(Eagle Management Group owners Joe and Steve Matranga. ECN archives 2015.)
From rigging safety and digital innovation to labor shifts, disaster recovery, and national expansion, October has delivered its share of pivotal moments in tradeshow history. This month’s retrospective revisits stories from the past 25 years, including Eagle’s coast-to-coast growth, the rise of non-union labor outside traditional venues, and the impact of Hurricane Katrina on one of the nation’s busiest convention centers.
We also highlight milestone achievements such as John Christison’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the opening of ECN’s Las Vegas headquarters in 2000. Got a memory or old photo to share? Email Mark at markh@exhibitcitynews.com to be featured in a future edition.
Five Years Ago— October 2020
Eyebolts: Have the Correct Ones…or It Will Cost You!
Andrew Fulton reminded the tradeshow world that safety starts at the top—literally. His column broke down why using manufacturer-approved eyebolts and rigging hardware isn’t optional. From showfloor safety to load integrity, Fulton explained how shortcuts with the wrong gear could delay installs or cause dangerous failures. His advice still rings true today: if you’re going to hang it, hang it right.
Ten Years Ago — October 2015
Duty Calls: Non-Union Labor Expands Beyond the Tradeshow Floor
As labor demands shifted in 2015, more companies looked beyond tradeshows to meet growing needs for skilled non-union crews. Onsite Services (SOS), a division of Vanguard, saw increased calls for workers to support retail, museum, and private event installations across the country. The company responded by expanding its network of non-union labor in cities such as Dallas, Austin, and New York, highlighting an ongoing demand for specialized and flexible crews outside traditional venues.
Eagle Management Group Soars into National Expansion
In 2015, Eagle Management Group celebrated a major milestone as it expanded into 33 cities. Founded by Joe and Steve Matranga, the company evolved from a New Jersey-based labor provider into a national installation and dismantle leader. Their decentralized structure and consistent service model allowed Eagle to grow while maintaining quality across markets. The brothers credited teamwork, skill, and a deep bench of experienced supervisors for their success. “It takes a village,” Steve said. “The economy may shift, but we are built to respond and continue delivering great service.”
Fifteen Years Ago — October 2010
Digital and social media explosion reaches the exhibition industry
By 2010, digital marketing had become an essential part of tradeshow strategy. A joint study from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research and George P. Johnson Experience Marketing found that 78 percent of marketers believed digital tools increased exhibition effectiveness, with email marketing delivering the highest return on investment. Social media, online ads, and text messaging were reshaping attendee engagement before, during, and after events. While few had the tools to measure its full impact, most saw digital as key to driving attendance, extending reach, and enhancing the attendee experience.
John Christison earns 2010 lifetime achievement award
The International Association of Assembly Managers honored John E. Christison with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Christison—who served as IAAM president from 1995 to 1996 and earned his Certified Facilities Executive (CFE) designation in 1981—was recognized for more than 40 years of service in the convention center industry. The award, presented during IAAM’s annual international convention center conference in San Diego, celebrated his leadership, mentoring, and involvement on more than 20 association committees.
Twenty Years Ago — October 2005
Katrina Displaces Gulf Coast Tradeshows
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans suspended operations through March 31, 2006, displacing dozens of major tradeshows. Affected events were rapidly relocated to cities like Orlando, Atlanta, and Chicago. Officials said small and mid-sized meetings could resume in 2006, depending on local conditions. At the time, New Orleans ranked as the fifth busiest tradeshow destination in the United States, hosting 12 of the 200 largest events annually. Katrina’s damage forced the industry to adapt quickly, highlighting the importance of flexible planning in the face of crisis.
Freeman, AVW-TELAV Assist with Katrina Recovery
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Freeman and AVW-TELAV crews mobilized to support recovery efforts at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Teams arrived in mid-September to assess damage, clean up debris, and begin restoration. With more than 200,000 square feet of the building flooded, the companies prioritized staff safety, short-term housing, and salvaging equipment. Their response was part of a larger push across the industry to rebuild one of the busiest tradeshow hubs in the nation.
Industry Impact Tops $122 Billion
In 2004, the Convention Industry Council (CIC) reported that the meetings, conventions, and tradeshow industry generated $122.3 billion in direct spending, ranking it the 29th largest contributor to the U.S. gross national product. The report estimated 1.7 million jobs tied to the sector, with spending rippling across hotels, restaurants, air travel, and business services. The findings highlighted the year-round economic engine of the industry and its growing national impact.
Twenty-Five Years Ago — October 2000
Tradeshow Growth Hits New Highs
The tradeshow industry hit record-breaking strides in 2000, with all-time highs in attendance, show floor size, and number of events. ECN Contributor Bob McGlincy noted that some exhibitors were seeing double- and even triple-digit revenue gains. Annual industry spending was estimated to be between $67 and $84 billion, while tax contributions exceeded $10 billion.
ECN Office Opens in Las Vegas
In October 2000, Exhibit City News celebrated the opening of its new Las Vegas office at 1675 E. Desert Inn Rd., just a few blocks from the Las Vegas Convention Center. The location was selected for its central access to the tradeshow industry and continues to serve as ECN’s headquarters today. The grand opening included an open house event welcoming clients, readers, and industry peers to the space.
Editor’s Note: ECN will host its 2025 Quarter 4 Las Vegas Launch Party and EDPA Membership Drive at the same location. Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 6, 2025.
Nth Degree Announces Leadership Moves
In October 2000, Nth Degree promoted Scott Bennett to vice president of Western regional sales and named Chris Garcia managing director of the Santa Clara office. At the time, Bennett was a 17-year company veteran, overseeing sales activities west of the Mississippi River and managing the West Coast sales team. Garcia brought 15 years of high-tech industry experience, specializing in project, events, and tradeshow management.
Editor’s Note: Scott Bennett is still with Nth Degree and currently serves as a Senior Advisor and Chief Client Officer. He has been with the company for more than 42 years.
