(Example of work done by Peoplevison. Shown here is an animated eye named “Patty Patanol” for Alcon Pharmaceuticals. Originally published in Exhibit City News, February 2000.)
Exhibit City News recalls stories that shaped our industry
Compiled by Mark Hebert, Exhibit City News
Welcome back to our “A Look Back at Tradeshow History” series! Have industry milestones or highlights you’d like to share? Email Mark at Markh@exhibitcitynews.com. We’d love to hear from you!
Five Years Ago
Trends in Sales Lead Retrieval for 2020 and Beyond
In early 2020, tradeshow technology shifted its focus toward improving lead retrieval systems. Peter Gillett of Zuant highlighted the growing demand for mobile lead capture solutions that offered exhibitors a streamlined way to gather and manage data during events.
Innovations like NFC (Near Field Communication), QR codes, and AI-powered facial recognition tools began gaining traction, promising exhibitors better analytics and more meaningful connections with attendees. These advances marked a move toward tech-driven solutions that simplified lead generation while providing exhibitors with actionable insights to boost ROI.
Ten Years Ago
Edlen Celebrates 40 Years
In January 2015, Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services marked its 40th anniversary. Founded in 1975 by Lenny Swimmer, Edlen grew into a leading provider of temporary utility services for tradeshows and special events, supporting over 5,000 events annually. The company’s success was celebrated with an open house in Las Vegas, honoring its history and its continued dedication to serving the industry with exceptional service.
EDPA Goes Global at ACCESS
The Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) held its 61st annual ACCESS conference in December 2014, bringing together professionals from around the globe to discuss trends and best practices in the exhibition and events industry. Themed “A Global Landscape,” the event included sessions on worldwide tradeshow trends, operational strategies, and creative thinking. Mexico was the featured country, with discussions on business practices and opportunities in Latin America.
Fifteen Years Ago
Advanced Exhibit Methods Finds Niche in Industry
In February 2010, Richard C. Diess of Advanced Exhibit Methods (AEM) was featured for his work helping mid-sized exhibitors compete with larger brands. Based in Irvine, California, AEM combined modular systems, custom graphics, and aluminum frames to deliver high-impact, portable trade show booths. Diess, who started in 1979 with Scanamurals, built a reputation for creating affordable solutions for a range of industries.
Employco USA Expands Nationally
February 2010 saw the launch of Employco USA, a national brand specializing in payroll and HR services for the tradeshow industry. The company streamlined payroll, union fringe benefits, and workers’ compensation management to help exhibitors cut costs and navigate compliance. Employco’s expansion reinforced its role as a trusted partner for tradeshow companies.
CES 2010 Attendance Up Despite Challenges
CES 2010, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, saw increased attendance but fewer exhibitors due to lingering economic pressures. Despite scaled-back participation, the show remained a key event for showcasing the latest in consumer technology, highlighting the industry’s resilience during a challenging time.
Twenty Years Ago
LED Displays Revolutionize Booth Design
By February 2005, large-screen LED displays were making waves in tradeshow booth designs. Companies like Toshiba embraced this cutting-edge technology, using 11-foot-by-14.5-foot LED video screens to create high-impact visuals and draw attendees to their exhibits.
The flexibility of LED displays allowed designers to craft dynamic, immersive experiences. Modules could be curved, stacked, or fitted to custom structures, transforming booths into engaging environments. The article highlighted how pixel mapping and high-resolution screens enhanced production quality, offering attendees a feast for the senses while helping brands stand out on the show floor.
Las Vegas Expects $1.1 Billion Economic Impact in Q1 2005
In February 2005, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) projected a $1.1 billion non-gaming economic impact from 22 tradeshows and conventions scheduled for the first quarter. Major events like CES (120,000 attendees), MAGIC International (93,000 attendees), and CONEXPO-CON/AGG (135,000 attendees) underscored Las Vegas’s position as a leading tradeshow destination.
LVCVA President Rossi Ralenkotter praised the strong start to the year, noting how tradeshows were integral to the city’s economic growth. With over 800,000 convention-goers expected in Q1, Las Vegas solidified its reputation as the go-to location for large-scale events.
UniGroup Honors Al Molitor and Linda Nosko
In February 2005, UniGroup, Inc., parent company of United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, named Al Molitor and Linda Nosko as its Man and Woman of the Year for 2004. Recognized for their exceptional contributions to the company’s success, both leaders had long careers marked by professional excellence and community involvement.
Molitor, a 17-year UniGroup veteran, was celebrated for his leadership in international operations and his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity. Nosko, known for her work in advertising and promotions for Mayflower Transit, earned her Certified Manager of Exhibits (CME) designation from the Trade Show Exhibitors Association, solidifying her status as an industry expert.
Twenty-Five Years Ago
2000 EDPA Officers and Directors Installed
In February 2000, the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) installed its 2000 Board of Directors during the organization’s 45th Annual Convention in Key Biscayne, Florida. Industry leaders, including President Eugene Winther of ThreeSixty Designers & Producers, came together to shape the future of the EDPA.
The leadership team emphasized collaboration across exhibit designers, producers, and service providers, ensuring the EDPA remained at the forefront of tradeshow marketing and innovation. The board included notable names like Dalton Jenkins (President-Elect, Omnigroup), Bill Haney (Treasurer, Derse Exhibits), and Sue Renner (President Emeritus, The Term Group).
EACA Forms Local Chapters in the Southwest
The Exhibitor-Appointed Contractor Association (EACA) made strides in February 2000 by establishing new local chapters in the Southwest. Led by industry veterans like Jim Bell, Debbie Kadow, and Bruce Meyer, the initiative focused on uniting contractors and fostering collaboration across the tradeshow community.
With a growing membership and a renewed commitment to labor excellence, the EACA’s local chapters played a pivotal role in supporting regional tradeshows and events, ensuring professionalism and accountability in the labor workforce.
ECN’s Tradeshow Industry Photo Poll: Favorite Restaurants
In a fun feature from February 2000, Exhibit City News asked industry professionals about their favorite restaurants while on the road. From the Golden Steer in Las Vegas to McCormick & Schmick’s in New York, the responses highlighted the importance of good food and hospitality in the fast-paced tradeshow lifestyle.
Participants like Gary Cobb of Forklift Tradeshow Services and Tony Serpa of Exhibitgroup shared their top picks, blending work-life balance with memorable dining experiences.
