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Partners bring more than 120 years of experience to the task of improving the performance of their clients’ events
Event Advisory Group, LLC (EAG), an event consultancy, has officially launched with an expanded team of partners collectively having more than 120 years of event management, marketing and operational experience, and comprehensive knowledge of producing and launching everything from large global trade shows to small conferences and corporate events. EAG’s mission is to apply this expertise to help associations, trade show organizers, publishers and corporations improve their events’ financial, brand and operational performance.
“We recognized a significant gap in support provided to organizations who are struggling with their events, including uncertainty about strategic direction, lack of staff resources and knowledge to implement new initiatives or technologies, and pressure to produce more revenue and attendance without increasing costs,” stated Mike Muldoon, one of the initial founders along with Ray Luca and Courtney Nazareno. “Adding new partners, Karen Vogel and Rick Dobson, to the team rounds out the extensive event experience of the group, including event and revenue growth strategies, branding, marketing, sales, operations, and technologies.
EAG Partners
Rick Dobson, CEM
Rick brings to EAG more than 38 years of proven event management and business development experience, and a track record of improving results for association-sponsored events, including the National Association of Broadcasters’ NAB Show. Rick also led the sales efforts for two technology start-ups – Passkey, one of the earliest group housing management SaaS providers, and ExpoBee (now InLoop) – as well for PGI and Naylor. As a consultant, Rick provided his guidance and expertise to multiple associations including Radio and Television News Directors Association, California Building Industry Association’s Pacific Coast Builders Show, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and PGA of America.
Ray Luca
Ray is an accomplished event executive who, over a 20+ year career, has managed events ranging from large, city-wide trade shows to small conferences, including Worldwide Food Expo, Pack Expo, Society of Toxicology Expo, as well as AFCEA’s military technology events. Ray is a recognized expert in event operations and balancing traditional and emerging event management technologies. Ray successfully improved the bottom line for his clients through cost consolidation, skilled contract negotiations and the implementation of effective event technology solutions.
Mike Muldoon
Mike is a recognized event leader who has managed TSE “Gold 100” events, as well as advised and consulted with dozens of premiere trade associations and organizations in a wide range of industries. Mike began his 35-year career as a pioneer in utilizing event analytics and technologies to inform both long- and short-term strategic planning. Mike has served as EVP of Naylor Event Solutions, Founder and CEO of Convention Management Group and SVP at Food Marketing Institute.
Courtney Nazareno, M.Ed.
Courtney is an experienced educator, professional coach and facilitator. With a background in education ranging from whole group instruction to 1:1 mentoring, Courtney has a track record for developing and implementing training programs that build staff capacity and drive long-term growth. Courtney’s focus at EAG is client workforce development. Understanding the big picture goals of the client, she works with staff to draw out individual strengths and address professional shortcomings. Courtney has helped numerous teams to improve their professional proficiencies, including Second Nature Learning, Edgewood Center for Children and Families, San Francisco Unified School District, and Fairfax County Public Schools.
Karen Vogel
Karen is an accomplished event and business leader with 25 years of experience managing branding, marketing, and business development areas for trade show organizers, Fortune 500 companies, an event technology start-up, and marketing/event agencies including Reed Exhibitions, her own event consulting agency, and b-there, one of the first event management SaaS solutions. Karen was recognized by Reed Exhibitions every year for consistently growing revenues and attendance for industry leading trade shows, and launching or reviving events that delivered profit targets.
“We are extremely fortunate to have such sought after event executives join EAG to help us drive event success for our clients and business growth for EAG,” said Ray Luca.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with such a highly experienced and successful team of event executives,” stated Ms. Nazareno. “Together, we will be able to produce exceptional results and improve event performance for our association and for-profit clients.”
“I’ve known the founding partners of EAG for years and jumped at the chance to join a group that can offer so much to the event industry,” stated Mr. Dobson. “With the partners’ combined knowledge and experience, EAG is uniquely qualified to assist associations in overcoming virtually any challenges they face with their events. And the emphasis we place on mentorship and helping organizations make ongoing improvements is especially exciting.”
About Event Advisory Group
Event Advisory Group is a creative team of proven event management experts that partner with organizations to help maximize the financial, brand, and operational performance of trade shows, conferences, and corporate events. Our team has worked with countless professional and trade associations to improve exhibit sales and attendance, turn around declining event revenues, and create and launch new events and onsite programs. We pride ourselves in our ability to develop strategies that achieve objectives, while exceeding our client’s expectations.
