Meetings & Education
SHANNON M. WATSON, CMP, CAE - DIRECTOR OF MEETINGS & EDUCATION
Shannon is responsible for all conception, strategy, planning and implementation of SEIA's events and events in which SEIA participates. Shannon has worked in hospitality for 15 years, in restaurants, hotels and catering businesses. She worked for the Association of Fundraising Professionals from 1998-2007, and recently joined SEIA as its Director of Conferences and Expositions. Ms. Watson graduated from the University of Richmond with a degree in English and Speech Communication, and she graduated with high honors from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. She has been a Certified Meeting Professional since 2001, and achieved the credential of Certified Association Executive in 2010. She served as co-chair of the Association of Meeting Professionals in 2003-2004 and served as chair of the Meetings and Expositions Council for the American Society of Association Executives from 2006-2007.
In her spare time, she enjoys poker tournaments, running, reading and family gatherings.
CARLOS PELHAM, CMP - MEETINGS MANAGER
Carlos has been in the meetings industry for over ten years working with organizations such as the Food Marketing Institute, American Association for Clinical Chemistry and the American Society for Microbiology. He has assisted in planning annual conventions and educational meetings ranging in size from 10 to 30,000+ attendees. Carlos received a BA in Communications from Virginia Tech. He also served as the 2009-2010 Chapter President for the Meeting Professionals International Potomac Chapter, which represents over 1100+ meeting professionals in the Washington D.C. area.
LEAH BERNICK - MEETINGS & EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Leah supports SEIA's goals through facilitating educational and networking opportunities for members and stakeholders. She holds a B.A. in English and Drama from the University of Virginia, where she became interested in planning and coordinating special events through her work with several University organizations, the Offices of Major Events and Development, and the Alumni Association. She is currently pursuing her Master of Tourism Administration at the George Washington University School of Business with a concentration in Event and Meeting Management. She has published research on Festivals and Event Psychology, and was the recipient of the International Association of Conference Centers' Industry Award in 2011. Prior to joining SEIA, Leah worked with the International Association of Dental Research and for Crestline Hotels and Resorts. She also spent several years working onstage in professional musical theatre, which is a hobby she still pursues passionately. Leah is a member of the Professional Convention Management Association and the International Special Events Society.
During her infrequent spare time, Leah enjoys hiking, writing children's books, baking cookies, and continuing in her goal of visiting all of the National Parks in the US and Canada.
