(March 2005: Larry Kulchawik, president, International Federation of Exhibition and Events Services, and Derse Exhibits development executive from Chicago region (left); John McGregor, CORT Trade Show Furnishing (center); and Bill Haney, CEO, Derse Exhibits, Milwaukee.)
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
Las Vegas Tradeshow Industry Fights Permitting Regulations
In early 2020, the Las Vegas tradeshow industry faced potential challenges from new Clark County permitting regulations. A proposed ordinance aimed to revise codes governing temporary structures, affecting booths, sets, and scenery used for conventions.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) stepped in, agreeing to reimburse SEMA for fees tied to an existing permitting exemption. Industry leaders, including Teamsters Local 631 and the Convention Services Association, urged businesses to voice concerns before the county commissioners voted on the proposal.
Advocates stressed the importance of protecting Las Vegas’ reputation as a top convention destination, emphasizing that new permitting costs could burden exhibitors and event organizers.
Ten years ago
Drones Bring New Perspective to Tradeshow Photography
By 2015, drone technology was making its way onto the tradeshow floor, offering a new angle for event photography and videography. Oscar & Associates, a provider of event photography and production services, began using drones equipped with GoPro cameras to capture aerial footage of exhibits.
David Hofflich, president of Oscar & Associates, noted that drones allowed for interactive booth experiences and panoramic views. However, challenges included slow adoption by venues, privacy concerns, and navigating overhead obstructions on busy show floors.
Despite these hurdles, Hofflich predicted that as regulations evolved, convention centers and governing bodies would embrace drone photography as a standard tool for event marketing and documentation.
Fifteen years ago
Brumark Expands Team with Senior Account Manager
In 2010, Brumark, a flooring specialist for the tradeshow industry, welcomed Rick Pierson as a senior account manager. Pierson brought over 13 years of sales experience, primarily in the tradeshow sector.
Based in the Chicago Southland, he was tasked with expanding Brumark’s presence in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Pierson expressed enthusiasm for joining the team, emphasizing his commitment to customer service and relationship-building.
Industry Veteran Jerry Marshall Retires
After more than 50 years in the exhibition industry, Jerry Marshall retired in 2010 as director of national accounts for GES. Marshall’s career began in 1958 with Southwestern Decorators in Houston, later moving through various roles at Jones Decorating, United Exposition, and finally GES.
Reflecting on his career, Marshall joked, “I’ve been traded more times than a baseball player,” noting the many industry transitions he experienced. His contributions to tradeshow management and client relations left a lasting impact on the field.
Twenty years ago
Freeman Hosts Labor Workshop in San Francisco
In March 2005, Freeman brought together more than 100 union representatives in San Francisco for a labor workshop focused on strengthening partnerships between labor and the tradeshow industry. Representatives from IATSE, the Teamsters, and other unions attended sessions on safety, efficiency, and best practices.
Freeman emphasized collaboration to improve service and consistency across venues. The workshop reinforced the critical role of labor in the industry and aimed to enhance working relationships between unions and event organizers.
Exhibitor Show 2005 Attendance Trends
At Exhibitor Show 2005, industry professionals analyzed attendance data from the past five years. Figures showed steady growth, with 4,494 attendees in 2000 rising to 5,388 in 2004.
Discussions also explored exhibitor interest in tracking visitor engagement, using methods like badge scanning and surveys. Experts emphasized data-driven decisions to refine exhibit strategies and improve ROI.
Twenty-five years ago
Derse Engages Attendees at Exhibitor Show 2000
At Exhibitor Show 2000 in Las Vegas, Derse Exhibits introduced Explore Your Creativity, a hands-on activity allowing attendees to build miniature exhibit models. The workspace featured materials like rubber bases, frosted acrylic, and plastics commonly used in exhibit design.
Each day completed models were judged, with a $100 prize awarded to the winner. Derse expected about 15 participants daily but saw far more engagement—around 40,000 models were created over three days. Some attendees spent just 20 minutes, while others worked for hours.
Finished models were displayed in the booth, with some taken home by participants and others sent to Derse’s Creative Center in Milwaukee and its Las Vegas location.
Bruce Burkey Keeps Working Despite Injury
In February 2000, teamster Bruce Burkey was injured while working at the Las Vegas Convention Center. A booth exhibitor accidentally struck Burkey in the nose while jumping down from a structure, breaking it on impact.
Despite the injury, Burkey continued working until 3:30 p.m. before seeking medical attention. Surgery was scheduled for February 14 to repair the fracture, and his supervisor noted that Burkey remained in good spirits throughout the ordeal.
Cleared by doctors to return to work, Burkey looked forward to resuming his duties, demonstrating the resilience often seen among tradeshow industry professionals.
Industry Leaders Reflect on Mentors at Exhibitor Show 2000
At Exhibitor Show 2000, Exhibit City News asked attendees to share who mentored them in the industry and why that person was important. Responses highlighted the impact of experienced professionals in shaping careers.
Gabriela Sierra of Expo Displays, Inc. in Mexico credited Javier de la Piedra for introducing her to international markets. Robert Vorer of Traffic Builders praised Anthony Triglione for helping show managers and corporate clients drive booth traffic.
Gregg Thomas of Sho-Air International remembered Don Stacey, a transportation industry veteran, for his role in shaping logistics during a challenging era. Others, like Veodra Roseman of MC2 and Jennifer Rozevicz of Exhibitgroup/Giltspur, recognized mentors who fostered strong workplace environments and encouraged innovation.
