The Icons & Milestones Series by Mark Hebert
The following is part of the Icons & Milestones Series, which started in the Exhibit City News 30 Year Anniversary Book. This series looks at Icons and Milestones from across the tradeshow industry. As we give honor in our Icons & Milestones series, we celebrate their revolutionary approaches to all aspects of the tradeshow industry. Thank you to Bob McGlincy and Larry Kulchawick for their assistance with this section.
In this we look at William Mee, William F. Nixon Sr., and Jamie Padgett. For the full Icons & Milestones series, please click here.
William Mee
Architect of Tradeshow Research
William Mee is a prominent figure in the history of tradeshow research and development. He founded the Trade Show Bureau (TSB), which later evolved into the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR). The organization’s primary mission was to promote the importance of the exhibitions industry within the U.S. economy. Under Mee’s leadership, the TSB played a critical role in establishing standards for data collection and analysis, providing invaluable insights into the performance of the tradeshow industry.
Pioneering Tradeshow Analytics
Mee’s work with TSB laid the groundwork for what would become the CEIR Index, a comprehensive annual report that tracks the performance of the U.S. B2B exhibition industry. The Index measures key metrics such as net square feet of exhibit space sold, professional attendance, the number of exhibiting companies, and gross revenue. These metrics help stakeholders understand industry trends and make informed decisions. Mee’s vision for a data-driven approach to understanding the exhibition industry’s impact has been vital in validating the role of tradeshows as a crucial marketing and business development tool.
Legacy and Influence
Mee’s contributions have significantly shaped the modern exhibition landscape. His pioneering efforts in establishing standardized research methodologies have enabled better strategic planning and resource allocation within the industry. The CEIR continues to be a leading authority on exhibition research, providing critical data and insights that support the industry’s growth and adaptation to new challenges.
William F. Nixon Sr.
A Legacy of Leadership at Willwork
William F. Nixon Sr. was a respected leader in the tradeshow industry, known for his contributions to Willwork and his commitment to building a positive, service-focused company culture. Joining the company his son founded, Nixon Sr. played an instrumental role in shaping Willwork’s growth and success within the tradeshow field.
The Willwork Years
Willwork was founded in 1987 by Bill Nixon Jr., who began recruiting tradeshow workers in Boston and named the company “Willwork” in honor of his father and the dedicated employees known as “Willie’s Workers.” In 1989, Nixon Sr. joined the company as President, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a charismatic approach to leadership. He managed office operations, oversaw accounts receivable and payable, and took time to meet with employees, often distributing mail and paychecks personally to foster camaraderie. He remained active in the company until his retirement in 2014, continuing to visit the office daily until the pandemic.
Recognition and Community Impact
In 2016, Nixon Sr. received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his decades of service and commitment to both the industry and his community. Under his leadership, Willwork became known for its charitable involvement, supporting local organizations like the David Jon Louison Center and School on Wheels of Massachusetts, and working with initiatives such as the Arthur C. Luf Children’s Burn Camp. Nixon’s dedication to service helped establish Willwork’s values of professionalism, integrity, and community support.
An Enduring Influence
Survived by his family and the many individuals he inspired, William F. Nixon Sr.’s legacy lives on through Willwork’s continued success and his lasting influence in the tradeshow industry. His leadership remains a model of commitment, service, and integrity, inspiring future generations of tradeshow professionals.
Jamie Padgett
Innovator in Exhibit Photography
Jamie Padgett has been a transformative figure in exhibit photography, recognized for elevating the craft beyond mere documentation to creating artistic and promotional photography for tradeshow exhibits. He founded Padgett and Company, which specializes in capturing the intricate details of architectural spaces, retail environments, and, notably, tradeshow exhibits. Padgett’s work emphasizes the storytelling aspect of photography, aiming to highlight not just the physical setup but also the experience and interaction at tradeshows.
Elevating Tradeshow Photography
Padgett introduced the use of professional photography to enhance exhibitors’ marketing and branding efforts. His work includes not only standard booth shots but also dynamic images that capture the energy and engagement of the tradeshow environment. This approach has helped companies better showcase their presence and impact at events, providing valuable content for marketing, social media, and internal reports.
Legacy and Impact
Jamie Padgett’s contributions have significantly elevated the standards of exhibit photography. His emphasis on high-quality, professional images has set a new benchmark in the industry, making it an essential component of successful tradeshow participation. Padgett and Company’s work continues to influence how companies approach their visual representation at events, ensuring that their exhibits are presented in the best possible light.
