Working on both the client and agency side with brands like Intel, Walmart, Chase, Dunkin’ Brands, National Association of Broadcasters, NACS and Prudential, Gary really understands what it takes to deliver a program on time, on budget and on message.

Gary’s been able to move the conversation beyond gear, using his unique insight into combining strategy, creative and his production knowledge, to create fully-integrated audience experiences. You can contact Gary here: GWokas (at) L5.theexpogroup.com

With over 25 years of experience in event strategy and program design, Sarah creates long-term strategies that move audiences to deeper engagement. In addition to serving clients in industries as varied as corporate, national defense, and the professional sports fan experience, she has developed a nationally renowned university practice. Sarah has helped both public and private institutions realize the full potential of such milestone events as campaign launches, regional tours, centennial and sesquicentennial celebrations, and campus visit experiences.

Sarah co-founded Educe with JoAnn Peroutka in 2013 to focus on higher education. She has been published in national and regional press, has been a frequent speaker at professional association conferences, and has been recognized for her work by both PRSA and CASE. She is a graduate of Loyola University Maryland and achieved the rank of Certified Special Events Professional. Sarah chaired the 2017 CASE National Conference on Special Events and served on the 2014 CASE Summit Advisory Team.  She has recently completed her term on the CASE Industry Advisory Council and the board of Business Volunteers Maryland. You can contact Sarah here: SWinkler (at) L5.theexpogroup.com

Specializing in creative strategy and communications, JoAnn focuses on helping clients understand their most important audiences and how to engage with them successfully. She brings more than 25 years of experience as an expert in marketing for such diverse industries as commercial banking, sports marketing, and higher education. JoAnn has written for industry and institutional publications alike and has presented at conferences for the Public Relations Society of America, CASE, and the American Marketing Association.

She co-founded Educe with Sarah Winkler in 2013 to assist colleges and universities in creating long-view event strategies that are authentic, intentional, and effective. JoAnn holds a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, graduated from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College), and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She volunteers her time for initiatives focused on animal welfare and community health and wellness. She is an associate trustee on the board of Sheppard-Pratt Health Systems. You can contact JoAnn here: JPeroutka (at) L5.theexpogroup.com

Michael Preston, EVP, National Accounts, has dedicated his 20+ years in the communications industry to digging deeper and truly understanding the critical issues facing his clients. A passionate advocate for the power of face-to-face engagements, Michael has applied his background in journalism and media production to helping create successful engagement solutions for Sprint, Hospira and JP Morgan Chase in the corporate space.

Most recently, Michael helped guide The University of Chicago’s $4.5B capital campaign launch and the University of Washington’s $5B comprehensive campaign launch, and is currently partnering with the University of Florida on the public launch of their campaign scheduled for October 2017.

When not on the road with his clients, Michael and his family- wife Kim, sons Koby and Joe, and daughter Emma, love to tour baseball stadiums around the country. You can contact Michael here: MPreston (at) L5.theexpogroup.com