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In memoriam: Longtime AEM team member passes

In memoriam:

With deep sadness Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) shared the news that Senior Director of Contract and Vendor Management Michelle Sanford passed away on April 19 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Michelle started her career as a secretary in the exhibitions department in 1994 and quickly grew in her career to become an integral leader of the AEM exhibitions and operations team. She oversaw operations for AEM’s many trade shows, including CONEXPO-CON/AGG, The Utility Expo, AG Connect, and World of Asphalt. She travelled the globe to support international exhibitions in China, India, and Russia, among other places. Through her leadership, AEM has been able to advance our mission to create successful and effective opportunities to connect equipment manufacturers with agriculture and construction equipment end users.

AEM President Dennis Slater. Photo: Association of Equipment Manufacturers

“For more than 20 years, Michelle was a bright asset to the AEM team, and her infectious laugh and smile are profoundly missed,” said AEM President Dennis Slater. “A large part of AEM’s success in producing some of the largest trade shows in the world are due to Michelle’s tremendous management skills and leadership. We all have a heavy heart as we move forward without Michelle. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.”

Michelle was a long-time member of International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), earning her Certified Exhibition Manager (CEM) designation. She shared her love for exhibitions on numerous councils and committees within IAEE, including the education committee, the CEM oversight committee that wrote the curriculum on the contract management segment, and she also served as proxy for several other AEM staff looking to also receive the CEM designation. She served on the board of the Major American Trade Show Organization and led that group in its strategic planning. She was a member of the Advisory Group for the cities of Las Vegas and Orlando. She launched trade shows on behalf of AEM in China and Russia, and she supported many other domestic and international events.

Michelle enjoyed time with family and giving back to her community. She volunteered at many organizations but had the strongest connection with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin. Michelle served on their board and served as a direct volunteer.