Freeman has announced Chairman Donald S. Freeman Jr. recently received the fourth Lifetime Achievement Award from the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA). The award honors the extraordinary and recognizable contributions of exhibition industry leaders with more than 20 years of experience in the field.
Mr. Freeman was presented with the award at ESCA’s annual Summer Education Conference, which was held on June 25 in Carlsbad, Calif. At the awards ceremony, presenters noted Mr. Freeman’s history of industry advocacy and education were key to his selection as this year’s honoree.
“After attending the U.S. Naval Academy and serving our country in the Navy, Don’s entire career was focused on helping to build the convention and meetings industry,” said Joe Popolo, CEO, Freeman. “Don is known for many things, but his dedication and loyalty to our clients and our employees is what stands out in my mind. He had the wisdom to keep Freeman privately held and family- and employee-owned, and that is a big part of our success. He is a true servant leader, and I have never met anyone more respected and admired. This most recent honor from ESCA is a testament to his leadership and vision, not just at Freeman but within our entire industry.”
Since becoming chairman of Freeman in 1977, Mr. Freeman has been recognized by every major industry-related professional organization for his dedication and commitment to promoting the development and growth of the events and exposition industry. In 1993, Mr. Freeman was inducted into the Convention Industry Council’s Hall of Leaders. He also was inducted into the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders in 2011.
Founded in 1927, Freeman is a global partner for integrated experiential-marketing solutions for live engagements, including expositions, conventions, corporate events and exhibits. Headquartered in Dallas, with more than 70 offices in North America and the UK, Freeman produces more than 4,300 expositions annually, including 135 of the 250 largest U.S. trade shows and 11,000 other events worldwide.
ESCA is dedicated to the advancement of the exhibition, meeting and special-events industries. Through the education, information exchange and level of professionalism shared by members and their customers, ESCA promotes cooperation among all areas of the exhibition industry.
