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Emily Pfund
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Smithbucklin Facts

• Established in 1949
• 600 employees
• 100-percent employee owned
• Headquarters locations in Chicago and Washington, D.C. 

Media Mentions

The NAFEM Show Finds Success with Attendee-Driven Lead Retrieval Technology and Enhanced Education Programming

Trade Show Executive, July 2025

The 2025 NAFEM Show, produced in partnership with Smithbucklin and 360 Live Media, boosted engagement through attendee-driven lead retrieval technology, refreshed product showcases, and expanded educational offerings.

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Report: Members Look to Associations for Career Support 

Associations Now, April 2025

Smithbucklin’s Chief Operating Officer, Jeremy Van Ek, highlights findings from the company’s latest research report, showing 88% of members hold a positive view of associations and value career support as a key benefit.

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Smithbucklin Announces Leadership Updates in Association Management Business

Facilities & Destinations, February 2025

New appointments in Smithbucklin’s Association Management business include Jeremy Van Ek as Chief Operations Officer, Jeff Hartney as Senior Vice President, and Kirsten Shaffer, CAE, as Client Network Lead for one of the company’s Healthcare and Clinical Administration networks.

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ASAE Announces 135 Professionals Earned CAE Credential

ASAE, February 2025

Smithbucklin’s Carrie Wall, Manager, Association Management, was one of 135 association executives who earned ASAE’s Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential as part of the Winter 2024 class.

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'Just Be Curious’ Advises 36-Year Events Industry Veteran

PCMA Convene, June 2024

After 36 years at Smithbucklin — Executive Vice President, Event and Education Services, Carol McGury will retire in June 2024. PCMA CONVENE asked her to reflect on the highlights and challenges that have made her long career at Smithbucklin and in volunteer leadership roles so fulfilling.

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IAEE Spotlight on 2023 Young Professional of the Year Award Winner Lauren Miller, CMP, CEM

IAEE, May 2024

Lauren Miller, CMP, CEM, recipient of the 2023 Young Professional of the Year Award from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) , shares how she applies her passion for the industry by leading by example.

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New Paths to Profit

Associations Now, April 2024

Smithbucklin president of association management, Jim McNeil and senior vice president, marketing and communication services, Stephanie Yanecek offer their insights on profitability to Associations Now.

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A Storied Career in Association Management and Events

PCMA Convene Magazine, December 2023

After more than four decades at Smithbucklin — and serving in a number of voluntary leadership roles in the association and events industries — Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Michael Payne will retire at the end of this month. PCMA asked him to reflect on his remarkable career.

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ASHE Conference Rebrand Wins Marketing Award

American Hospital Association, November 2023

The American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE), a client of 360 Live Media and Smithbucklin, recently received a MarCom Gold Award for excellence in marketing and communication for its new name and brand of their Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference.

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Global Gatherings

The Meeting Magazines, May 2023

Smithbucklin Event Director, Cynthia Cortis, shares insights on overseeing the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) annual events in Bangkok, Thailand.

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The story behind the deal: Q&A with Smithbucklin & 360 Live Media on the deal to oversee NPE: The Plastics Show 2024 & 2027

Danica Tormohlen, September 2022

Journalist Danica Tormohlen chats with Thomas Myers, Senior Vice President of Sales Services at Smithbucklin and Jack Macleod, President of Smithbucklin-owned company, 360 Live Media on closing the deal to manage mega-show NPE: The Plastics Show.

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An Interview with the 2022 Woman of Influence Award Recipient

Association Forum, August 2022

Association Forum interviews their 2022 Woman of Influence Award Recipient, Robin L. Rone, Executive Director of Apra International and Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Smithbucklin. Robin speaks on her career trajectory and what keeps her inspired.

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Smithbucklin Executives Share Secrets for the Best. Meeting. Ever.

Association Forum, June 2022

A panel of Smithbucklin executives, Robin L. Rone, Danielle Gorash Holland, Christopher Mundschenk, CAE, and Jonathan Lurie, share their tips for a productive and engaging meeting. They identify and implement best practices through research, benchmarking, and analysis.

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Smithbucklin receives recognition from the Private Directors Association Chicago Chapter

PDA Chicago Chapter, May 2022

Smithbucklin was honored by the Private Directors Association Chicago Chapter in recognition of upholding the mission of having independent directors on a private company board at a celebration event on May 10, 2022.

Thirteen Association Leaders Named to ASAE's 2022 Class of Fellows

ASAE, April 2022

ASAE announces that 13 association leaders have been selected for ASAE’s 2022 Class of Fellows. On the list were Smithbucklin and 360 Live Media association executives, Denise Roosendaal, FASE, CAE, and Beth Surmont, FASAE, CAE, CMP.

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Association Forum Announces 2022 Woman of Influence

Association Forum, February 2022

Association Forum announces Robin L. Rone, Executive Director of Apra International and Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Smithbucklin, as the 2022 recipient of the Woman of Influence Award. Being named the 2022 Woman of Influence reflects Rone’s commitment to the association community as well as her dedication to the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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Now, More than Ever, Organizations Must Cultivate Adaptability

Forum Magazine, September 2021

Matt Sanderson, Smithbucklin President & CEO, weighs in on adaptability and urges association professionals to practice resiliency and the ability operate in uncertain environments.

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New Money, Back to Basics

Associations Now, April 2021

The Print Services and Distribution Association (PSDA), a Smithbucklin client, knew its members wanted to help those new to their industry gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of printing. Hearing that need, the organization designed a course called Print Basics.

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In Search of New Revenue

Associations Now, April 2021

Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI), a Smithbucklin client, was able to launch an entirely new product in three months after identifying a pandemic-related need of its members, who provide building maintenance and cleaning services.

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5 Things I Learned at Holiday Showcase

Forum Magazine, February 2021

Smithbucklin Executive Directors, Chris Mundschenk, CAE, and Guilherme Lopes shared how to engage members without in-person meetings at Association Forum’s Holiday Showcase. 

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Remote Earning: How to Make Money from Digital Events

Forum Magazine, October 2020

Don Neal, Founder & CEO of 360 Live Media shares how associations can still supercharge revenue with digital events. 

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