, Convention Planning Team, and Client Services Team. Mike joined Skyline in 2022 as the SVP of Client Services, focused on integrating M&A processes and Client Journey.

Currently serving as EVP of Strategy & Operations of the ESCA Badge Program, Mike is focused on Client Retention & Growth of the program. Working closely with Facilities, Unions, Contractors, and Vendors to ensure consistency in process, efficiency in operation, and overall increased security measures for the Live Events Industry.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mike is a family man devoted to his wonderful wife Lauren of 18 years as well as a proud father of three children. Aiden (14), Alexa (12), and Liam (8). They moved to Lakewood Ranch, Florida in 2021 and love outdoor life whether on the beach or checking out all the beautiful lands that Florida has to offer.

Bio: Rachel Rodean is the Director of Education and Events for ESCA, where she leads the development and execution of the association’s educational programs, conferences, leadership initiatives, and member engagement experiences. In this role, she works closely with industry leaders to create meaningful learning opportunities, foster professional growth, and advance the exhibitions and events industry.

Prior to joining ESCA, Rachel gained experience at the High Point Market Authority, supporting events for the world’s largest home furnishings trade show. Her background in trade shows, association management, and event strategy has provided her with a strong foundation in program development, event operations, stakeholder engagement, and industry education.

Passionate about connecting people and creating impactful experiences, Rachel is dedicated to helping industry professionals build knowledge, strengthen relationships, and navigate the evolving exhibitions landscape. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Event Management from High Point University.

Rachel resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, and exploring new destinations with her fiancé.