The 2025 Year in Review includes a moment of remembrance for industry professionals whose careers left a lasting imprint on the exhibit and events community. These brief entries reflect decades of work behind the scenes, on show floors, and in leadership roles that helped move the industry forward.
Manuel A. Chico
December 1,1964—April 28, 2024
Manuel A. Chico spent his career in the tradeshow and events industry as a teamster and later as circulation manager at Exhibit City News, where he supported the publication’s distribution and operations. Colleagues remembered him as dependable and generous. “He was the most selfless, helpful person I’ve ever met,” said Christy DiGiambattista.
Hans (John) Kendl
December 14, 1937—February 8, 2025
Hans (John) Kendl built a long career in the tradeshow industry as an electro-mechanic, traveling globally to install exhibits. A survivor of wartime displacement, he later settled in the United States and became known among colleagues for his work ethic and love of travel. Friends recalled him as a trusted partner and valued companion on the road.
George Kish
November 23, 1957—March 11, 2025
George Kish built a decades-long career in exhibit sales and management, working with companies including Skyline, Nomadic, DisplayEZ, and 3L Corporation. He later held leadership roles at Exhibit DEAL and Think 360 and most recently served as exhibitor services manager at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
David H. Dodson
April 29, 2025
David H. Dodson was a U.S. Army veteran who later built a career in the tradeshow industry, working in field services at Derse, audio-visual services at United Audio Visuals, and as an account manager at Coastal International. Colleagues remembered him for his professionalism, versatility, and long-standing industry relationships.
Paul Person
January 6,1958—May 14, 2025
Paul Person was a longtime tradeshow graphics professional and founder of Graphics by Paul Person. He held leadership roles at Nimlok, Nomadic Display, and Display Graphic Systems, earning respect for his technical expertise and reliability. Colleagues valued his calm approach, precision, and commitment to quality across decades in the exhibit industry.
Tony Barras
June 20, 2025
Tony Barras spent decades in the tradeshow labor and exhibit services industry, most recently as vice president of the labor division at EWI Worldwide/TERM Group. Previously, he served as director of exhibit services at GES Exposition Services. Colleagues knew him for steady leadership, professionalism, and a solutions-focused approach on the show floor.
Lee Knight
September 30, 1949—May 21, 2025
Lee Knight was the founder of Exhibitor Media Group and a leading force in tradeshow and event marketing education. He launched EXHIBITOR Magazine, EXHIBITORLIVE, and the Certified Trade Show Marketer program, helping professionalize the industry and shape generations of exhibit and event marketers.
Mark Garvey
January 12, 1948—May 29, 2025
Mark Garvey was the founder of AGS Expo Services and a longtime leader in the tradeshow and live events industry. Based in Orlando, he built AGS from a small graphics and signage business into a nationally recognized general service contractor, earning respect for integrity, creativity, and mentorship across the industry.
Michael William Donovan
June 11, 1974—August 22, 2025
Michael William Donovan was the founder and lead engineer of 760 Display, which he launched in 2002 and grew into a national exhibit and event firm. Known for integrity and hands-on leadership, he earned wide respect as a builder, problem-solver, and trusted partner across the industry.
Andrew Christopher Larson
November 15, 2025
Andrew Christopher Larson built a multifaceted career spanning graphic design, 3D animation, warehouse operations, and technical support. He most recently served as warehouse manager and graphic designer at Total Displays and previously worked with Beckhoff Automation USA, CyberOptics, and Laser Design, supporting tradeshow and production programs.
James S. Hanlon
September 14, 1960—December 9, 2025
James S. Hanlon built a decades-long career in the exhibit and experiential marketing industry, most recently as a senior account executive at Global Experience Specialists, where he worked for more than 30 years. He began as a designer at Kitzing and later held roles with Exhibitgroup and Giltspur.
