ShowFest Event Innovators Conference 2026

Greg Fuson Director of Research & Community Engagement, TMP, FEP 25 YEARS LEADING DESTINATION RESEARCH 160+ DESTINATIONS Greg has been helping clients understand their market through research for more than 25 years. He has developed his skills in survey design and management for both quantitative and qualitative areas of research. He oversees survey design, group questionnaires and analysis; and has been part of the Chandlerthinks team since the beginning. Greg has managed studies for a number of national-branded clients, including a stint as the Director of Research for the Country Music Association. But his passion is in marketing research for places. Greg has worked with over 150 communities around the country. Greg is also deeply involved in helping cities determine the economic impact of festivals and events. Leading this effort for Chandlerthinks, he helps cities and organizers understand the value and importance in measuring and tracking those statistics.

Meteorologist Brad Panovich: Brad is a well-known and respected meteorologist who has been working for WCNC-TV in Charlotte since 2003. He is the chief meteorologist and hosted the weekly segment “Carolina Weather School” during COVID lockdowns. He is also an avid skier and snowboarder who provides weather forecasts for ski resorts across the southeast. Brad has a passion for weather and science education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from The Ohio State University. He is a certified broadcast meteorologist by the American Meteorological Society and a member of the National Weather Association. He has won several awards for his work, including two Emmys and The American Meteorological Society Broadcast Meteorologist of the year in 2017. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte in their Meteorology department. Brad Panovich is not only a meteorologist but also a social media influencer. He has over 425,000 followers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, where he posts daily weather updates, videos, live streams, and interactive Q&A sessions. He is known for his engaging and informative style, as well as his use of humor and emojis. He is also an advocate for environmental issues, such as climate change and renewable energy. Brad Panovich is a proud husband and father of two children. He enjoys spending time with his family, skiing, hiking, biking, and playing video games. He is also a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Carolina Panthers, and the Charlotte Hornets.

Robert Krumbine Chief Creative Officer & Senior Vice President of Events Email Robert As the Chief Creative Officer & Senior Vice President of Events, Robert Krumbine oversees the continuous animation and marketing of Charlotte’s Center City. His role involves orchestrating a variety of annual programs and events such as the Vision Awards, State of the Center City, Rail Trail Fest, Holidays in the City, and Victoria Yards. Robert and his team also manage several long-standing Uptown events, contributing significantly to the vibrant atmosphere of the Center City. Additionally, he serves as the Executive Director of Charlotte ArtsFest, Inc., a subsidiary of Charlotte Center City Partners, producing notable events like the award-winning Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade, CLT New Year’s Eve, and Charlotte SHOUT!, an annual arts festival. Before joining CCCP, Robert produced Charlotte Center CityFest, a national music festival featuring 5 stages and 70 bands over 3 days, for ARK Management and worked as a Senior Entertainment Producer at Paramount Parks, Inc. There, he managed major events such as Titanic the Movie on Tour, the 1997 AAU Junior Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies, and Star Trek World Tour in Düsseldorf, Germany. He also played a key role in the opening of Star Trek: The Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton. From 1990 to 1996, Robert ran his own company, Robert Krumbine Productions, Inc., creating and producing major public events including the original Speed Street, NCAA Final Four Street of Champions, and the grand openings of the Charlotte Convention Center and Bank of America Stadium. He collaborated with corporate clients to produce business theater, sales meetings, and product launches. Robert holds a Bachelor of Music Merchandising degree from the University of Miami. He lives in Charlotte with his wife, two married sons, and two grandchildren. He has served on the ASC advisory board, the May 20th Society, and is a founding member and past President of the Greater Charlotte Chapter of ILEA (formerly ISES).

Marlise Taylor has been Director of Tourism Research for Visit North Carolina (formerly the NC Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development) since 2005. Prior, she was Director of Tourism for Goldsboro (NC) from 2000-2005 and Tourism Research Analyst at the University of New Orleans from 1996-2000. In her current role, Marlise provides strategic direction and oversight of Visit NC’s research program and works closely with the entire team to implement initiatives that help guide marketing decisions to support tourism in NC. She is a past president and chairperson of the international Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA), board member from 2009 – 2015 and a past board member of Southeast Chapter of TTRA. Marlise received her MS (1996) & BS (1993) degrees from North Carolina State University, and was a recipient of the 2018 NCSU Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management Outstanding Alumna award.

Dr. Brianna S. Clark, Chair Department of Event and Hospitality Management at High Point University Dr. Brianna Clark joined High Point University in 2018 as an Assistant Professor of Event Management and was named Chair of the Event and Hospitality Management Department in 2024. She teaches cornerstone courses in the program—including event planning and evaluation, event operations, event administration, and senior seminar—and is dedicated to creating classrooms that are both rigorous and inspiring. By connecting students with university and community partners, she ensures that her courses go beyond theory to provide real-world experiences that prepare graduates to excel in the fast-paced, ever-evolving events industry. Her passion for student engagement extends outside the classroom as well. Dr. Clark serves as faculty advisor to Planning on Point, the department’s student organization, leading students to industry conferences and competitions across the country. In 2025, she traveled with students to the International Festival and Events Association Convention in Palm Springs, where they networked with some of the world’s leading festival organizers. She also brings global learning to her teaching, leading a Maymester course, Fairs and Festivals, in which students explored event practices across London, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Her goal is to make every academic and industry experience within the Event Management Program meaningful, memorable, and transformative for her students. Dr. Clark’s research focuses on advancing inclusive understandings of event and leisure experiences, as well as pedagogical innovation in event management education. She has published in leading journals such as the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Event Management, and Leisure Studies. In recognition of her expertise, Dr. Clark serves on the Editorial Board of Event Management and as an Associate Editor for SCHOLE: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education. Prior to joining HPU, Dr. Clark was an Assistant Professor of Sport and Recreation Management at Temple University (2011–2015), where she taught one of the institution’s first event management courses. She earned her Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Clemson University, with a specialization in community recreation, and holds both her M.A. and B.S. degrees in Sport Management from the University of Connecticut. Professionally, she has worked as a recreation and sport programmer and as an event planner for nonprofit organizations.

Stephanie McIntyre has been transforming events and building communities across North Carolina for decades. A proud native of the Tar Heel State, Stephanie brings an infectious energy and heartfelt passion to every project she touches. With over 22 years of experience leading the North Carolina Seafood Festival to award-winning success, she has a proven track record of turning events into vibrant, economic drivers that inspire connection and celebration. As the founder of Staircase Event & Sponsorship Consulting, Stephanie blends her expertise with her love of serving and helping others succeed. She’s passionate about empowering festivals and nonprofits to grow, thrive, and build lasting partnerships with sponsors. Her thoughtful, step-by-step approach ensures every detail is designed to elevate your event while creating meaningful experiences for attendees and stakeholders alike. An Award-Winning Certified Event Planner, Stephanie’s goal is simple: to make your event a success story—one step at a time.

Liz has worked in the marketing and advertising industry for over 25 years. From sports marketing to large scale concerts, to radio and TV, to launching brands, to digital and social media, she’s covered quite a bit! Her passion is helping local businesses grow by expanding their digital footprint and understanding all the tools at their fingertips in this social media world.

Charlie Fuller currently serves as Vice President of Alcohol Management, LLC. Charlie recently retired from the NC ABC Commission after 18 years of service. Charlie worked as an Information and Communication Specialist in the Education and Training Division and as a Compliance Office in the Audit Division. Charlie has trained thousands of employees and volunteers in responsible beverage service in North and South Carolina. Charlie has provided alcohol risk management consulting to colleges and universities throughout the state. Charlie was a frequent guest speaker at numerous associations on ABC laws and regulations.

Theresa started event planning in higher education as part of Student Activities, Admissions, Orientation and New Student Programs. After more than a decade of being on college campuses, she moved into community programming. Coordinating concerts, holiday celebrations, award events, Special Olympics, and other large scale public events. She volunteers as the director for the NC Whirligig Festival, the largest event held annually in historic downtown Wilson.

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