Management Team
President & CEO
Mr. Bludworth oversees all executive management of Fern, including: strategy, sales, customer service, and operations. Mr. Bludworth is a very active executive, often found visiting showsite and participating in client meetings. Mr. Bludworth's career in the exposition industry began in 1992 with Modern Exposition Services where he filled numerous executive positions, including Executive Vice President and Managing Director. Mr. Bludworth was also an executive at GES in Las Vegas, where he managed the National Corporate Events Group and oversaw Las Vegas trade show sales. Mr. Bludworth is very active in the exhibition industry; he is a past president and board member of the Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA), a board member of the International Center for Exhibitor and Event Marketing (ICEEM), and a council member of the Convention Industry Council (CIC). Mr. Bludworth is an emeritus member of the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business Alumni Board of Directors.
Executive Vice President
Mr. Cox's responsibilities include: labor relations, client retention, business development, and numerous special projects and initiatives. Mr. Cox began his career with the George Fern Company in 1980. Prior to his current position, Mr. Cox served in operations and as an Account Executive, Branch General Manager, Vice President of Sales, and Executive General Manager. During his tenure Mr. Cox has led the successful integration of six companies Fern acquired, including: Moore Display, C.E. South, Browder Convention Services, Expo Services, and Hubbell Tyner (Kansas City). Mr. Cox is a long–time member of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA).
Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Barclay is responsible for all finance, accounting, and IT functions for Fern. Mr. Barclay has 20 years of financial management experience. Prior to joining Fern in 2006, Mr. Barclay spent 11 years with Harris Corporation, a $5 billion multinational communications technology company, in several positions including Director of Financial Planning and Analysis and Product Line Director. Mr. Barclay holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University and an MBA from the University of South Florida.
Vice President, National Sales
Ms. Pannell oversees Fern's National Sales Group and manages numerous key account relationships. Ms. Pannell's career spans 30 years, most of which were in sales positions at Hubbell Tyner prior to its acquisition by Fern in 2001. Ms. Pannell's career has included various positions, including: Exhibitor Service Representative, Account Executive, and Vice President of Sales. Ms. Pannell is active in various industry associations as well as numerous local CVBs and other industry groups.
Director of Exhibitor Sales and Service
Mr. Detrick's responsibilities include management of all exhibitor sales and service programs, including customer service and product development. Before joining Fern, Mr. Detrick was the Exhibitor Marketing Manager at GES, where he was instrumental in developing and growing their exhibitor marketing department. Mr. Detrick was also with Citi Group as a Global Marketing & Customer Service Strategist, responsible for creating and deploying marketing programs to customer care teams. Mr. Detrick holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration (MIS) from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
