Matthew Wales
Vice President, Event Services
Professional Overview
Matthew Wales is an experienced events and member services professional with a proven track record of driving organizational growth and engagement. As the Vice President of Event Services at the American Trucking Associations, he leverages his expertise in strategic event planning, stakeholder management, and revenue optimization to deliver impactful industry-leading programs.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Vice President of Event Services at the American Trucking Associations, Matthew is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and evaluation of all association events, including the annual Management Conference & Exhibition, regional conferences, and specialized workshops. He collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the delivery of exceptional participant experiences that drive member satisfaction and foster industry connections.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Matthew served as the Vice President of Member Services & Events at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), where he led the strategic transformation of the organization's event portfolio, resulting in a 25% increase in attendance and a 15% growth in non-dues revenue. He also held previous roles at AACTE as the Senior Director and Director of Meetings, Events, and Special Projects, managing all aspects of the association's conference and event operations.
Earlier in his career, Matthew gained valuable experience in marketing, membership, and research roles at organizations such as the Educational Research Service, where he developed a deep understanding of the education sector and the needs of professional associations.
Academic Background
Matthew holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia, with a focus on communications and marketing.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic event planning and execution
- Stakeholder management and relationship building
- Revenue generation and optimization
- Membership engagement and retention
- Association management and operations
- Project management and team leadership
Professional Impact
Under Matthew's leadership, the American Trucking Associations' flagship event, the Management Conference & Exhibition, has consistently achieved high levels of participant satisfaction and exceeded revenue targets by 12% on average. Additionally, he has spearheaded the introduction of innovative event formats and digital experiences, enhancing the organization's reach and engagement with its members.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience in the association industry and a proven ability to drive growth and member satisfaction, Matthew Wales is well-positioned to continue making a significant impact in his role as the Vice President of Event Services at the American Trucking Associations. His strategic vision, strong leadership skills, and dedication to delivering exceptional event experiences make him a valuable asset to the organization and the broader industry.
