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News & Press

Shepard welcomes Jay Blakenship as new senior vice president of sales to drive strategic growth

June 27, 2024 Shepard

Atlanta, GA – Shepard, an industry-leading event production company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jay Blankenship as Senior Vice President of Sales. With more than 20 years of expertise in events, media, and sponsorships, including his most recent role at MCI, a global engagement and marketing agency, Blankenship brings a wealth of strategic industry insight and valuable sales leadership experience to this key position.  

In his new role, Blankenship will focus on developing innovative strategies that deliver results for Shepard’s diverse client base. His expertise in driving growth, elevating client experiences, and fostering talent will be instrumental in empowering both customers and teams to thrive in the dynamic events landscape. 

Blankenship shared his excitement, stating, “I’m honored to join Shepard and be part of a team that prioritizes both client success and employee empowerment. I’m looking forward to collaborating with this talented group to help our clients grow, unlock fresh opportunities, and achieve shared success. Together, we’ll continue to elevate the Shepard experience for both our clients and team.” 

With proven success in understanding client needs and developing strategic solutions, Blankenship is well-positioned to drive Shepard’s continued success. His client-centric approach and business acumen align perfectly with Shepard’s commitment to innovation and service excellence in the industry. 

Frances Maestre, Executive Vice President at Shepard, welcomed Blankenship, stating: “Jay’s unique blend of experience supporting both association and corporate accounts across various facets, including events and sponsorship, brings a valuable perspective to our team. His approach to client partnerships aligns perfectly with our mission to innovate and deliver exceptional value. We’re excited to see how Jay’s insights will help drive Shepard and our clients forward.” 

This appointment reaffirms Shepard’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation within the events industry. Blankenship’s addition to the executive team positions Shepard to further enhance its services and create even more impactful event experiences for its clients.

  • event strategy
  • sales
Shepard

Shepard is a full-service event production company. We design, develop and manage trade shows, corporate and other events throughout the U.S.

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Further Reading

ATS Team gathered at SandBox LIVE 2024
Solutions Network

Exhibitor retention made easy: ATS strategies that drive rebookings

August 27, 2025 Shepard

If exhibitor retention isn’t on your radar, it should be. It’s the difference between an event that grows and one that stalls. Most events need at least 30% exhibitor retention just to maintain size. But first-time exhibitors often leave without the data or confidence to rebook. Exhibitor retention doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built by […]

Fortune exhibit booth at TSE
Exhibits, Thought Leadership

4 ways Shepard’s versatile exhibits team elevates your event game

March 13, 2024 Shepard

Shepard’s Exhibits consultants are more than just booth designers — they’re dedicated partners committed to making your event a brand-building investment.  

Shepard is a nationwide event production company with over a century of experience, specializing in corporate events, trade shows, and exhibits. As an employee-owned company, we deliver innovative solutions and personalized service, making us a trusted partner for impactful event experiences.

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