Team

AE Ventures’ owner and president is John Galante. Prior to founding AE Ventures, Galante headed EH Publishing’s events division and contributed to the development of its publications, online media and new business ventures. At the conclusion of his tenure there, EH annually produced seven trade events, several awards programs and other special seminars, among them, the Electronic House Expos, named for four years to Trade Show Week’s prestigious Fastest 50 Growing Shows list and the Worship Facilities Conference & Expo, a 2007 honoree of the same. The business unit generated more than $7 million in revenue and $3 million in profit in his final year. Galante started his career at EH Publishing as editor-in-chief of its Custom Electronics Professional (CE Pro) magazine and in 2001 led the launch of TecHome Builder magazine as publisher/editor. Before joining EH, Galante was with the Consumer Electronics Association, where he handled membership, program development and event management duties for the Integrated Home Systems, Video and Accessories Divisions of the association. Galante also served the Security Industry Association as executive director and Reed Exhibition Companies in variety of event management, marketing and business development positions.

Galante spearheaded the founding of the Distributed Audio Alliance (now the Consumer Electronics Association’s Multi-Room Audio/Video Council), the Home Lighting Control Alliance and the Consortium for Electronic Systems Technician Training (now the Electronic Systems Industry Consortium). He is a director of the International Association for Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), chairs its Strategic Planning Committee and is a member of its Services Council Board and Education Committee. He is also a member of Convention Data Services’ Client Advisory Board, membership chair of the University of Illinois’ Greater Washington, DC Alumni Club and has served as member of the Orange County Convention Center’s Client Advisory Board and a director of the Consumer Electronics Association’s TechHome Division. In 2001, the Home Automation & Networking Association (now CEA TechHome) named Galante its industry leader of the year. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Rhetoric and Speech Communications from the University of Illinois-Urbana.

AE Ventures’ Vice President of Operations is Nancy Franco. Before joining AE Ventures, Nancy was with EH from 2001-2008, rising from coordinator to conference and special events manager and finally show director for both the award-winning Electronic House Expo and Electronic Security Expo. Before EH, Franco worked as exhibit manager for high tech Massachusetts-based firm and in exhibit services for large independent organizer, IDG. In 2009, she earned the designation of Certified Exhibition Manager from the International Association for Exhibitions and Events.

Jason Unger is Director of Digital & Editorial Services for AE Ventures, focusing on development of online media and editorial properties. His responsibilities include maintaining and growing e-media properties and managing communications, editorial programs and technology solutions. Jason, who graduated cum laude from Boston University with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, was previously the Website Publisher, CE Brands for EH Publishing, where he managed cepro.com and electronichouse.com.

Jillian Bateman is Marketing Manager for AE Ventures. Jillian is a graduate of both Carnegie Mellon University and Ithaca College. She holds a master’s degree in professional writing with a concentration in public relations, advertising and design. Prior to joining the AE Team Jillian coordinated accounts for KrÖme Communications, one of Pittsburgh’s top 10 billing agencies. At KrÖme, Jillian worked with global and local clients, planning and executing strategic messaging for varying industries.


Jessica DaCosta is Account Executive, Security for AE Ventures, focusing on sales for the Electronic Security Expo (ESX) and the ESI Forum events. Jessica started her career at AE Ventures as an Operations Coordinator in 2008 focusing on event operations as well as exhibitor and attendee relations. She is a 2008 graduate of Bentley University, and holds her A.S. Degree in Business Administration and B.S. Degree in Marketing. Prior to joining AE Ventures, Jessica worked as an intern in the Marketing & Communications department at a leading financial and advisory firm, TowerGroup.

Hayley Zimmer is Audience and Program Development Specialist for AE Ventures. Born and raised in Mansfield, MA, Hayley attended Champlain College in Burlington, VT and also the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth where she earned her BS Degree in Marketing. At the University she designed and carried out a marketing research project regarding the Charlton College of Business’ MBA program and also worked on an advertising campaign concept team. She has also had experience in marketing and sales with Procter & Gamble and TEAM Enterprise.