In Memoriam: Thomas James Bacha
June 12, 1953 – May 24, 2026
Thomas James Bacha died peacefully on May 24, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was 72.
Bacha built a long career in the exhibit and event services industry, with leadership roles across several major companies tied to the Chicago exhibit market.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from Carthage College, Bacha began his industry career as an estimator and project manager with Exhibits Incorporated in 1975. He later joined Exhibitgroup/Giltspur, where he served as president of the Chicago Division from 1981 to 1995.
Bacha went on to serve as president of 3D Exhibits from 1995 to 2001 and president of Expo Exhibits from 2001 to 2005. He later served as vice president of The Design Agency and president of Metro Exhibit Corporation. At the time of his passing, he was a partner at ATMOS in Chicago.
Across five decades, Bacha’s career reflected the evolution of the exhibit business through design, production, sales, project management and executive leadership. His work connected him to several of the companies and teams that shaped the modern tradeshow and event services industry.
Bacha is survived by his wife and life partner of 25 years, Maureen; his children, Kelsey (Kevin) Freese and Michael (Conor) Bacha; his stepchildren, Hollie (Chris) Rutledge and Kristen (Tiffany) Nehls; and his grandchildren, Tyler Freese and Lyla Rutledge.
He is also survived by his sister, Jan (Carl) Schill, and his nephews, Jim Schill and Chris (Theresa) Schill. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Audrey Bacha.
His family remembered him as someone whose life was defined by love, loyalty, strength and courage. In true Tom fashion, he fought a long battle with lung disease and squamous cell cancer.
Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
Thomas Bacha’s passing is felt across his family, friends, colleagues and the exhibit industry community in which he spent much of his professional life.
