The San Diego Chapter, established in 1990 by co-founding President Annie Revel, CSEP (Founder & Director at Revel Productions) and co-founding member Pat Pfohl (Director of Event Sales at USS Midway), has a long-standing legacy of empowering event professionals through industry-related education, professional development, and meaningful business growth opportunities.

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In June 2026, the chapter proudly evolved into ILEA Southern California, expanding its reach to unite event professionals throughout the region, including both San Diego and Los Angeles. This transition was made possible through the vision, leadership, and dedication of Dave Merrell, whose efforts helped bring the two communities together to create a stronger, more connected ILEA presence across Southern California.

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ILEA Southern California continues the chapter’s mission of elevating the events industry by providing members with opportunities to grow their skills, build valuable relationships, and strengthen their strategic impact through education, networking, and professional development.

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The chapter is led by a member-elected Board of Directors, who serve as representatives of the membership and report directly to ILEA International. Board positions are held on a volunteer basis, with elections taking place annually for one- or two-year terms. In addition to board leadership, committees provide members with opportunities to contribute, expand their professional network, and gain leadership experience. Committee involvement varies based on time commitment and areas of interest, offering multiple pathways for engagement and future board involvement.