(23 years ago: Sixty former GES employees gathered at Gordon Biersch Brewery for a reunion, reconnecting with industry peers from companies like Freeman and Czarnowski, and raising funds for the American Red Cross Disaster Fund. Exhibit City News, 2021. Photos courtesy of Barry Schlossberg, Freeman Companies & Hugh Sinnock, Reed Exhibitions. Top left photo: Joanne Delaurentis, with Gerri Groubert of Universal. Top right photo: Bob Kneesel of Republic/Silver State with Barry Rappaport of Freeman. Middle left photo: Champion co-workers Bill Witter and Clemente Guillen. Middle right photo: Kris Kristjannson of Stage Plan with Matt Struckhoff of Cort and Kathy Nelson. Lower middle photo: Bob Welling of Encore, Ken McAvoy from Reed, and Kris Kristjannson of Stage Plan. Lower left photo: Norm Yahraus with Team Co. Lower center photo: Joanne Langacter, USA Hosts and Jerry Benford of Republic/Silver State. Lower right photo: Tina Cutri with her boyfriend J.D. Wiggin who works at MC2.)
Exhibit City News recalls stories that shaped our industry
Complied by Mark Hebert, Exhibit City News
We’re excited to bring back our “A Look Back at Tradeshow History” feature! If you’d like to submit your own industry milestones or historical highlights, please send them to Mark at Markh@exhibitcitynews.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
Twenty-three years ago this month…
Box Frame Concepts celebrated its third anniversary. The company, known for its dedication to high-quality craftsmanship and service, reflected on its journey from inception to becoming a trusted name in the industry. The anniversary was marked by gratitude toward clients and staff, acknowledging the hard work and commitment that led to their success. The company’s leadership emphasized the importance of teamwork, client satisfaction, and continued growth as they looked forward to future opportunities.
The Savannah International Trade & Convention Center achieved significant success in its first year of operation. The center, which opened in May 2000, played a key role in transforming Savannah, Georgia, into a major meetings destination. With a goal of booking 80,000 room nights annually, the center hosted more than 200 events in its inaugural year, exceeding expectations. Fredia Brady, director of sales at the SMG-managed facility, highlighted the center’s appeal as a versatile venue, attracting meetings and events to the historic city. The success was attributed to strategic marketing, strong partnerships with the local hospitality sector, and Savannah’s unique charm and European-style ambiance.
24 years ago
Key 3 Media Group, Inc. reported that more than a million square feet of exhibit floorspace had been sold for the COMDEX/Fall 2000 tradeshow. K3M’s sales effort had been the most aggressive in its twenty-year history, with 2000 sales representing the company’s largest net sales increase.
Sho-Link introduced Link-Serv to connect the cooperatives employees, members, and clients via an internet.
The Las Vegas World Trade Center went on the auction block after the death of owner, Leonard Shoen.
25 years ago
Chicago Remains No. 1, according to a survey released by the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau. The new survey showed that more than 28 million visitors came to Chicago in 1998, leaving behind over $8 billion in revenue.
Folio Group acquired Grondorf, Field, Black & Co. with an eye to expanding the Folio brand into Southern California markets.
26 years ago
Chicago labor agreement was signed creating more affordable overtime, simplified work rules, and a single workforce for constructing exhibits.
27 years ago
EDPA introduced the supplier showcase at their 43rd Annual convention.
