Celebrating Lisa Abrams’ Journey from Industry Leadership to Battling Cancer with Courage and Community Support
by Mark Hebert, Exhibit City News
As the tradeshow industry gears up for one of its most beloved events—the 30th Annual Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic (RSMGC)—the spotlight shines on the incredible stories of resilience and community support that define this cherished tradition. Among this year’s financial recipients is Lisa Abrams, a tradeshow industry veteran who has spent nearly two decades dedicating herself to her work and colleagues. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of industry support in the face of adversity.
A Journey of Resilience and Humility
Abrams has been a pillar of the tradeshow industry for almost 20 years, known for her work as the executive director of marketing and sales at Exposures, Ltd., and her role as managing editor and salesperson at Exhibit City News. Her contributions have earned her a reputation as a dedicated leader and mentor. However, her life took an unexpected turn in July 2023 when she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.
The diagnosis came as a shock. “I went from being able to walk the floors of major tradeshows for hours to struggling to walk up a flight of stairs,” she said. Her battle with cancer has been marked by grueling treatments, multiple surgeries, and severe physical and mental challenges. Despite the hardships, Abrams remains grateful for the support she has received from the tradeshow community.
“This whole experience has humbled me, and I am so grateful,” she said. “I used to be so independent, thinking I could handle everything on my own, but this time I couldn’t. The tradeshow community picked me up when I was at my lowest.” For Abrams, receiving recognition as a financial recipient at the RSMGC was more than just an honor—it was a lifeline. “When I realized I had been selected for this award, I thought, wow, I’m no longer embarrassed. My industry supports me. I no longer feel alone—I feel lucky.”
A Cherished Colleague and Mentor
Before entering the tradeshow industry, Abrams built a strong foundation in both education and diverse professional experiences. She holds a Juris Doctor in International Law from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Law from Université Sorbonne Nouvelle in Paris, where she graduated magna cum laude. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in French and Business from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, also with magna cum laude honors. Early in her career, she worked in destination management, translation, and event production, roles that allowed her to develop a keen understanding of international business and cross-cultural communication. These experiences not only honed her skills in leadership and project management but also provided a global perspective that would later prove invaluable in the tradeshow industry.
Abrams’ impact on the tradeshow community goes far beyond her professional achievements. Her colleagues at Exhibit City News speak warmly of her generosity, mentorship, and the unwavering support she has shown to those around her.
“Lisa has been an excellent mentor to me,” said Marlena Sullivan, who worked closely with Abrams at Exhibit City News. “She guided me through the process of being an editor at Exhibit City News, sharing her vast knowledge of tradeshows. She’s one of the reasons I was able to adapt to this industry that was once foreign to me.”
Christy DiGiambattista, business development at Exhibit City News, also praises Abrams’ dedication to helping others. “Lisa regularly employs teenagers in the foster care system. She donates her time to tutor them, helps them apply for state benefits as they age out, and assists with resume writing and online job applications,” DiGiambattista said. “She’s always been about giving back, and that’s something that’s inspired me and many others.”
Donald Svehla, publisher at Exhibit City News, highlights Abrams’ enduring presence in the industry: “For so many years, Lisa has been one of the most recognizable figures on Las Vegas show floors.”
The Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic: A Tradition of Support
Scheduled for September 26 at Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia, the RSMGC is a cornerstone event in the tradeshow industry, bringing together professionals for a day of golf, camaraderie, and charity. Organized by the Exhibitor Appointed Contractor Association (EACA), the event supports industry members in need, offering both financial and emotional support.
Looking Ahead
As excitement builds for the 2024 RSMGC, the event promises not only a day of golf but also an opportunity to reconnect with friends, make new connections, and contribute to the legacy of compassion and community support that has defined the event for 30 years.
This year, Abrams is one of 11 financial recipients being recognized at the RSMGC. Alongside her, other deserving individuals from the tradeshow community will also be honored, including Bill Redman of Sho-Link, Buddy Lucero of Condit Exhibits, and Carol Black, wife of Scott Black from GES. In addition to the financial recipients, four honorary recipients, such as Casey Murphy, son of Jim Murphy from YLM, will also be recognized for their contributions and legacies within the industry.
For Abrams, this event represents much more than an award—it’s a reflection of the love and support she has received from her industry peers during her most challenging moments. As she continues her recovery, the financial assistance from the RSMGC will help ease the burden of her medical expenses, allowing her to focus on healing and eventually returning to the show floors she loves so much.
To register or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit the RSMGC website.
