March 28, 2024 4:41 PM
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Jack Patronski GES
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GES’ Jack Patronski Retiring June 30

GES, a global experiential marketing partner to many of the world’s leading brands, announced that GES Executive Vice President of Industry Development John “Jack” Patronski, will retire from the company effective June 30.

“Jack’s distinguished career in the exhibition and events industry extends beyond his 25 years with GES,” says GES Executive Vice President of Exhibitions Jeff Quade. “His dedication to GES and the industry includes working tirelessly with clients, industry groups, labor unions and venues to help drive service and operation improvements,” adding, “Jack has been a major contributor to GES including early acquisitions in the U.S. and Canada, leading the National Sales group, major labor negotiations, service initiatives and training. We appreciate Jack’s dedication to GES, our clients and our industry, and we wish him much happiness in his well-deserved retirement.”

During his impressive career, Patronski has dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours working toward the continued success of the events industry. He has been active in improving labor and exhibitor rights in Chicago, served as Chairman of the Board of Choose Chicago from 2007 through 2009, and as Chairman of the Board of the Professional Convention Management Association Foundation in 2006. He also served on the boards of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, PCMA and was a member of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Labor Management Council. Outside the industry, he served as President of Northern Illinois University’s Alumni Association.

Patronski has been recognized for his leadership by the International Association of Exhibitions & Events, Center for Exhibition Industry Research, Exhibition Services and Contractors Association, and the PCMA Foundation receiving their Visionary, Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2015, he was recognized with the Chicagoland Four Star Award for Best Industry Advocate and in 2016 he was inducted into the Exhibition Industry Council’s Hall of Leaders. Most recently he was recognized in BizBash’s Top People in the U.S. Events Industry, Event Industry Leadership category.

“I have been fortunate to enjoy a very fulfilling career, learning and working in partnership with clients and colleagues, and making new friends throughout the world,” says Patronski. “GES is a great and supportive organization providing opportunities for growth and leadership throughout my career. Though my plan for retirement has been in the works for some time, my departure comes with mixed emotions as I reflect on the people, projects and initiatives that made my career so rewarding.”

Patronski began his events career in 1976 as director of operations for the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. In 1978, he joined Andrews Bartlett which GES acquired in 1993.

GES, a Viad Corp (NYSE: VVI) company, is a global, full-service provider for face-to-face experiences, producing exhibits, corporate events, exhibitions, conferences, congresses and entertainment experiences. GES provides a wide range of services, including official show services, audio visual, cutting-edge creative and design, marketing and measurement services, and event accommodations—all with an unrivaled global reach. GES partners with leading brands and shows, including Boeing, Pfizer, Mary Kay, and CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE. GES’ National Servicenter has been recognized with certification under the J.D. Power and Associates Certified Call Center Program for the past 11 years, and for the 11th year in a row, Ad Age has named GES as one of the Nation’s Largest Experiential/Event Marketing Agency Networks. For more info, visit www.ges.com.

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