The Icons & Milestones Series by Mark Hebert
The following is part of the Icons & Milestones Series, which started in the Exhibit City News 30 Year Anniversary Book. This series looks at Icons and Milestones from across the tradeshow industry. As we give honor in our Icons & Milestones series, we celebrate their revolutionary approaches to all aspects of the tradeshow industry. Thank you to Bob McGlincy and Larry Kulchawick for their assistance with this section.
In this we look at Bonnie Nelson Schwartz, Gary Stewart, and Don Svehla. For the full Icons & Milestones series, please click here.
Bonnie Nelson Schwartz
A Visionary Producer Bridging Arts and Social Impact
Bonnie Nelson Schwartz is a Tony and Emmy-nominated producer whose extensive career spans Broadway, television, concerts, and multimedia exhibitions. With over 100 productions to her credit across Washington, DC, New York, London, and South Africa, Schwartz has contributed significantly to theater and social advocacy through the arts. Her Broadway co-productions include Ian McKellen: Acting Shakespeare, Pack of Lies, Jerome Kern Goes to Hollywood, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s State Fair, and Dylan Thomas: Return Journey, directed by Anthony Hopkins.
Pioneering Productions and Advocacy
Beyond the stage, Schwartz founded Washington, DC’s Helen Hayes Awards. Her role as a producer for NBC’s Closing Ceremonies at the Barcelona Olympic Games and the multimedia exhibition The Olympic Woman for the Atlanta Games led to the establishment of the International Olympic Committee’s Commission on Women, underscoring her commitment to promoting equity through art.
A Commitment to Social Causes
Throughout her 25-year career in concert production, Schwartz has delivered iconic performances, such as Give My Regards to Broadway at Carnegie Hall, the Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration, and Legacy & Life: A Tribute to John F. Kennedy at the Kennedy Center. Most recently, Schwartz served as the executive producer for Traveling While Black, an Emmy-nominated film and exhibition, and organized the Global Climate Uprising Festival featured at the COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow.
Honoring a Visionary’s Legacy
Schwartz’s distinguished career is marked by her ability to use the arts as a platform for change, from co-directing the national 2020 One Woman One Vote festival to producing tributes such as the Concert Against Hate. A Woman of Vision honoree and Fellow of the American Theatre, Bonnie Nelson Schwartz remains a visionary producer whose work continues to inspire and elevate conversations on social justice and cultural awareness.
Gary Stewart
Gary Stewart has made significant contributions to the tradeshow industry by championing education and setting high standards for exhibit design. His efforts have helped elevate the profession and ensure the continued growth and innovation of the industry.
Promoting Education for Exhibit Design
Gary Stewart has been involved in promoting educational programs for exhibit design. With a degree from Auburn University in Industrial Design, Stewart also serves on the I&D Design Advisory Board.
Advocating for No-Spec Design
Stewart is known for his support of the no-spec design movement, which emphasizes fair compensation for design work and the value of creative ideas. This advocacy has contributed to shifting industry practices towards better recognition and payment for designers’ contributions.
Encouraging Professional Development
Stewart has been instrumental in encouraging professional development within the exhibit design community. Auburn University hosts various symposiums and events that provide platforms for industry professionals to share knowledge and collaborate.
Lasting Impact
Stewart’s contributions to education and professional standards have had a lasting impact on the tradeshow industry. By fostering a culture of learning and innovation, he has helped ensure the continued growth and success of exhibit design as a profession.
As we honor Gary Stewart in our Icons & Milestones series, we celebrate his dedication to education and his enduring influence on the tradeshow industry.
Don Svehla
Pioneering Tradeshow Media
Don Svehla has played a crucial role in shaping the tradeshow media landscape. As the founder of Exhibit City News, the first trade-centric news publication for the tradeshow industry, he has provided a dedicated platform for vendors and producers across North America. Under his leadership, Exhibit City News has grown to reach 45,000 digital readers monthly and 15,000 quarterly print readers, offering comprehensive coverage of the tradeshow, event, convention, and meeting industry.
Expanding the Tradeshow Community
Svehla’s vision extended beyond just reporting news; he aimed to create a community where industry professionals could connect, share insights, and stay informed about the latest trends and developments. His work has been instrumental in unifying the tradeshow industry, making Exhibit City News a vital resource for industry insiders.
Legacy and Impact
With over three decades of experience, Svehla has established Exhibit City News as a leading voice in the industry. His dedication to quality journalism and community engagement has made a lasting impact, providing valuable information and insights to a diverse audience of tradeshow professionals.
