Thomas will manage the exhibitor experience.

Fairfax, Va. – Rachel Thomas has joined the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) as the new Director of Exhibit Services, overseeing the SGIA Expo and upcoming PRINTING United trade show floors and managing exhibitors’ experiences.

“We are excited to have Rachel join our department. She has worked on a wide variety of events and her years of experience gives her the skills to help improve our shows in the years to come,” said Lexy Olisko, Vice President of Expositions, SGIA.

Thomas will handle communication and coordination related to the 2018 SGIA Expo — both prior to and during events — to make the show more engaging for both exhibitors and attendees.

In 2019, the SGIA Expo will transition to PRINTING United, a brand-new trade show focused on the opportunities in convergence of the printing industry.

“I am excited to join SGIA at such a pivotal moment for the association and the printing industry. Printing touches so many facets of our lives and I look forward to learning more about this diverse industry,” said Thomas

Thomas brings extensive event planning experience to SGIA. Most recently, she was the Manager of Exhibits for the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) where she managed three trade shows, including NBAA-BACE, one of the 10 largest trade shows in the United States.

In an earlier role as an Account Manager with Hargrove Inc., Thomas worked on numerous special events, trade shows and custom exhibits including The Democratic National Convention, the NATO 2012 Summit, TEDx Women’s Conference and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council National Convention.