Zone 5 Meeting - Welcome

David Grindle is an accomplished association executive with more than a decade of leadership in national and global associations.

From growing up on a dairy farm in the mountains of Georgia, his career has taken him through professional stage management to university instructor to association management.

In his tenure as an association executive, he has focused on providing increased benefits to highlight the return on investment of membership in organizations. He led the growth of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology’s Stage Expo by more than 50% and created hands-on learning environments that engaged attendees with exhibitor products while learning from industry professionals.

He is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and community building. He has worked to build partnerships with other associations as well as engaging in student outreach to begin highlighting career opportunities to high school and junior high students.

He has spoken across the US, Europe, Asia, and Oceania as well as before government commissions and committees. He served on the Opera America Production Committee and the advisory boards for Syracuse STEAM School, Shepard Exposition Services, Louisville CVB, and Visit Salt Lake.

Grindle is a Fulbright Specialist with the US Department of State, received the 2014 Show Manager of the Year Award from The Expo Group and Trade Show News Network, and the 2015 Berry College Alumni Association Distinguished Achievement Medal.

He holds the Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives.

He and his wife Julie reside in Baldwinsville, New York where they are active in church and community activities.

Ken Karns, CFE – Chief Operating Officer

OC Fair & Event Center

Ken was introduced to the Fair/Multi-Purpose Event Center industry at the Western Fair Association around 34 years ago. He has held a number of different positions from Projects and Facilities Manager, Events and Facilities Manager, Property Services Manager, Director of Operations, Director of Facility Development and Vice President – Operations.

Ken’s post-secondary, Business/Facility Management and Technical education was completed in London Ontario at Fanshawe College.

Always maintaining his passion for the development of the industry, Ken accepted a position as Chief Operating Office at the OC Fair and Event Centre in Costa Mesa California back in January of 2016.

Ken currently overseas the Fair, Master Site Planning and Capital Projects, Security & Safety, Event Operations, Facility Operations, and Production.

Ken is currently serving on the Executive of the IAFE Board of Directors as Chairman of the Board.

Over his career he has served on several other Boards and Committees with IAFE, CAFÉ, TSSA, ASHRAE, IAPA, WSPS, and also on the Executive of the City of Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.