Team
NEXT Events
Michael Schneider
President/CEO, Northeast Sales
Michael Schneider is a hospitality industry connector and business leader. Michael founded the Boutique Design brand in 2005, which recently was a acquired for a second time by a publicly-traded company for $45M. As a serial entrepreneur, Michael has spent the last 15 years leveraging relationships and developing innovative ways for his clients to market their business. Now, Michael is looking forward to reinventing and transforming the hospitality interior design industry all over again. Michael enjoys fitness, flying planes, and hanging out in his upstate home with his wife, three sons, and rescue dog.
Leeza McKeown
COO
Leeza McKeown is a business strategist on a mission to build a happier, healthier, and greener world. Combining experience in management consulting, economics, and entrepreneurship, she now partners with leaders in the design, wellness, and sustainability industries to breathe life to their ventures. Leeza has led management consulting teams all over the world; co-founded two growing NYC-based startups; and completed over fifty strategy assessments that helped her clients unlock the full scope of their mission-driven impact while dramatically increasing their profits. Leeza holds a degree in Economics from the University of Chicago, is also a certified yoga instructor, and is a lover of art, nature, and travel. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband and their loving rescue pup.
Leeza McKeown
COO
Leeza McKeown is a business strategist on a mission build a happier, healthier, and greener world. Combining experience in management consulting, economics, and entrepreneurship, she now partners with leaders in the design, wellness, and sustainability industries to breathe life to their ventures. Leeza has led management consulting teams all over the world; co-founded two growing NYC-based startups; and completed over fifty strategy assessments that helped her clients unlock the full scope of their mission-driven impact while dramatically increasing their profits. Leeza holds a degree in Economics from the University of Chicago, is also a certified yoga instructor, and is a lover of art, nature, and travel. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband and their loving rescue pup.
Scott Rickles
Vice President, Southeast Sales
Scott Rickles started his advertising sales career straight out of college from Florida State University in 1978. He moved to Atlanta and began working in his father’s advertising rep firm Ray Rickles & Company which was established in Florida in 1952. Scott took over the family business when his father retired in 1988. Scott has experience in both trade and consumer publications for over 40 years! His expertise includes sales both print and all phases of digital marketing, and trade shows. He started in Hospitality in 2006 as the southeast sales manager for Boutique Design and their speed dating annual event, Hospitality Match. In 2009, Scott became a part of the sales team for BDNY, now is its 10th year. Scott believes in building relationships and still prides himself on face-to-face calls, and sales with a large dose of Southern hospitality.
Megan Baughman
Events Director
Megan Baughman is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in Meeting and Event Management. Megan is known for outstanding customer service, organizational, and time management. She focuses on building lasting, authentic relationships with clients, vendors, and industry partners while creating a successful event for all attendees. Good at wearing multiple hats, Megan is adept at responding quickly to changing circumstances, always maintaining an upbeat, can-do attitude. Megan enjoys camping, watching sports, volunteering at the animal shelter, and spending time with friends and family. She currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, 2 kids, and her dog and cat.
Megan Baughman
Events Director
Megan Baughman is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in Meeting and Event Management. Megan is known for outstanding customer service, organizational, and time management. She focuses on building lasting, authentic relationships with clients, vendors, and industry partners while creating a successful event for all attendees. Good at wearing multiple hats, Megan is adept at responding quickly to changing circumstances, always maintaining an upbeat, can-do attitude. Megan enjoys camping, watching sports, volunteering at the animal shelter, and spending time with friends and family. She currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, 2 kids, and her dog and cat.
Tracy-Leigh Mahan
Events Manager
Tracy-Leigh Mahan received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of San Diego, and her Master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has worked as an educator, counselor, realtor, event planner, and sales & marketing rep. She applies her experience in sales and marketing both in the real estate arena as well as the publishing /advertising / tradeshow arena. She utilizes her eye for real estate and contract negotiation in scouting out locations for events, securing venues, menu selection, consulting, and coordinating events. She successfully planned and executed NFASG summer camp and trade fair for individuals with disabilities, as well as the first BD18 awards dinner for the hospitality industry. She is excited to bring her experience, passion, and attention to detail to NEXT Events.
Allison Traylor
Events Manager
Allison has over 10 years of operations, marketing, and event experience. She spent 8 years operating her own retail business which allowed her to gain an in-depth understanding and appreciation of all aspects of business. As an operations manager she has been able to fine tune her ability to multitask while keeping a high level of organization and excellent customer service. She enjoys spending time with her kids, listening to music and a good audio book.
Tracy-Leigh Mahan
Events Manager
Tracy-Leigh Mahan received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of San Diego, and her Master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has worked as an educator, counselor, realtor, event planner, and sales & marketing rep. She applies her experience in sales and marketing both in the real estate arena as well as the publishing /advertising / tradeshow arena. She utilizes her eye for real estate and contract negotiation in scouting out locations for events, securing venues, menu selection, consulting, and coordinating events. She successfully planned and executed NFASG summer camp and trade fair for individuals with disabilities, as well as the first BD18 awards dinner for the hospitality industry. She is excited to bring her experience, passion, and attention to detail to NEXT Events.
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