March 28, 2024 3:34 PM
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Flying high with an industry legend

On the evening of Nov. 29, Gene Winther was given the highest honor from the Exhibit Designer and Producers Association (EDPA) – the Hazel Hays Award.

winther-optimist-club

Gene Winther and his wife, Linda, at the Sacramento Optimist Club dinner in 2011.

The award acknowledges individuals in the exhibit industry who have carved out new territories that lead and contribute to the growth and success of the tradeshow industry.

“It just came as a complete shock. It means everything. I was the president 12 years ago, and I have had people call me and say: ‘My goodness. I had no idea you were still alive, and now you’ve won the Hazel Hays award. How did you do it?’’’ said Winther. “But, really, it’s an honor, and it’s an award that I never aspired to because I never thought I was doing much but volunteering a lot of time. It kind of makes one feel useful again, and I am really amazed that people remembered my name and considered that I had done something good during my career.”

That career spanned 50 years as Winther carved out a path in the industry that many would follow.

“Gene Winther largely was responsible for making sure that the EDPA was no longer known as the old-boys’ club, and I can say from personal experience that he took newer members by the hand and introduced them to others he thought they could benefit from knowing,” said Rob Cohen, former president, EDPA. “He truly has influenced the exhibit industry and helped drive it to where it is today.”

Winther began in 1963, preparing theater sets in northern California, and in 1968 he started a business to provide holiday decorations for the streets of Sacramento. In 1970, he launched an exhibit company called Three Sixty Designers. The company expanded with great success, and in 1999, he created Expon Exhibits to focus on custom modular systems for the tradeshow and retail industry.

winther-driver

Winther was a race car driver in the early 1960s and an Indy car owner and chief mechanic in the early 1970s.

Over the years, Winther was very active in his local community as well as the exposition community in the U.S. Winther was a professional race car driver, an airline pilot and later found the time to create an exhibit company.

“I never felt that there was a day that I actually worked hard for a real living. I mean, I worked and it was sometimes hard, but I always loved this business,” said Winther. “When I got into the business, I realized that there was more to it than just building exhibits. I love meeting new people. I love marketing. And I love face-to-face, so it was always fun.”

Winther was a board member of Trade Show Exhibitors Association and served as the chairman of the first TS2 show. He was also very active with International Association of Exhibit Managers. In 1995 he joined EDPA and served on the board of directors until 2006.

“I saw Gene’s passion for the EDPA and getting the foundation going,” said Linda Winther, Winther’s wife of 44 years. “He was so proud when the foundation was started and was very proud of the members’ generosity in helping other members and their families to pursue a greater education.”

Winther served as president of EDPA in 2000, won the Ambassador Award in 2001 and served as the first chairman of the newly created EDPA Foundation in 2003. Winther’s major contributions to build membership, jump start the EDPA foundation to support education, and his enthusiasm about building the EDPA brand has been much-appreciated by the exposition industry. Expon Exhibits continues its success in Sacramento, now led by Winther’s wife and son, Chris.

When the book is written on the history of the exposition business in the U.S., Winther’s name will be included as a visionary who pushed to make things happen.

winther-plane

The Navy is where Winther learned to fly airplanes, one of his current hobbies.

“When he was President of EDPA, he traveled everywhere to get new members, so that they could learn and see the passion of the people in this industry, and help it grow,” said Linda Winther. “I can’t tell you how many times our employees would ask me where Gene was, and all I could say is ‘he’s off to get new members for the EDPA.’”

Winther took his passion for face-to-face marketing and the EDPA to every tradeshow, meeting and networking event he attended during his 50 years in the industry. Along the way, he left a lasting impression on many of his friends, colleagues and peers.

“Over the years, Gene has shown exemplary behavior through his dedication to the greater good of the exhibit industry by taking up leadership roles. He is a most generous person and is committed to the success of both business and charitable causes. My congratulations on a well-deserved award”
Benedict Soh, executive chairman, Kingsmen Creatives Ltd.

“Gene Winther lived the American dream as a race car driver, an airplane pilot, a mobile home traveler and a successful entrepreneur as the owning of an exhibit company. He is also a huge community supporter, part of a long marriage and a proud grandpa with a whole lot of friends. Gene’s was always a bulldog when taking on challenging tasks. You could never say no. His tenacity and vision for the good of the whole must forever be admired.”
Larry Kulchawik, senior vice president, 3D Exhibits

“Gene knows himself, which is good since everyone else is taken. I love his spirit, sense of humor, determination to be heard and his ability to get things done. Gene is a man you can rely on. I am proud to call him a friend.”
Jill Brookman, owner of the formerly published Exhibit Builder Magazine

“Gene, Linda and I were the only three people on a 3 hour fishing trip before ACCESS 13 years ago. After 3 hours of listening to Gene’s enthusiasm and stories I became a lifelong active EDPA supporter. He was right, EDPA has brought me countless friends and experiences that I consider among the best in my life. To this day, his words of wisdom and stories continue to enrich our lives.”
Melinda Stewart, owner of OnSite Exhibitor Service

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