AEM President Megan Tanel joined the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) in 1995, becoming Senior Vice President of Exhibitions and Events in 2016, Senior Vice President for Construction Equipment and Utility Sector in 2020, and her current role in 2022. In her Exhibitions and Events Role, Tanel helped launch World of Asphalt in 2001, served as Show Director for The Utility Expo (formerly ICUEE), and served as Show Director of North America’s largest trade show, CONEXPO-CON/AGG, growing overall trade show revenue 80% over 12 years.

As Senior Vice President of Construction Equipment and Utility Sector, Tanel served as liaison with construction-specific industry organizations, customer groups, and government agencies worldwide for construction and utility-related issues, as well as oversaw AEM efforts in workforce solutions.

Tanel currently serves as a member of the Milwaukee Women’s Leadership Group. She previously served as Chair, and Education Committee Chair, of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) in 2015, and served on customer advisory boards for the cities of Las Vegas, Louisville, Ky., and Orlando, Fla.

The IAEE recognized Tanel with both their Woman of Achievement Awards and Distinguished Service Award in 2017.

Tanel holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications, PR, Speech, and German from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and a Certificate in Exhibition Management from IAEE. Tanel enjoys spending time with her husband, four daughters, and two dogs, a St. Bernard and an English Bulldog.