Connect Association is proud to present our inaugural class of 15 Over 50. These individuals are leaders, mentors and stars who moved the events industry forward for decades. We are proud to salute their first-class efforts.
David Bradley
Vice President, Sales and Services Shreveport-Bossier CVB Shreveport/Bossier, Louisiana
Cathy Breden, CMP, CAE
Executive Vice President & COO, International Association of Exhibitions and Events CEO, Center for Exhibition Industry Research, Dallas
Michael Downs, CAE, CMP
Director of Conventions & Meetings, Kiwanis International, Indianapolis
B.J. Enright
President/CEO, Tradeshow Logic, Acworth, Georgia
Mark Everton
CEO, Visit Oakland, Oakland, California
Blanca Ferreris, CMP, CMM
Senior Business Events Manager, RIMS, Risk Management Society, New York City
Kathryn Gleesing, MBA, CMP
President & CEO, Destination Management Connection, Muskego, Wisconsin
Stephanie D. Jones, CAE, CMP
Senior Director of Conference and Events Management, Water Environment Federation, Alexandria, Virginia
Vanessa Kane, CMP, CMM
Manager, Meetings/Events & Exhibits Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US, Kansas City, Missouri
Michael K. Krouse, CMP, CHME, CASE
President & CEO, Ontario Convention Center, Greater Ontario CVB, and Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario, California
Andy L. Longo
Director of Fraternity Programs, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Fishers, Indiana
Mary Manier, CTA
Director of Sales, Experience Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Garland Preddy, CGMP
Director of Education & Training, Society of Government Meeting Professionals, Lewes, Delaware
Lynne K. Tiras, CMP
President, International Meeting Managers, Inc., Houston, Texas
Stephie Young, CMP
Vice President/Director of Event Services, Advanced Meeting Solutions, Inc., Columbus, Ohio
