CHICAGO — Julie Kagy, chief operating officer, will take over as head of Association of Service and Exhibition Providers (ESCA), as Executive Director, effective January 1, 2024. Kagy will succeed long-time industry veteran Larry Arnaudet in this role following his retirement at the end of 2023.
“In this role, I am honored to lead this organization and be entrusted with the task of leading ESCA into its next chapter,” said Kagy. “I look forward to working collaboratively with our board, staff and members to shape the future of the trade show industry.”
As Executive Director, Kagy will focus on key association initiatives including industry advocacy, member services, industry safety through the ESCA badge, and enhancing the organization’s formal educational programming. She has served as ESCA’s Director of Operations since 2015 and has overseen program enhancements and implemented significant improvements during her tenure.
“Julie has already demonstrated remarkable insight during her tenure at ESCA,” said Damon Ross, group senior vice president at CORT Events and current president of ESCA, said: “Her unique blend of operational know-how and forward-looking industry vision positions her perfectly to lead us into an era of new opportunities.”
Related. Industry Leader Larry Arnaudet Retires
Kagy’s assumption of this role will follow Arnaudet’s retirement at the end of 2023. With over 50 years in the events and conventions industry, Arnaudet has enjoyed a distinguished career, working for leading general services contractors, associations and founding The Arnaudet Group, LLC.
“Passing the reins to Julie Kagy is not only a changing of the guard, it is also a passing of the torch to an eminently competent person who is deeply committed to our association and our industry. I am confident that she will be able to defend and advance the values that have made ESCA what it is today,” said Mr. Arnaudet.
ESCA will celebrate and honor Arnaudet on December 4, 2023 at the House of Blues in Dallas during the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Expo! Expo!.
Contact Julie Kagy at (773) 418-1955 or julie@esca.org