CHICAGO — Industry icon Peter Nathan has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of service and dedication to the trade show industry. He spent nearly 60 years in the trade show industry.
Nathan was president of PWN Exhibicon International LLC, a company he founded in 1996, and in 2000 he organized the first U.S. expo in Cuba in 40 years. Prior to launching PWN Exhibicon International, Nathan worked at Clapp & Poliak, which is credited with organizing some of the first U.S. expos in the former Soviet Union and China. Nathan also served as executive vice president of Expocon Management, vice president of Reed Exhibitions (now RX), and held a management position at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York in the 1980s after Clapp & Poliak was acquired by what was then Reed Exhibitions.
He retired in 2012 after working over 58 years in the industry and organising over 500 trade shows and events for a wide range of industries.
Related article: Peter Nathan Retires After Nearly 60 Years in Trade Shows
Nathan was a founding member of the Society of Independent Trade Fair Organizers (SISO) and Major American Trade Show Organizers (MATSO) and has received numerous accolades over the years. He was awarded the King’s Glove Award by the New York Region Chapter of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), THE Expo Group Entertainment Director of the Year Awardthe Robert L. Krakoff SISO Leadership Award, was inducted into the Event Industry Council Hall of Leaders and received the IAEE Pinnacle Award.
“Peter Nathan’s impact will forever resonate in our industry,” said Vincent Polito, CEO of SISO. “He accomplished so much and always demonstrated class, grace and professionalism. SISO serves the for-profit producer today in large part because of his efforts. He will be missed by me, SISO and the entire event industry.”
Nathan was passionate about mentoring and providing advice to his colleagues, associates and newcomers to the industry. He also volunteered at SCORE, A organization that connects business leaders and entrepreneurs for mentoring and advice, showing how important it was has him to share experiences and knowledge with those working in and outside the exhibition sector.
A date for a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Contact Vincent Polito at vincent@siso.org