Anna Fassano, CEM – Emeritus - CEO and Founder of A. Fassano & Company, oversees all operations and strategic planning for clients. Anna is a Certified Exposition Manager (CEM) with over 40 years' experience in managing trade shows for non-profit organizations. She has been responsible for the sales and management of over 400+ trade shows worldwide. Anna has worked closely with many non-profit organizations developing successful programs to increase their exhibit, sponsorship, and advertising revenue. Organizations including the American Diabetes Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, the American Society of Association Executives, the National Medical Association, the American Society of Echocardiography, and the Heart Rhythm Society, among many others.

"I am passionate about spending time with my daughter!"

Deborah Howley ‐ Vice President has been with the company over 20 years, bringing her personal organizational excellence (and her unique Jersey vernacular) to each association's event while delivering excellence in customer care. Deborah has been involved in every operational area within the company and continues to deliver unsurpassed customer service to our clients, as well as their customers.

"I am passionate about making people happy!"

Warren Richard Plank Jr. Runnemede, N.J. Warren Richard Plank, Jr., (aka Bubba, Uncle Bubba, Ricky) on December 28, 2020, of Runnemede. Age 66. Beloved brother of Deborah A. Howley and brother-in-law of Charles H. Cook. Devoted uncle to Christopher M. Howley and Jessica Anne Howley and James Wilson. Great uncle of Ryan Llewellyn, Rocco Wilson, Clara Wilson, and Christian Wilson. Preceded in death by his parents, Thelma H. (nee Milbert) and Warren R. Plank, Sr. Warren was a Director of Data Security and System Management at A. Fassano & Company for 20 years. He was a member, supporter, and webmaster of the NJ Postal History Society. He was a member of the Carriers & Local Society, US Philatelic Society, US Stamp Society, American Philatelic Society, WRTI Temple Public Radio - Philadelphia, and the International Webmaster's Guild. Bubba enjoyed playing cards, gardening, reading, listening to music, the arts, history, auctions, and stamp collecting. He especially enjoyed time spent with family and friends. To know him was to love him - everybody knew Bubba.

Arlaina Utley, CMP ‐ Chief Operating Officer
With 20 years of experience in the events industry, Arlaina’s career has spanned convention service and non-profit event management, sponsorship development and fulfillment, and advertising and marketing. Since joining the AFCo team in 2013, she has continued to set the standard, leading her exceptional sponsorship team in logistical and methodical sponsorship development and superb client service. Recently, Arlaina has been promoted to Director of Sponsorships & Event Marketing and is additionally leading the marketing arm of AFCo to new heights.

"I am passionate about skiing, gardening, and creating new recipes in the kitchen all while spending time with my son!"

Meredith Turner – Director of Business Development
When she joined the company in 2019, Meredith brought more than 15 years’ experience as an Account Director with a marketing and sales firm, specializing in healthcare association media management. She is passionate about customer service, and skilled in all aspects of exhibit & sponsorship sales & management, however, she finds her greatest joy is at a tradeshow, witnessing the culmination of her work come to fruition and ensuring that exhibitors & sponsors have the best possible experience. These days, her primary focus involves driving business growth, providing sales projections and forecasting revenue for all of AFCo’s clients, while forging meaningful relationships with them. Meredith was an integral part of the team during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and as the entire industry faced uncertainty, her calming demeanor & problem solving skills helped AFCo shift gears from in person events, to the virtual world. Her dedication, positive outlook, and admirable poise with exhibitors, sponsors and clients never wavered. Since becoming a member of the Senior Management Team, her accomplishments include realignment of account teams & reorganization of the overall company structure, recruiting & hiring several talented individuals as the tradeshow industry roared back to life, and playing an ongoing role in the long term strategic direction of the company.

"I am passionate about cooking for friends and family!"

Debra Maines, CMP-HC - Director of Exhibits & Event Operations joined the company in 2015. She has been in the association management business for over 30 years with such roles as Executive Director, Director of Meetings, and Senior Manager of Exhibits & Event Operations. Debi is currently responsible for overseeing the Exhibits and Event Operations Team to guide them in managing the tradeshow progression from start to finish. She also manages her accounts which include onsite rebooking, managing vendor operations on the show floor, and working closely with the organizations to provide expertise on all aspects of their exhibit hall operations.

Debi is very passionate about the industry and is always looking for new and innovative ideas for the exhibit floor. She is past President of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of PCMA, is a recipient of the Outstanding Service to a Chapter Award, and was a nominee for the 2019 PCMA Visionary Award. She also teaches a segment of the MPI PHL CMP Study Group.

"I am passionate about spending time with my grandchildren."

Olivia Philippone, Sponsorship Development & Events, obtained her MBA at Point Park University in her home city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She spent the first two years of her career with a nonprofit organization, where she gained experience in event coordination and sponsorship development. She brings a multifaceted skill set to A. Fassano & Company through her education and prior experiences, and she thrives in environments that allow her to utilize her organizational and interpersonal skills.

"I am passionate about bodybuilding, traveling, baseball, and the latest crafting trends!"

Kaylie Schluckebier, Sponsorship Development & Events, holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Event Management from Central Michigan University. Since graduating, she has acquired diverse experience in orchestrating sponsorships and events across various domains, including entertainment, non-profit initiatives, corporate functions, and social gatherings. Demonstrating an unwavering passion for the event industry, Kaylie excels in ensuring the creation of exceptional and memorable experiences and orchestrating seamless collaborations.

"I am passionate about reading, cooking, listening to music, and spending time with my family and friends."

Cecilia Manley - Comptroller & Compliance Director has worked for the company since 2016. Her responsibilities include the internal company accounting, payroll and assistance with human resources recordkeeping. Besides her accounting and human resources responsibilities, Cecilia also oversees the PCI and SOC compliance for AFCo . Prior to 2016, Cecilia was employed with Genoese and Associates, an accounting firm, for nearly ten years, and was responsible for financial planning for 20 corporate and 30 personal clients performing accounting tasks and resolving tax issues, auditing, preparing tax returns, payroll and payroll tax filings.

"I am passionate about my granddaughters and reading!"

Nicole McVey - Finance Specialist previously worked at an orthopedic doctor's office for more than 5 years, where she acquired experience in the medical billing and customer service industry. She had several roles from medical coding specialist, auto and workman's compensation specialist, to scheduling receptionist. Prior to Delaware Orthopedic Specialists, she was a public safety operator and dispatcher for New Castle County's 911 Center. Additionally, she has worked in several other customer service-based jobs for over 10 years. She received two degrees from Delaware Technical and Community College in 2014 and then in 2021.

"I am passionate about spending time with my family and anything crafting related!"

Wendy Stevens - Director of Exhibits & Event Operations
Starting her hospitality career with the Bellevue Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, Wendy then moved to producing events at several high-end racetracks in the midwest. Always the Jersey Girl at heart, Wendy returned to her home state years ago to pursue a career in Meeting and Exhibit Management. One of her favorite clients was Snack Food Association. Recently leaving a long-time employer she is excited to begin working with the team at A. Fassano & Company.

"I am passionate about travel, wine tastings, gardening, and my puppy, Piper!"

Savannah Brown, CEM - Exhibits & Event Operations, joins AFCo with 10+ years experience in tradeshow and arts management in the for-profit and non-profit spaces, focusing on building innovative experiences for all stakeholders. She crafts excellent tradeshows, conferences, and networking events with meticulous attention to detail, bringing curiosity and a “yes and” attitude to every project. Her background in stage management coupled with extensive knowledge of B2B event operations blends art and KPIs to create events that exceed expectations. She enjoys learning from her peers and working to find innovative solutions to cutting-edge event experiences.

"I am passionate about connecting communities to fresh produce through local farmers markets. I keep active with yoga and cycling while listening to musical theatre and I spend my weekends with my fiancee and our 2 dogs exploring Colorado."

Lori Poole - Exhibits & Event Operations, is an accomplished event and tradeshow professional with 20+ years of experience in all facets of the industry for both non-profit and corporate entities. She works to design events that are a fusion of tradition and innovation, crafting moments that leave a lasting impression. Her unique industry perspective allows her to see the big picture while effortlessly pulling together the thousands of small details that go into producing an event and surpassing expectations while maintaining a sense of humor.

"I am passionate about helping animals and exploring beaches with my husband."

Alicia Fresquez, CEM - Exhibits & Event Operations, brings more than 12 years of experience coordinating tradeshows, conferences, and special events. She enjoys applying her creativity, leadership abilities, and communication skills to interesting and exciting projects. With a proven track record of managing large-scale events with great success, Alicia thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys challenges, and building relationships.

"I am passionate about hiking, glamping, yoga, traveling, paddle boarding, concerts, spending time with family and friends, and taking my Pug Boston Terrier, Chuck, on adventures."

Merle Zappan - Business Development is celebrating her thirteenth anniversary with the company after joining the company in 2009, leads our sales and solicitation team making the initial contact with new prospects, assisting in identifying the correct decision-maker within the company, and passing on to the lead business development specialist for high-touch relationship building. Merle also leads the exhibit and sponsorship sales effort for one of our largest clients.

"I am passionate about spending time with my granddaughters, making memories, watching them grow!"

Daniel Yu – Event Marketing Development & Design has worked with A. Fassano & Company since 2018, beginning as Marketing & Media Communications Associate and rising quickly through the ranks due to his acumen with digital communications and his ability to concisely interpret marketing messaging into the latest digital delivery opportunities. His coding expertise allows for greater application on web pages and within promotional email html writing. His digital analytic skills have helped the company improve SEO almost thirty percent since joining us.

"I am passionate about traveling and spending quality time with my family & friends!"

Dana Olson - Business Development, is upbeat and driven, and she brings a wide range of experience to A. Fassano & Company. The past 5 years were spent in the medical device industry; Dana was responsible for many roles, including planning convention exhibitions. Prior, she spent 10 years in sales working for 2 large convention centers in Association Business. Her goal is to provide an exceptional experience to every exhibitor and form lasting relationships. The best part of an event is seeing everything (and everyone!) come together. Dana goes above and beyond to ensure customers and attendees alike find each event memorable and impactful.

"I am passionate about bringing people together - friends, family, and of course our pups! I enjoy spending time at the the lake, cooking, traveling, and pretty much anything that involves my sweet rescue, Gremmie."

Jillian Terrio, MBA - Business Development, is a dynamic, results-driven client service professional with over a decade of experience in live event and exhibition sales, project management, and strategic marketing. In recent years, she has partnered with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to develop and manage comprehensive global and domestic marketing plans that drive engagement and impact.

She delivers strategic solutions that enhance client experiences and ensure seamless execution. With expertise in client relations and a dedication to exceptional service, she builds strong partnerships and tailors solutions to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. A collaborative problem-solver, Jillian continuously seeks opportunities to elevate client initiatives and foster meaningful connections between brands and their audiences.

"I am passionate about adding value wherever I go, and my personal motto is, 'Leave something better than you found it.' As a yoga and Pilates instructor, I love challenging and empowering others to improve both physically and mentally, helping them build strength and resilience."

Taylor St.Martin, CDMP - Event Marketing Content Producer resides in San Diego, California. After graduating from San Diego State University, Taylor began her professional career as a Marketing Coordinator for a local medical device manufacturing company, also attaining her Certified Digital Marketing Professional certification in 2023. She brings previous experience in event coordination for large-scale industry trade shows and educational webinars. She is very passionate about events and marketing and brings a variety of skills to A. Fassano & Company such as great attention to detail, organization, and enthusiasm for exceptional customer service.

"I am passionate about spending time with family & friends, traveling, and baking!"

Aly LeNoble - Editorial & Content Strategist brings over a decade of experience in event marketing, brand storytelling, and cross-functional campaign strategy, with a diverse background spanning B2B tradeshows, the ag-tech and biomedical sectors, nonprofits, and the music industry. Before joining AFCo, she led national product launches and exhibitor activations for a science and technology manufacturing company focused on agricultural innovation and public health. She previously worked for a leading B2B conference and tradeshow producer, supporting marketing strategy and leading association partnerships. Having been both an organizer and an exhibitor, Aly brings a 360-degree perspective to events, blending creative direction with operational precision. She sees events as living stories designed to ignite curiosity, inspire connection, and create lasting impact.

"I am passionate about cooking, live music, sports, and hosting game nights with friends and family. I'm endlessly curious and love learning—especially through documentaries about science and history!"

Heidi O'Hara – Business Development joined the company in 2018. Before coming to AFCo, Heidi was Sales Manager at Key Publishing Group for two and a half years where she handled exhibit, sponsorship and advertising sales for the International Make-Up Artists Tradeshows. She graduated with a degree in Psychology from California State University Northridge California.

"I am passionate about skiing!"

Megan Haynes, CEM – Director of Sponsorships delivers a versatile skill set of experience in sponsorship development and fulfillment, exhibits and event management, and superior operational logistics knowledge. Before coming to work at A. Fassano & Company, Megan was a Sponsorship Manager for over 5 years at Informa, managing New Hope Network’s lifestyle portfolio, and prior to that she worked at Vail Resorts and a Denver, CO based DMC gaining experience in the event industry and has also earned her Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation. Megan is very passionate about the events industry and providing creative and valuable sponsorship solutions with superior customer service.

"I am passionate about spending time with my daughter and my family, reading, and traveling as much as I can!"

Susan Waters, CEM – Business Development joined the company in 2019 bringing 12 years of tradeshow sales and management experience in the roles of Exhibit Manager and Tradeshow Director, working with both medical and trade associations. Sue also leverages over 13 years of hospitality sales and event experience in the roles of Sales Manager and Director of Sales. Sue has brought her extensive knowledge and passion for sales and relationship building successfully to AFCo’s clients.

"I am passionate about traveling – I love experiencing new countries and cultures."

Sue Graf - Business Development, has over 25 years of experience in large-scale trade shows, conferences, corporate and professional sporting events, and nonprofit organizations. Sue brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. She has worked on the client, agency, and association sides, honing her strategic skills and approach to sales and marketing while building critical relationships. Sue has a proven track record of success.

Most recently, Sue managed exhibit and sponsorship sales for two large legal associations, the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) series of events, the Annual Conference & Expo, and the American Association of Law Libraries Annual Meeting and Conference.

Her client service to her associations and their 200+ exhibiting companies is unmatched. She consistently delivers results and grows revenue while using her exceptional organizational skills to keep on top of details. She is a Dale Carnegie instructor and uses these techniques to win friends and influence people.

"I am passionate about sailing, yoga, and spending time with my son and my 8-year-old Maltese Shih Tzu."