A new generation of professionals is now part of the workforce alongside seasoned talent. The voice of the tradeshow and expo industry is evolving into one that is more collaborative, purpose-driven, and adaptive. Highlighting this evolution inspires confidence in the industry’s future and reassures professionals about ongoing progress.
Pete Bosader remains a pivotal figure in the tradeshow industry, currently serving as Willwork’s Northeast Director of Operations, and wears many hats. He handles duties in operations, and business development. Bosader has been working in this industry since 1992, associated with Willwork for over 30 years. His relationship with Willwork’s CEO, Bill Nixon, entails a long history of collaboration and mentorship that has shaped Pete’s career and his leadership role.
Employco marked its 30th anniversary on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with an evening event at Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook, Illinois, celebrating the company’s growth from a family startup into a multigenerational business.
In recent years, AI has transformed the business and professional events industry.
No, not that AI. I am talking about an even more transformative AI: advocacy involvement!
We need to have an honest conversation about “Cognitive Dissonance.”
In psychology, it describes the mental discomfort of holding two conflicting beliefs. In our industry right now, it describes the gap between the polished fantasy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the sweaty, chaotic reality of a tradeshow floor.
Logic, logic, and a bit more logic. But wait? What if I want to change my thoughts on something, what happens?
Joyce Leveston brings a depth of operational expertise and global perspective to her new role as the president and CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (Javits Center) with more than three decades of experience in the convention center and venue management sector. Javits Center is a six-block venue on Manhattan’s West Side, right by New York City’s most up-and-coming neighborhood, Hudson Yards. As a model of reinvention, the center is a sustainability leader with a living green roof and urban wildlife habitat, as well as a national space where business, culture, and ideas intersect.
Turns out, this guy Darwin was on to something with his theory of evolution. If you’re going to survive in the ultracompetitive tradeshow Installation & Dismantle (I&D) world, you’ll learn to adapt to a constantly changing environment.
Joseph Patrick Esposito, Jr. died on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at age 51.
Esposito worked in the tradeshow and live events industry in the Chicago market, including roles with TRU Service Group and Octane Group. His career included city management and showfloor operations. His work involved maintaining relationships with show contractors and venue staff, helping with scheduling, and coordinating labor and trades for events.
Sometimes we wonder how people ever survived the 1800s without electricity, cell phones, computers, 7-Eleven and Starbucks, for God’s sake. Children of the next century may contemplate what life would have been like without artificial intelligence (AI).
From its origin the tradeshow industry has introduced technological advancements that have not only revolutionized modern society but the industry itself. From pop up displays to LEDs, telephones and radio to smartphones, the industry has been at the forefront of advancement.
I was excited to attend ISC West at the Venetian Expo Center in Las Vegas from March 23–27. Year after year, ISC West stands as the most influential gathering in physical security, public safety, and security‑driven technology. It’s where innovation, investment, and operational strategy converge. The 2026 event once again drew tens of thousands of leaders and more than 700 exhibitors, reinforcing its role as the industry’s central marketplace.
