Michelle Kelly

Michelle Kelly is a spirited and savvy marketer with incomparable passion for her work and knowledge of the trade show industry. She has spent most of her 19 year career responsible for the development and execution of strategic marketing, direct mail, sales and public relations campaigns for multiple clients in the tradeshow and technology sectors, emphasizing branding, tactical development, audience research, international outreach, new product launches and cooperative partnerships.

Serving as senior director of convention marketing for the National Association of Broadcasters (1999-2004), Michelle was responsible for the strategic development and direction of convention marketing campaigns and business development programs for the nation’s third largest convention representing the radio, television and video and film industries. Using her marketing talent to the best advantage of the show, the NAB broke their attendance record in her first year on staff and doubled paid attendance. Michelle directed all tradeshow related creative and theme development, strategic planning and audience development, brand management, customer research and focus groups, collateral development, direct mail and print production, advertising, interactive and international promotions, media relations, tradeshow marketing and booth design, list management, cooperative marketing programs, as well as budget responsibility for these areas. Also during that time she supervised a staff of four marketing professionals and served as liaison on 25-person convention planning committee. 

After leaving NAB, Michelle continued her relationship with the organization, supporting marketing efforts for their premier show brand as a consultant. Also, while consulting Michelle has been retained to strategize and execute strategic marketing and partner programs for Telexpo, a Brazilian-based telecom event and a security industry tradeshow sponsored by ASIS International as well as Hawaii based companies Showcase International, Hawaii Dental Association and Joint Spouses’ Conference sponsored by the U.S. Air Force.

Michelle started her career at the Personal Communications Industry Association in Alexandria, Virginia, where she developed and managed direct marketing and advertising campaigns for their annual convention and also launched new conventions in Asia and Latin America. Her efforts grew attendance from 2,500 to 25,000 in four years.  

Later she also served as senior account representative for largest telecommunications event in the U.S. with a $3M budget.