October 2004
From the Publisher

I’m sure by now you’ve heard that EXPO’s founder, Donn Sanford, my dad, died on Aug. 30. And though he retired a few years ago, this industry was still a part of him.

My dad had a fabulous life. He was a newspaperman and a radio and television broadcaster. He met Elvis and Dr. Martin Luther King. He covered the Beatles’ first American tour, and interviewed Presidents Johnson, Eisenhower and Ford. But my dad’s business passion was the world of association and trade show management. He did it for more than 30 years. And what you hold in your hand is one of my dad’s greatest accomplishments.

Sixteen years ago, when I was home for a Christmas holiday, my very entrepreneurial father and I discussed the fact that there wasn’t a magazine for show organizers. I mentioned the standard meeting planning publications, but he pointed out that they only occasionally covered trade shows. I agreed it was a shame, and got back to wrapping gifts. He, however, wouldn’t let it go. And by week’s end I had agreed to quit my job as a show manager and launch EXPO with him.

Today EXPO celebrates 15 years of publishing for the convention and trade show industry. In that time, we’ve highlighted hundreds of best practices and written reams of new ideas. We’ve benchmarked and surveyed. We’ve case studied and dissected. From the rise of the Internet and the boom of exhibit space, to the arrival of the investment community and the economic realities of the last few years, we’ve sought to teach, inform and inspire. And I’d like to believe we played a part in what is clearly an increased level of professionalism in the industry since 1989.

What greater tribute could there be to my father? To know that an event was improved or a career was furthered is a legacy to last forever.

With this special anniversary issue we follow the last 15 years of industry milestones (see Timeline), while at the same time forecasting the next five years (see Trade Show 2009). The difference in show management practices from 1989 to 2004 is astounding. I can’t wait to see what the next five years will bring.

To all of you who have written, e-mailed and called, my family extends their gratitude. I leave you with the words my dad left us. “Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.”

So long, Dad. I’m smiling.

Donna P. Sanford, Publisher
dsanford@ascendmedia.com