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Brian Pagel - Chief Revenue Officer

Brian is an advocate for the power of live events and the critical role they play in helping forward-thinking brands achieve their go-to-market objectives. A trade show industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience, he has produced more than 300 events across a wide range of industries, consistently delivering meaningful business outcomes for exhibitors, attendees, and stakeholders.

As SEMA's Chief Revenue Officer, Brian supports the association's marketing, sales, membership, events and revenue management functions. He also helps develop and implement multi-year strategies, support membership growth and retention, and align member engagement and business-development efforts with SEMA's broader organizational goals.

Throughout his career, Brian has built and led high-performing teams while successfully launching, transforming, and acquiring some of the industry's leading B2B events. Following the Great Recession, he partnered closely with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) to champion the strategic co-location of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the International Builders' Show (IBS), creating Design & Construction Week, now one of the world's largest events serving the design and construction industries.

Brian earned a bachelor's degree in organizational communications from the University of Kansas. He is an active leader within the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), serving as its 2026 chairman, and is a frequent industry speaker, blogger, and guest columnist.

Originally from Littleton, Colorado, Brian now lives and works in Alpharetta, Georgia.

 

 

Press Release Article
SEMA BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS EXPANDS TO MOTORCYCLES WITH NEW BIKE BUILDER SHOOTOUT -- New competition category celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship of custom motorcycle builders -- DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2026) – SEMA has officially opened entries for the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders...
Council or Network Update
The newly elected members are Eddy Cebreco of Auto Metal Direct, Tim Foss of In the Garage Media, Inc. and Tim Palazzolo of GAP Industries, Inc. They are joined by returning select committee member Don Young of Auto Custom Carpets.
Council or Network Update
Recognition plays an important role in preserving and advancing the hot rod industry. That’s why each year, the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Awards Program honors companies and individuals whose craftsmanship, leadership and service help drive the industry forward. Nominations are open now until...
Council or Network Update
The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is bringing members together for a Happy Hour during the Triple Crown of Rodding at Nashville Superspeedway on Friday, Sept. 11, at 4:00 p.m. All members are invited to stop by the Bowler Transmissions trailer to grab a drink, catch up with fellow HRIA...
Council or Network Update
By Jeff Grantmeyer, HRIA Chair In July, SEMA Council & Network volunteer leadership, SEMA staff and the SEMA Board of Directors converged at the Council & Network Leadership Summit in Newport Beach, Calif. for two days of industry discussions, teambuilding and networking. It was a fantastic...
Council or Network Update
SEMA’s Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) has named Blue Collar Muscle Rods & Custom as the council's newest spotlight member. Get to know the company’s story in the SEMA News interview with Blue Collar Muscle Rod & Custom’s owner Eric Leroy below.   SEMA News: Tell us the story of your business. How...
Council or Network Update
The SEMA Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) is proud to welcome its newest members! We are glad you are here and look forward to collaborating with you as part of the council. A&A Restorations Burnyzz CarAggio Autosports Invictus Custom Garage Street Rod Factory