Karen Gonzales joined the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) at the end of 2017. As Director of Global Business Development, she works closely with new and existing partners, sponsors and exhibitors to help them showcase their brands to the exhibitions and events industry worldwide.

Before joining IAEE, Karen spent two years with Association Forum and eight years with Destinations International in various leadership roles, most recently as Executive Vice President of Sales & Business Development. She also held positions with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Visit Denver.

Karen serves as Chair of The Meetings Industry Fund, is a past chair of the Events Industry Council’s Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Governance Committee and is active in several industry organizations. She has been accepted into the CMP Fellows Program and is recognized as a tenured CMP who has made significant contributions to the industry.