Ken Thornton, Owner
Ken is a hands-on leader and innovator in the event industry. Ken and his wife Linda built FFE Texas from the ground up by continually raising the bar in providing amazing events, trade shows and steadfast adherence to customer service. Ken provides face-to-face marketing for FFE Texas and believes in relationship building and community involvement. Ken sits on the Advisory Board of Global Events Partners, the Board of the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau as well as the Board of Directors of International Special Events Society Dallas Chapter. Combining his creative vision with his vast array of props and theme décor, Ken has helped to showcase the Metroplex and attract visitors and large groups to bring their business to our city.  Ken leads the FFE Texas team to provide one of a kind, award winning service with his down to earth, no-nonsense approach to perfection for all clients.

Chad Thornton, General Manager
Chad has been part of the FFE Texas team since its inception over 25 years ago working side by side with Ken and Linda to make the company what it is today. Chad has been an integral part of developing the FFE Texas culture where customer service is our number one priority. After 15 years of working as warehouse manager Chad is now FFE Texas’ General Manager. His goal is to ensure our entire staff is constantly qualified and prepared to provide our clients with the best possible product and services now and for many years to come.

Jeremy has been involved in the exhibition/special events industry for ten years, three of them being an exhibitor and the other seven split between show management and as a general services contractor. He takes his knowledge of all those facets of the industry and uses it to help clients produce the best events possible. Jeremy currently sits on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events Dallas Chapter.

Vanessa Thornton, Resources Director
Vanessa has been the Resource Director for FFE Texas for over nine years. She manages all of FFE Texas' financial and human resources, including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, human resources and healthcare benefits programs. Vanessa ensures each client's invoices are accurate and all the clients' needs are met.  

Jason Sims, Creative Sales Director
Jason has worked in the event industry for over twenty years. He has been with FFE Texas for 17 years, serving in a variety of roles from production to sales, to his current position as Creative Sales Director. Jason knows FFE Texas’ vast resources inside and out. He has extensive knowledge of area hotels, convention centers and local venues. Jason’s talent and strong industry ties have made him a leader in the event industry. His talent for design, love of events and rock solid management skills help you create a custom imagined event that is not only on time and  on budget.

Laura Hallock, CTA  Regional Director of Operations
With over 20 years in the destination management, hospitality and special event industry, Laura utilizes her extensive meeting management and hospitably background to provide strong management, sales, marketing and operational direction to our FFE Texas Destination Management Division.  Laura’s extensive back ground in meeting management, food and beverage and operations creates a unique but focused meeting experience for FFE Texas planner clients.  Laura is a CTA and is also TABC certified. 

Doug Chase joined the FFE Texas/SES team in 2002 after spending 11 years with Yellow Rose Touring Company as Director of Special Events.  With a degree in Art from North Texas University, Doug is not only a great manager but a key contributor to artistic concepts and design.

Lisa Buchanan, CTA, SR. Account Manager,
With a BA in Communications and Political Science from University of Arkansas, Lisa’s talents drew her to the meeting and event field. Lisa has produced programs and special events for groups ranging from 5 to 25,000 participants. She is a Certified Tourism Ambassador and has over twenty years of experience ranging from venue rentals, event management, to DMC expertise.  She has worked on a vast variety of programs over the years which include the Olympics, Super Bows, NCAA Final Four, pharmaceutical drug launches and incentive programs. Lisa has extensive knowledge of local venues, vendors and will assist you in creating a unique and memorable event.  Lisa will use her transportation expertise from manifest management to city wide shuttles to ensure your guests’ experience is flawless.

Jeremy Cox, SES Account Manager
A ten year veteran of the exhibition and special event industry, Jeremy has extensive show management and general services contractor experience. Knowledge, dedication and hands-on experience assist clients in producing events that have a WOW factor. Jeremy formerly sat  on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Exhibits and Events (IAEE) Dallas Chapter.

Janet Weiss, South Texas Director of Operations
Janet, a San Antonio native, has been in the hospitality and travel industry for over 20 years. She began her career in the airline industry working for some of the largest carriers in the country including Braniff, Continental and American Airlines, giving her extensive insight into client’s and participant’s travel experiences. In 1995, Janet moved to the meeting, events and transportation side of the industry joining at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center specializing in on premise and off-site catering. She will bring her attention to detail, vast client relations and multifaceted expertise to every aspect of your program to ensure make it a success. 

Oscar Lopez, Graphic Design Specialist
Oscar graduated with a BA in Architecture and Construction from Mexico City University in 1995.He has twenty years of International Exhibit and Trade Show experience, spending the first 15 years based out of Mexico and the last 5 years in the United States. Oscar began his career as an Exhibit Designer for Mundi Display creating hand drawn designs; he now uses the latest technology to create. At FFE Texas Oscar executes 2D floor plans, 3D sceneries bringing your event to life before it ever hits the show floor. He also designs the overall look and feel for trade shows and exhibits and can create custom graphics for your events. Oscar also oversees all FFE Texas’ web based media programs. 

Norell Liddell, DMC assistant 
Norell is the newest acquisition to the Destination Management team at FFE Texas  with over six years experience in hospitality, tourism, brand experiential events and event operations. With a background in theatre and a penchant for the flawless “audience” experience, Norell thrives on pulling together all of the moving parts and the right people to put on a good show. Always on the lookout for the next hot spot, Norell stays current researching venues, entertainers, musicians and restaurants. Norell loves working in destination management which allows her to work in an unlimited number of venues and industries where she can promote her new home in North Texas.

Shelley Reitz, Event Coordinator
Shelley Reitz attended Boise State University, graduating with a BA in Political Science. After a move to North Texas three years ago; Shelley joined FFE Texas as an Event Coordinator. She assists the FFE Texas Team with ideas and creative input, prepares proposals, and consolidates information to provide seamless execution of event operation and production ensuring the client's needs are met.

Michael Odagis, Director of Trade Show Services

Recognized for creating solutions for his clients, Michael offers a unique blend of business acumen, creativity, and a reputation for results.  He incorporates a modern creative style that uniquely brands each client’s event.  With fifteen years of experience planning and producing trade shows and special events, he has served as the primary Sales and Account Executive on events up to 1,000,000 net square feet and has worked in every major market in the United States.  His clients have included major league sports and industry leading corporations.