The Visionary Leaders of 2026

Larry Kulchawik

Uncovering an Industry that Lays Quietly Below the Surface

A Lifetime Dedicated to an Industry Few Truly See

In every thriving economy, there are industries that receive constant recognition and public attention. Then there are those that quietly operate behind the scenes, shaping commerce, innovation, and business growth without ever becoming household names. The global trade show and events industry belongs to the latter category. For more than five decades, Larry Kulchawik has dedicated his career to understanding, advancing, and advocating for this remarkable sector.

A respected industry veteran, international leader, author, and educator, Larry Kulchawik has spent fifty years helping businesses connect, communicate, and grow through the power of face to face engagement. His journey is not simply a professional success story. It is a testament to curiosity, leadership, and a deep belief in the power of human connection.

As Larry himself puts it:

"Every major business deal, every product launch, every brand that changed the way you live your life, somewhere along the way, a trade show was involved."

His mission has been clear throughout his career: to ensure that the industry responsible for creating countless business opportunities receives the recognition it deserves.

Discovering an Unexpected Career Path

Larry's entry into the trade show industry was anything but planned. After earning a degree in Design from Southern Illinois University, he found himself searching for direction. During his studies, he had the opportunity to learn under the influence of world renowned designer Buckminster Fuller, whose innovative thinking and problem solving philosophy left a lasting impact on him.

When Larry graduated, the original McCormick Place convention center had been destroyed by fire. A new facility was under construction, creating opportunities for professionals in exhibit design and event marketing. Larry accepted a position as a trade show exhibit designer, a decision that would ultimately define his career.

What began as a job quickly evolved into a lifelong passion.

As he immersed himself in the industry, he discovered a dynamic world where design creativity, business strategy, logistics, marketing, and human interaction intersected. Over time, he advanced through leadership roles and eventually became President of the Chicago division of Greyhound Exhibitgroup, one of the largest exhibit companies in the USA at the time.

This experience provided him with a unique perspective on the industry's complexity and its immense economic impact.

Understanding the Invisible Industry

One of the most fascinating aspects of Larry's career has been his effort to explain what he was doing to make a living. Many people never realize existed

Trade shows, conventions, and business events rarely receive public attention because they are often private events designed specifically for industry professionals. Trade shows are conducted within every industry sector of the economy, year after year and go on unnoticed by the public.

According to Larry, the industry does not manufacture products. Instead, it creates the environment where products, services, technologies, and ideas are introduced to the world.

The trade show ecosystem in the USA supports a remarkable range of professions including shoe organizers, show contractors, designers, carpenters, electricians, graphic artists, AV technicians, event planners, marketers, logistics professionals, caterers, transportation providers, and countless others.

These professionals work together to create experiences that help businesses build relationships, generate leads, launch innovations, and accelerate growth.

"Trade shows create emotion that creates business."

This simple statement captures the essence of Larry's philosophy. While technology continues to evolve, he firmly believes that nothing can replace the power of face to face interaction.

Leadership on a Global Stage

Larry's contributions extend beyond individual exhibitions in the USA. Throughout his career, he became deeply involved in industry organizations that help shape standards and best practices worldwide.

After serving as President of the Exhibit Designers and Producers Association, he joined the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services. His dedication and vision eventually led him to become the first American elected President of the IFES federation.

This role opened new doors and expanded his understanding of global business and culture. Working with professionals from dozens of countries, Larry gained firsthand experience with the unique challenges companies face when exhibiting internationally.

His leadership helped strengthen international collaboration and encouraged knowledge sharing among exhibition professionals around the world.

What began with participation from only a handful of exhibit industry associations IFES eventually grew into a truly global network representing exhibition suppliers from more than fortyfive countries.

Through this work, Larry developed a profound appreciation for cultural diversity and the importance of adapting trade show business practices to local environments.

Turning Global Knowledge into Practical Guidance

Following his IFES presidency, Larry embarked on a new mission.

He contacted exhibition experts from countries across the world and asked a simple but powerful question: What should companies know before exhibiting in your country?

The responses revealed significant differences in business customs, communication styles, exhibit design, show regulations, logistics, and visitor expectations.

Rather than keeping this knowledge to himself, Larry compiled the insights into a comprehensive guidebook titled Trade Shows from One Country to the Next.

The book has become an invaluable resource for companies seeking to expand their international presence through exhibitions and trade events.

Its core message is both practical and profound:

"There is no right way or wrong way. There is only a different way when exhibiting internationally."

This philosophy encourages businesses to embrace cultural understanding rather than relying solely on familiar domestic approaches.

For organizations seeking global growth, the book serves as a roadmap for navigating diverse markets while building stronger international relationships.

Preserving the History of an Industry

Retirement did not slow Larry's passion for the industry. Instead, it inspired him to document its remarkable history.

Together with co author Bob McGlincy, Larry wrote The Invisible Industry, a book dedicated to telling the story of how the concept of trade shows had started in the USA. The book explores the start with the great World Fairs that introduced revolutionary inventions and technologies to the public.

Many of history's most influential innovators first showcased their ideas at fairs and exhibitions. Names such as Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Isaac Singer, Elisha Otis, Henry Heinz, and even Steve Jobs all benefited from platforms that allowed them to demonstrate innovation directly to audiences.

Larry's research then shared  how he concept of trade shows unfolded and created convention centers, shownorganizers, exihibit, suppliers, and industry associations across major American cities.

The result is a comprehensive narrative that highlights the industry's enormous contribution to economic development while preserving the stories of the pioneers who helped shape it.

The Enduring Power of Face to Face Communication

In today's digital world, many predicted that virtual platforms would eventually replace physical events.

The COVID era provided a real world test of that assumption.

While virtual events helped maintain communication during this difficult times, the experience ultimately reinforced the unique value of in person interaction.

For Larry, the lesson was clear.

Business is not only about information exchange. It is about establishing trust, emotion, relationships, and shared experiences to promote new products and inventions

These elements are difficult to replicate through screens alone.

When trade shows returned, participation rebounded strongly, demonstrating that industry organizations still valued opportunities to meet customers, partners, and prospects in person.

The recovery confirmed Larry's long held belief that face to face communication remains one of the most powerful tools available to businesses.

We didn’t invent trade shows. We inherited them, and we we made them better. Trade shows represent humanity’s oldest behavior.

Building the Workforce of the Future

Another issue close to Larry's heart is workforce development.

For decades, many professionals entered the industry almost by accident, discovering career opportunities through experience rather than formal education.

Today, the industry is taking a more proactive approach.

Universities, training programs, apprenticeship initiatives, and professional associations are working together to enhance training programs to prepare the next generation of talent. Industry associations like EDPA, IAEE, the Exhibition & Events Workforce Development Federation, and others are taking agressive steps to create awareness and training programs..

These efforts are helping create clear career pathways for individuals interested in event management, exhibit design, logistics, marketing, production, and related fields.

Larry believes that awareness is the first step.

Many young people simply do not know these opportunities exist.

By increasing visibility and promoting education, the industry can continue attracting skilled professionals who will support future growth.

A Vision for Continued Recognition

Despite its enormous economic impact, the trade show industry has historically remained hidden from public view.

Larry has spent much of his career working to change that perception.

Industry organizations, advocacy groups, and business leaders are increasingly highlighting the role exhibitions play in supporting innovation, job creation, tourism, and economic development.

Industry groups are now gaining recognition in Washington DC and meeting with congressional representatives from each region to express concerns raging from visas, training, and trade tatiffs. As awareness grows, so does appreciation for the professionals who make these events possible. The industry is no longer content with remaining invisible. Instead, it is stepping forward to demonstrate its value and secure its place as a recognized and respected career field.

Legacy of a True Industry Advocate

Larry Kulchawik's story is about much more than trade shows.

It is about recognizing opportunities where others see none. It is about lifelong learning, global collaboration, and unwavering dedication to a profession.

For over fifty years, he and others within the industry are helping connect businesses across borders, and educate business professionals around the world, about the industry's history of trade shows and value it brings to the world economy.

His work has transformed how people understand an industry that quietly powers commerce on a global scale.

As businesses continue to seek meaningful connections in an increasingly complex world, Larry's message remains as relevant as ever:

"The industry is no longer invisible."

Through his leadership, writing, and advocacy, Larry Kulchawik has ensured that the people and organizations behind the world's most influential business events finally receive the recognition they deserve.

His legacy stands as a reminder that some of the most important industries are not always the most visible, but their impact can shape economies, careers, and innovation for generations.