(Image from October 2002: Exhibitgroup/Giltspur recently gathered associates from across North America and Europe for a companywide sales training meeting. The meeting was opened by new CEO Kim Fracalossi. ‘Exhibitgroup/Giltspur is a freight train, driving improvements in our industry with momentum, direction, and strength,’ she said. Exhibit City News photo archives. )
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 Year ago
Chicago’s newest Marriott hotel opened in Burr Ridge, Ill., in October 2004. This boutique-style hotel featured 184 guest rooms, including 48 suites, and offered a wide range of modern amenities. Situated near major highways and close to Chicago’s airports, the Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge catered to both business and leisure travelers. The opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by key figures from Marriott International and Commonwealth Hotels, Inc.
ExpoServices reached a nationwide milestone as it entered its fourth decade, marking three decades of labor services for Exhibitgroup/Giltspur. Originally starting in February 1974 as GR&S&W in Pittsburgh, the company evolved through acquisitions and expansions, ultimately becoming a major player in the tradeshow labor industry under the name Giltspur/Chicago. Leveraging its extensive network and expertise, ExpoServices continued to grow and adapt to the changing landscape of the U.S. tradeshow venues, establishing itself as a cornerstone in the industry.
Twenty-Five Years Ago
Sands Expo Center Completes Major Expansion in Las Vegas In October 1999, the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas completed a substantial expansion, adding over 380,000 square feet of exhibit space. This expansion further solidified Las Vegas’ reputation as a leading destination for large-scale conventions and tradeshows (
A 2000 Salary Survey by the Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA) revealed that the gender wage gap has shrunk by 11 percent in the last year. Female exhibitors went from earning 73.5 cents for every dollar earned by a male exhibit manager in 1999 to 85 cents on the dollar in 2000.
At the President’s Advisory Board meeting in Chicago, panel members predicted future industry trends, such as more use of plasma screens, sound and lights, video on the Internet from the tradeshow booth and more buying taking place right at the tradeshows. They agreed that everyone has to do more with less time and less money. Learning technology is a big key to making the job faster, easier and more efficient.
Spoon Exhibit Services, a full-service tradeshow and marketing company headquartered in Rochester, NY, opened a production and warehouse facility in Las Vegas, NV to service new and existing customers who attend numerous shows in Las Vegas and other western U.S. venues.
Twenty-six years Ago
A devastating tornado killed Allen Crandy, 38, a foreman for Renaissance Management, when it swept through downtown Salt Lake City during setup of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.
Champion Transportation Services, based in Northlake, Ill., launched a satellite operation in Las Vegas.
Twenty-Seven Years Ago
Orange County Convention Center Expands in Orlando In October 1997, the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando completed a major expansion, adding nearly 1 million square feet of space. This development was crucial in attracting large-scale tradeshows and solidifying Orlando’s position as a top convention destination.
Thirty years ago
Because of perceived competition from neighboring Orlando and New Orleans, the Lt. Governor of Georgia allocated $10.5 million to plan and design an addition to the state-owned Georgia World Congress Center.
