THE 2018 FAB 50

Opened: 1987
HQ: Houston
US Work: 95%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 55%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 35%; Bigger than 50x50s: 10%
Fabrication Space: 255k
Storage Space: N/A
Rental: Yes
Clients: CenturyLink, Daikin-Goodman, Danos, KPRC, Maverik
RFP Contact: Jeannette Sanders, [email protected]

Building on deep roots in face-to-face experience and design, 2020 has made significant investments in its corporate interior, environment and signage businesses. Has added new locations in Greenville, SC, Cincinnati and Chicago, for a total of eight near expo centers nationwide. Recent project recognition includes the award-winning Haefle corporate HQ and showroom, Maverik corporate HQ and the KPRC Channel 2 News on-air set, while a tech-savvy exhibit for CenturyLink at Channel Partners Expo was a real show-stopper.

Website: 2020exhibits.com

Opened: 1995 
HQ: Schaumburg, IL
US Work: 94%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 36%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 46%; Bigger than 50x50s: 18%
Fabrication Space: 264k
Storage Space: 264k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Bobcat, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Johnson & Johnson Medical Companies, Sunstar, Wells Fargo
RFP Contact: Nicole Genarella, [email protected]

Centrally located facilities, award-winning design, state-of-the-art manufacturing, efficient online management programs and a range of marketing, strategy, technology and measurement capabilities to help clients optimize face-to-face opportunities, then quantify their success—3D has what it takes. 3D now has a dedicated warehouse for portable exhibit properties and launched a company-wide Collabor8 initiative to develop innovations. Sounds gr8 to us.

Website: 3dexhibits.com 

Opened: 1985
HQ: Whitinsville, MA
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 70%; Bigger than 50x50s: 10%
Fabrication Space: 174k
Storage Space:  246k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Acadia, First!, Foundation Medicine, Neurocrine, Nordic Naturals
RFP Contact: Scott Williams, [email protected]

A leader in serving the healthcare industry, Access has also flexed its design chops at CES, Natural Products and shows for STEM curriculum teachers. Its core strategy of performing heavy lifting on graphics and property selections, rather than having clients do, it is a proven winner. Another winner: an amazing Dominoes village display for Seattle Genetics at the American Society of Hematology that presented complex data as a memorable experience and engaged attendees viscerally in a true “knockdown” moment.

Website: accesstca.com 

Opened: 2003
HQ: Havre De Grace, MD
US Work: 80%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 35%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 45%; Bigger than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 11.6k
Storage Space: 142.4k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Genetec, Topix Pharmaceuticals, Rockwool, Smiths Detection, The Associated Press
RFP Contact: Michael Dunne, [email protected]

A veteran-owned shop with clients in the military, security, defense and protection industries as well as IT, healthcare, food & beverage, apparel, building products and more. Recent investments include a new website, a full-time in-house marketing manager and a new Multicam 5000 series CNC router for more precise exhibit components. Attendees loved the spa-like Topix Pharmaceuticals’ exhibit at the American Academy of Dermatology event—a quiet oasis to unwind and connect with the brand.

Website: acerexhibits.com

Opened: 1978 
HQ: Cincinnati
US Work: 80%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 30%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 45%; Bigger than 50x50s: 25%
Fabrication Space: 220k
Storage Space: 105k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Essity/Tork, GE Aviation, Mitsubishi, Procter & Gamble, Unilever
RFP Contact: Cheryl Wood, [email protected]

An expanded museum and permanent installation division and nine percent more staffers means increased services from this busy shop, while a new partnership with iOS app Zuant adds valuable real-time data and metrics to the mix. Recently won all exhibit, event and design rebranding work for Aetna/CVS, thanks to its full-service offerings and modular design concept. Also cool: its proprietary “scrate” packing containers, which combine the benefits of a skid and a crate for freight, drayage and handling efficiencies. For more perspective, click here.

Website: adex-intl.com

Opened: 2001 
HQ: Las Vegas
US Work: 80%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 10%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 40%; Bigger than 50x50s: 50%
Fabrication Space: 350K
Storage Space: 40K
Rental: Yes
Clients: Google, GoPro, Nike, NVIDIA, Tesla
RFP Contact: Frank Verrilli, [email protected]

New strategic partnerships with agencies and architects has led to larger projects for household names such as GoPro, Coca-Cola, Nike and more. A new booth for Twitch featured a live-broadcast stage, live-stream gaming, demo stations and a pretty cool partner lounge and meeting space. Recently broke ground on a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, and invested in an Oculus Rift CV1 to take clients through virtual trade show exhibits before the build has begun.

Website: astoundgroup.com

Opened: 1988
HQ: Torrance, CA
US Work: 100%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 10%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 65%; Bigger than 50x50s: 25%
Fabrication Space: 40k
Storage Space:  45k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Dish Network, IMG Live, Hyundai/Advantage International, Intersport, Lexus/Team One
RFP Contact: Adrian Si, [email protected]

Family- and minority-owned ASV’s main client base is the automotive industry, but it’s at home in the kitchen as it proved for Dacor at KBIS earlier this year, and on the road, where it cooked up a Green Room, baked by Subway experience at five music festivals around the country. Has opened a second office in Dallas, added a new building to its Torrance location, created a marketing department and, most important, increased its  client roster. For more perspective, click here.

Website: asv1.com

Opened: 1985
HQ: Bolingbrook, IL
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 35%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 55%; Bigger than 50x50s: 10%
Fabrication Space: 38k
Storage Space: 244k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Animal Supply Co., Cobra Puma, Shell, Spectrum, Vineyard Vines
RFP Contact: Michael Ebert, [email protected]

Full-service facilities in Chicago, Las Vegas and Orlando, and a network of partners around the globe, allow CEP to service domestic and worldwide trade show markets. Another plus: a proprietary LaborSource group for installation and dismantling efficiencies, while its SMART+ (Show Management and Resource Technology) system supports the whole she-bang. A recent exhibit to launch Maui Jim’s new ophthalmic sunglasses at Vision Expo East offered ease of assembly and an upscale Hawaiian feel. A real eye-catcher.

Website: cepexhibits.com

Opened: 1987 
HQ: Clifton Park, NY
US Work: 92%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 30%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 35%; Bigger than 50x50s: 45%
Fabrication Space: 15k
Storage Space: 30k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Central Garden and Pet, DSM Nutritional Products, LEDVANCE, LEGO, NRG Systems
RFP Contact: Will Farmer, [email protected]

Although programs vary widely, Creatacor’s specialty is working with corporate trade show managers who participate in one to 25 major annual events with exhibit spaces from 400 to 6,000 square feet. That would include LEGO’s booth at last year’s North American International Toy Fair, complete with a LEGO Batman Movie display, and a booth for Silhouette eyewear, with a “plant painting” Moss Wall. An in-house JobCritical app and OnCor customer interface keeps track of it all.

Website: creatacor.com

Opened: 1947
HQ: Chicago
US Work: 85%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 15%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 15%; Bigger than 50x50s: 70%
Fabrication Space: 1.6 m-plus
Storage Space: 2 million-plus
Rental:Yes 
Clients: AbbVie, Coca-Cola, General Motors, LG, Porsche
RFP Contact: Dillon Nagle, [email protected]

Coming off a banner year with the launch of two Czarnowski brands, the acquisition of a 3D visualization studio and a facility in Shanghai, Czar is well positioned to expand service offerings and enhance its value proposition. Its new Public School brand communications agency debuted as AOR for BMW and MINI. Assembly, its recently launched temporary tented/tension structure company, will head to golf events and hospitality chalets. We’re betting another banner year is in the works.

Website: czarnowski.com

Opened: 1948 
HQ: Milwaukee
US Work: 95%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 50%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 43%; Bigger than 50x50s: 7%
Fabrication Space: 230k
Storage Space: 390k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Allergan, Eaton, Moen, Samsung, Vitamix
RFP Contact: Susan Riese, [email protected]

More than 720,000-square-feet of fabrication, production and office space across six nationwide facilities forms the framework of the Derse ecosystem. Over the last year has undergone a proactive restructuring of positions and teams and celebrated multiple promotions and new positions to better support clients and new business. To that end, demonstrated its commitment to client service by implementing a more robust and streamlined survey tool to collect feedback from clients show-by-show and annually. For more perspective, click here.

Website: derse.com

Opened: 1949
HQ: Lorton, VA
US Work: 100%
Portfolio: Bigger than 50x50s: 100%
Fabrication Space: 150k
Storage Space: 40k
Rental: No
Clients: National Museum of the U.S. Army, Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History, Bell Museum of Natural History, Tennessee State Museum, National Law Enforcement Museum
RFP Contact: Duncan R. Millar, [email protected]

The shop behind some of the coolest projects in the museum world—The National September 11 Memorial Museum and the original Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—also handles more modest work. Produced all exhibit and A/V elements for the National Museum of African American History and Culture: 12 exhibitions spread over 85,000 square feet; 3,000 objects on display in 500 archival display cases; 15,000 light fixtures; 10,000 graphic panels. All within 20 months.

Website: d-and-p.com 

Opened: 1963
HQ: Mahwah, NJ 
US Work: 98%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 15%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 25%; Bigger than 50x50s: 60%
Fabrication Space: 125k
Storage Space: 125k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Disney, Ferrari, JLG Industries, Momentum Worldwide, Stryker Medical
RFP Contact: Ken Jerome, [email protected]

The design/fabricator gurus behind JLG’s two-story glass structure at ConExpo 2017, Dimensional is known for exceptional work in outdoor spaces. Its secret? A fully customizable modular weatherproof temporary building system and a proprietary aluminum framework for a branded marketing environment with impact. Speaking of impact, how about that 40,000-square-foot NFL Experience at Times Square, or The Gatorade Fuel Lab at the SXSW Festival in Austin, TX.  For more perspective, click here.

Website: dimcom.com

Opened: 1986 
HQ: Gilberts, IL
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 50%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 40%; Bigger than 50x50s: 10%
Fabrication Space: 15k
Storage Space: 45k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Accenture, American Financial and Automotive Services, CardioFocus, Orange Amps, Procore Technologies
RFP Contact: Steve Schulte, [email protected]

Have a story to tell? Echelon’s designers, producers, architects and engineers can whip it into cool, compelling content through exhibit design, event production and digital media. Video, motion graphics, mobile apps, interactive touch displays and gamification are the tools; engaging stories and exhibits, such as the award-winning Coros booth at Interbike, are the result. A new Atlanta office and an expanded portfolio of events management, digital media and client strategy will keep the content coming.

Website: echelondesigninc.com

Opened: 1979 
HQ: Chicago
US Work: 85%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 15%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 65%; Bigger than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 50k 
Storage Space: 100k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Barilla, Doosan, Herman Miller, Ferrara Candy Co., Mohawk Carpets
RFP Contact: Greg Tivadar, [email protected]

Has undergone a complete company refurb, from an expanded sales department and more specialized teams for fabrication and show service management, to an updated office look and feel. Sleek, sophisticated design and a show-stopping hanging sign with 16 acrylic pieces representing the color spectrum impressed attendees at Edmund Optics’ exhibit, while self-driving lifts, moving VR safety demos and a live wood carver reeled them into Hyster’s booth. And Rockwell Automation’s curved glass “Enterprise Hub?” Awesome.

Website: edecorp.com

Opened: 1981 
HQ: Rochester Hills, MI
US Work: 97%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 30%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 60%; Bigger than 50x50s: 10%
Fabrication Space: 128k
Storage Space: 159k
Rental: Yes
Clients: ABB Group, Denso, FCA Group LLC, Jack Morton Worldwide, Magna International
RFP Contact: Braden Graham, [email protected]

Derek Gentile’s family-owned EEI has always been a bankable, trusted exhibit partner. From qualitative to quantitative consumer and customer research to global strategy reports and assignments, the company now offers a full range of marketing services. Making nice upgrades to the look and feel of client experiences under chief creative officer David Hudson and his team. Ties to a national Sho-Link co-op system spanning 60 cities allows for easy planning and management of installation and dismantle. For more perspective, click here.

Website: eeiglobal.com 

Opened: 1968
HQ: Atlanta
US Work: 40%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 50%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 30%; Bigger than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 50k
Storage Space:  120k
Rental: Yes
Clients: AztraZeneca, Franke, Johnson Controls, Kimberly-Clark Professional, Varian
RFP Contact: Tucker Ramsey, [email protected]

Founded in Germany and rebranded last year from Expotechnik, ET Global offers more than 900,000-square-feet of full-service production facilities in major world business centers. A team of more than 500 in 10 locations and wholly owned subsidiaries on five continents ensure consistency, transparency, control and accountability. Supports a diverse roster but brings deep experience to clients in healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical devices as it lives out its mantra—think globally and act locally.

Website: etglobal.com

Opened: 1979
HQ: Farmington Hills, MI
US Work: 85%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 10%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 40%; Bigger than 50x50s: 50%
Fabrication Space: 643k
Storage Space: 510k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Amazon, Audi, Dana Inc., Kia, Subaru
RFP Contact: Sara Frey, [email protected]

Founded on its relationship with Ford Motor Co. and boasting a roster of nearly 20 automotive OEMs, other specialties include pop-up retail (it handled the launch of Amazon’s pop-up experiences), and permanent exhibitions, such as the 40,000-square-foot General Motors world headquarters in Detroit, and numerous museums and world expos. Hired Sara Frey as director of marketing and Jorja Rapelje as vp of its new events division for continued expansion beyond convention halls and into new realms.

Website: ewiworldwide.com

Opened: 1978
HQ: Vandalia, OH
US Work: 85%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 65%; Bigger than 50x50s: 15%
Fabrication Space: 51.6k
Storage Space: 131.2k
Rental: Yes
Clients: UTC Aerospace Programs, Dell EMC, LG, Kellogg’s, Procter & Gamble
RFP Contact: Karimey Berbach, [email protected]

Certified woman-owned, a strategic focus for ECI is the supplier diversity market. Another target audience—individuals seeking their Certified Trade Show Marketer accreditation, as well as a diverse client base. And now, 20 new employees means additional business initiatives, experiential projects and sponsorship activations such as the booth for welding system producer OTC Daihen, which at Fabtech sponsored a welding competition, live dancing robot presentations and expert welder known as WeldPorn showing off his skills.

Website: exhibitconcepts.com

Opened: 1994
HQ: Atlanta
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 45%; Bigger than 50x50s: 35%
Fabrication Space: 103k 
Storage Space: 115k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Convatec, Deloitte, EXIDE Technologies, KNAPP, Mimaki
RFP Contact: Heidi Leon, [email protected]

What began as an exhibit house in 1994 has evolved into all aspects of experiential, including showrooms, interiors, mobile marketing, user conferences and trade shows. Added 80,000 square feet to its Atlanta HQ, expanded its Chicago location and established a meeting and events division. We love Toshiba Global Commerce’s booth at NRF, which used string art to depict a happy family shopping experience, and the “Zombie Cow Attack” escape room for AGCO at Future Farmers of America.

Website: exhibitus.com

Opened: 2001 
HQ: Huntington Beach, CA
US Work: 65%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 25%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 25%; Bigger than 50x50s: 50%
Fabrication Space: 81k
Storage Space: 100k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Carbon, Facebook, Oculus, Netflix, Tito’s Handmade Vodka
RFP Contact: Freddie Georges, [email protected]

FG|PG’s storytelling focus attracts emerging high-tech companies such as Oculus and Carbon bringing new brands to market; also has deep expertise in gaming. Recent projects include larger-than-life videogame characters, themed screening rooms for movie and video game launches and re-creations of life-sized trees, stone fortresses and desert scenes. And the pièce de résistance—a fully functional replica of downtown New Orleans at E3, complete with palm readers, jazz band and a vintage movie theater. Formidable.

Website: fgpg.com

Opened: 1927
HQ: Dallas, TX
US Work: 60%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 35%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 35%; Bigger than 50x50s: 30%
Fabrication Space: 515k
Storage Space: 1,031.2k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Broadcom, LAV, neatfreak!, Seritage Growth Properties, Spectrum Brands
RFP Contact: [email protected]

With one of the largest exhibit fabrication footprints in the world, few companies offer the global reach of “what you want, anywhere you want it” along with value-based pricing. With 90 locations across the globe and 7,000 employees, there’s certainly a deep bench of, well, everything at family-owned Freeman. Pushing harder into data and analytics with the help of its Exhibit Surveys and Comotion acquisitions. Proprietary PassPort platform lets clients manage custom designs, signage and flooring. For more perspective, click here.

Website: freeman.com

Opened: 1914
HQ: Auburn Hills, MI
US Work: 75%
Portfolio: 20x20s and smaller: 10%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 20%; Bigger than 50x50s: 70%
Fabrication Space: 475k
Storage Space: 700k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Google, IBM, Nissan/Infiniti, Salesforce, Toyota/Lexus
RFP Contact: Scott Kellner, [email protected]

Nearly unmatched on the auto show circuit for decades, Big George carries on with its longtime client roster and larger-than-life Tier 1 exhibit programs. Exhibit inventory tracking approach consists of asset tracking with the support of bar coding and several online tools such as its Aquarius Property Management, Supervisor Mobile Assistant and others that provide precision oversight across a trade show kit’s many assets and moving pieces. National contracts with I&D partners offer “the most economical installation and dismantle.”

Website: gpj.com

Opened: 1939
HQ: Las Vegas
US Work: 68%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 46%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 44%; Bigger than 50x50s: 10%
Fabrication Space: 140k
Storage Space: 2M+
Rental: Yes
Clients: Bell Helicopter, Boeing, Caterpillar, Pfizer, Merck
RFP Contact: Sally McComic, [email protected]

Opened a new 201,000-square-foot fabrication, storage and client services facility in the incredible metropolis of… Hebron, KY—used to complement existing fabrication facilities in Chicago and Las Vegas. In addition, developed Connect, a client-facing proprietary software tool for program and project management, which also provides real-time program/project data and analytics. Hired Jay Altizer as new president of GES North America as well as a dozen new peeps across the design, account management and biz-dev fronts.

Website: ges.com

Opened: 1989
HQ: Alameda, CA
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 25%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 50%; Bigger than 50x50s: 25%
Fabrication Space: 310k
Storage Space: 180k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Automation Anywhere, Golden State Warriors, Frost Museum of Nature & Science, Medtronic, Nintendo
RFP Contact: Katie Bottrell, [email protected]

Gaming, gesture-based tech, cameras, mobile apps, social media interaction and 2D/3D animations—Group Delphi, infused with the spirit of ceo Justin Hersh’s theatrical training, can make it happen. Take the Nintendo Summer of Play tour, which had to be creative enough to engage, flexible enough to suit indoor and outdoor spaces and durable enough to endure the rigors of the road. It was touted as “one of marketing’s biggest stories of 2017.” For more perspective, click here.

Website: groupdelphi.com 

Opened: 1946
HQ: Lanham, MD
US Work: 93%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 25%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 30%; Bigger than 50x50s: 45%
Fabrication Space: 63.9k
Storage Space: 135k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Human Rights Campaign, Gentex Corp., Mosaic, Pro-Ject, Under Armour
RFP Contact: Ron Nicynski, [email protected]

Specializes in B2C experiential marketing partnerships to create pop-ups, retail experiences, traveling exhibits, mobile units and branded corporate interiors, and acquisition last year by A/V provider PSAV Holdings expands business opportunities and access to technology applications. Its range is vast, from custom fabricating and installing multiple areas within Oracle OpenWorld 2017’s reinvented exhibit hall, The Exchange, to creating more than 230,000 monochromatic bubbles/balloons representing water clouds for water.org and Stella Artois.

Website: hargroveinc.com

Opened: 1995 
HQ: Weymouth, MA
US Work: 95%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 11.75%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 82.5%; Bigger than 50x50s: 5.75%
Fabrication Space: none
Storage Space: 20.8k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Dunkin’ Brands, Brightcove, Cybereason, International Game Technology (IGT), Samsonite
RFP Contact:Martine Pelletier, [email protected]

Branded environments are the specialty here. A design for IGT featured more than 400 luminescent gaming machines and 4D virtual reality product demos; a 250-foot LED “ribbon” unified the space and served as a wayfinder that with 1,000-plus video tiles and theatrical lights created a glowing Las Vegas-style neon environment. For Cybereason, a Victorian-inspired “speakeasy” did the trick, while an immersive, industrial exhibit for Payfactors reinforced its “Join the Revolution” messaging.

Website: hillpartners.com

Opened: 1964
HQ: Toronto
US Work: 20%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 70%; Bigger than 50x50s: 10%
Fabrication Space: none
Storage Space: none
Rental: Yes
Clients: Calgary Zoo, HBC, Loblaw-Shoppers dURG mART, Parks Canada, Surrey Museum
RFP Contact: Sakina Khawaja, [email protected]

2017 is the year Holman branched out into retail, all while maintaining its expertise in B2B, B2C, government and cultural institutions. It built many of the structures holding the couture displays at Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum exhibit on Christian Dior, which incorporated iPads into the fashion story, while large-scale graphics completed the nostalgic ambiance. But is equally adept creating a different type of environment—like CooperTires’ booth at the Canadian Tire Show. Way to roll, Holman.

Website: holmanexhibits.com

Opened: 1991
HQ: Richmond, CA
US Work: 80%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 15%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 40%; Bigger than 50x50s: 45%
Fabrication Space: 60k
Storage Space: 35k
Rental: Yes
Clients: AAA mobile and branch offices, GMR, On Board Experiential/Facebook, Proterra, Trina Solar
RFP Contact: Carissa Stugard, [email protected]

Hood’s evolution over the past five years from trade show-heavy to taking on museum, store fixtures, events, containers and stadium experience projects keeps the agency fresh and current. Has sold off much of its rental inventory, but will create custom rentals for specific clients. Developed a modular showroom activation for Proterra that also doubles as a trade show booth showcasing the brand’s actual electric buses and batteries. The result was lightweight and budget-friendly.

Website: hoodbe.com 

Opened: 2008 
HQ: Atlanta
US Work: 100%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 20%; Bigger than 50x50s: 60%
Fabrication Space: 245k 
Storage Space: 45k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Agency 808, Great Wolf Resorts, Hamilton Exhibits, Imagine Shopworks 
RFP Contact: Steve Bruha, [email protected]

Known as the “behind the scenes” partner for its clients—exhibit and experiential companies, design firms, theme parks, museums, destination attractions, retailers and marketing and p.r. agencies. Belonging to the Exploring family of companies, with sister company GCI Graphics under its Atlanta roof, creates efficiencies and cost savings. Its proprietary 3Dimensioneering brings 2D ideas to life for clients like Shelby’s Sugar Shop, which features animated vignettes, a large-scale bridge installation and custom candy dispensers.

Website: id3group.com

Opened: 1987 
HQ: Manchester, NH
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 40%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 45%; Bigger than 50x50s: 15%
Fabrication Space: 24k
Storage Space: 60k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Advanced Instruments, CASA Systems, ECCO Shoe, IMG Worldwide, Jabra-VXI
RFP Contact: Liz Hummel, [email protected]

From a sampling environment for Coffee-Mate to a retail shop for King Tut, with a custom display case for a $30,000 replica of his death mask, Image 4 gets it done at trade shows and beyond with work equally divided between permanent and temporary environments. A Trade Show Marketing Budget projector guides clients to appropriate shows; pre- and post-show demand generation services increase exhibit traffic. Recently opened an Architectural Innovation Showroom in New York City’s trendy SoHo area. For more perspective, click here.

Website: image4.com

Opened: 1989 
HQ: Redmond, WA
US Work: 95%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 60%; Bigger than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 30k
Storage Space: 20k
Rental: Yes
Clients: AMP Agency, Microsoft, Microsoft Stores, Momentum Worldwide, PACCAR
RFP Contact: Thomas Hutchinson, [email protected]

Initiatives in 2018 include launching a website to drive awareness of its large-format printing capabilities and the use of virtual reality to place clients inside design renderings. Life-sized replicas of eight-foot-tall Red Sakura trees, installed simultaneously in one night at seven Microsoft stores across the country for 3D pop-up sculpture greeting card company Lovepop, prove its technical prowess and confirms the agency’s belief that, yes, this really is an industry where anything is possible.

Website: imagicorps.com

Opened: 1973 
HQ: Dayton, NJ
US Work: 68%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 35%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 45%; Bigger than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 30k
Storage Space: 400k
Rental: Yes
Clients: AT&T, BASF, Nutanix, Under Armour, The Wonderful Company
RFP Contact: Charles Sanchez, [email protected]

Recently acquired Atlantic, a full-service firm specializing in trade show exhibit, event and corporate interior design and build, as well as project management. Its XM-IQ platform helps experiential marketers get better results from trade shows, conferences and activations. Its revamped client portal offers 24/7/365 secure online access, real-time information and supports multiple languages and currencies. And its rental platform makes managing more than $3 million worth of inventory a breeze. Oh, and the global expertise: huge. Staff speaks over 15 languages.

Website: impact-xm.com

Opened: 1939
HQ: Boston
US Work: 98%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 30%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 55%; Bigger than 50x50s: 15%
Fabrication Space: 40k
Storage Space: 92k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Empire State Development, Johnson & Johnson, Kodak, Royal Caribbean, TD Ameritrade
RFP Contact: Cyndi Davis, [email protected]

The longtime fabrication arm of IPG’s global event Jack Morton agency flies under the radar sometimes but shows up with nice work across events and trade shows. Plays exceptionally well in the scenic broadcast environmental space—the multi-award-winning broadcast design team creates sets and scenic environments for everybody from CBS and CNN to ESPN and Amazon. That team has won 21 Emmys, 27 BDA awards—and the respect of broadcast designers on six continents.

Website: jackmorton.com

Opened: 1983 
HQ: Toronto
US Work: 60%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 45%; Bigger than 50x50s: 35%
Fabrication Space: 240k
Storage Space: 300k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Effem Foods/Mars Chocolate M. Am., HP, Hyundai Auto Canada/Genesis Motors Canada, Samsung Electronics Canada
RFP Contact: Elliot Kohn, [email protected]

Enjoys expertise in B2B and B2C for diverse clients, and boasts a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility to service them all with CNC milling, custom assembly and finishing. Is building retail partnerships with global brands, added Volvo and Genesis to its automotive roster, and increasing work with museums and galleries. Technology offerings include VFX, VR, real-time, and 2D and 3D motion graphics, including a connected aircraft display for Honeywell that wowed attendees at a major aviation event.

Website: thinkubik.com

Opened: 2010
HQ: San Diego
US Work: 100%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 50%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 25%; Bigger than 50x50s: 25%
Fabrication Space: 20k
Storage Space: 20k
Rental: Yes
Clients: HBO, Konami, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Weight Watchers
RFP Contact: Jeff Pascarella, [email protected]

MG’s custom-style spaces made from modular exhibit structures dispel the notion that modular means “cookie cutter.” An exact set replica of Peter Parker’s room from Spider-Man—built completely upside down—had New York Comic-Con attendees appear to crawl on the ceiling, just as Spider-Man did in the movie. A completely functional and Instagram-worthy set replica of HBO’s “Room 104” got all details spot-on and ready for anything hotel guests could throw at it—including room service.

Website: marketinggenome.com

Opened: 1999 
HQ: Chestnut Ridge, NY
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 34%; 20x20s to 50x50s 57%; Bigger Than 50x50s: 9%
Fabrication Space: 55k
Storage Space: 269.3k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Bloomberg, Canon, John Deere, McKinney (Samsung), Toyota
RFP Contact: Liz Perry, [email protected]

Acquired last May by Swiss-based MCHGroup, MC2 now offers clients access to international opportunities and specialized services. Also opened a new location in Long Beach, CA. Recent work for Toyota involved crane-lifting a chrome-wrapped Mirai to the top of a shipping container where it sat on a specially engineered “tray.” Oversized incandescent-looking LED bulbs illuminated the car, making the Mirai a beacon at the HUBweek event, generating leads, test drives and trunk loads of impressions.

Website: mc-2.com

Opened: 1993 
HQ: Webster, NY 
US Work: 75%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 4%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 45%; Bigger than 50x50s: 51%
Fabrication Space: 42k
Storage Space: 84k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Capital One, Cisco, Johnson & Johnson, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, PepsiCo/Gatorade
RFP Contact: Kerrie McWhorter, [email protected]

Innovations in experience design and technology integration as part of MSM’s ExperiDigital Custom Interactive Journeys service set this busy shop apart. Through ExperiDigital , clients can engage their audience, adjust marketing content on the fly, improve CRM and track event ROI. Square Foot Pricing provides one quoted price for all “front of house” project management, and companies looking to consolidate programs to one supplier should check out MSM’s “Switch. Organize. Save.” initiative.

Website: mirrorshow.com

Opened: 2013
HQ: Brooklyn, NY
US Work: 95%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 60%; Bigger than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 39k
Storage Space: 10k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Civic, Glossier, Jack Morton, Live Nation, MKG
RFP Contact: Matthew Shankman, [email protected]

Partners with creative agencies, brands, venues and independent contractors across the globe for music festival tents, experiential events, vehicle modifications, trade show booths, art installations, sculptures, pop-ups and more. A recent jaw-dropper—an immersive, interactive Hall of Magic that brought Syfy’s “The Magicians” series to life, transporting guests into a gallery filled with sensory exploration and illusion. At the Grace Hopper Conference for women technologists oversized
geometric shapes made Google’s booth the one to visit.

Website: pinksparrow.com

Opened: 1998 
HQ: Hillsboro, OR
US Work: 80%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 10%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 40%; Bigger than 50x50s: 50%
Fabrication Space: 225k
Storage Space: 145k
Rental: Yes
Clients:  Amazon, NetApp, Sony PlayStation, Verizon, Zeiss
RFP Contact: Brad Hogan, [email protected]

Pinnacle’s big news is Brand Blocks, a modular system modeled around shipping containers and equipped with lighting, electrical and internet that instantly creates space and presence at festivals, private events, pop-ups, gaming tours and more. Clients have rented them to create double-deck VIP lounges at trade shows, a two-story village covering an entire parking lot in downtown L.A., and a two-story p.r. and media room during the Super Bowl that really scored with the press. For more perspective, click here.

Website: pinnacle-exhibits.com

Opened: 1983 
HQ: Denver
US Work: 95%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 60%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 25%; Bigger than 50x50s: 15%
Fabrication Space: 45k
Storage Space: 75k
Rental: Yes
Clients: ECaterpillar Apparel, Deuter, Jack Morton Worldwide, Match Marketing, Motive
RFP Contact: Justin Pass, [email protected]

Proctor’s artists, audiophiles, car aficionados, foodies and outdoor enthusiasts this past year partnered with a range of clients, including Denver Arts and Theatre, where it created an exhibit for artist Stuart Smiley inspired by the art of Denver’s Union Station and featured a place for people to drop off their “emotional baggage.” And for Facebook and LinkedIn, it designed outdoor “parklets,” comfortable places for employees to take a break, jump on a call or collaborate.

Website: proctorproductions.com 

Opened: 1987
HQ: Fremont, CA 
US Work: 85%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 60%; Bigger than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 65k
Storage Space: 100k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Amazon, Arm, Blue Diamond Growers, Cisco, Roche
RFP Contact: Matt Rulis, [email protected]

Recently launched ProGlobal Events, a separate company to focus on corporate events, and with a cool new design center in its headquarters housing new creative director Saul Stokes and his staff, the agency is well poised to maintain its 99 percent customer satisfaction rating, an achievement it has enjoyed since its inception in 1987. Two standout exhibits for Arm’s largest Tech Conference, with their bold futuristic look and informative digital displays, added to the kudos.

Website: proexhibits.com

Opened: 2009 
HQ: New Orleans
US Work: 100%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 25%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 50%; Bigger than 50x50s: 25%
Fabrication Space: 50k
Storage Space: 120k
Rental: Yes
Clients: AEG Live Gulf Coast/Winter Circle Productions, Cogent Marketing, Legacy Marketing, Live Nation Sponsorship, Wheelhouse PR
RFP Contact: Chris Berends, [email protected]

Coming off its best year on record, Raven doubled staff and solidified management to take on larger projects. Also more than doubled sales and acquired Center Staging. Designed, pre-fabricated, shipped and erected 13 permanent sponsorship buildings in Live Nation amphitheater concourses across the U.S., its largest contract to date. And handled Mtn Dew’s Courtside Project during NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans. A highlight—a collaboration with Joey Badass that was, um, totally badass.

Website: ravenpmg.com

Opened: 1995 
HQ: Rochester, NY; Las Vegas
US Work: 77%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 27%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 38%; Bigger than 50x50s: 35%
Fabrication Space: 50k
Storage Space: 230k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Huntington Ingalls, Lockheed Martin, Mack Truck, Northrup Grumman, Scientific Games
RFP Contact: Don Johnson, [email protected]

RES’ Command the Floor mission for clients in aerospace, defense, healthcare, industrial and consumer products no doubt contributed to last year’s 25 percent growth. Recently expanded into gaming, retail and construction. Revamped Mack Truck’s customer experience center with a selfie station, theater, sliding interactive, historic sound room and vehicle showroom. A mobile tour for Mack’s new Anthem truck features a tactile design area, VR station and at the heart of it all—a mighty MP8 engine. For more perspective, click here.

Website: res-exhibits.com

Opened: 1978 
HQ: Andover, MA
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 30%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 40%; Bigger than 50x50s: 30%
Fabrication Space: 50k
Storage Space: 125k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Change Healthcare, IQVIA, Kronos, Sig Sauer, Straumann
RFP Contact: Bob Mitchell, [email protected]

Growth over the past 12 months includes increasing work for clients such as NBC and Telemundo, means a renovated facility, a new division for logistics and field services and expansion in all departments at Sacks. Recent work for XEROS was heads above the other booths at CES with 30 floating blue and green orbs that referenced the brand’s corporate colors and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional laundry practices, and attracted attendees to the multimedia elements below.

Website: sacksexhibits.com

Opened: 1919
HQ: Philadelphia 
US Work: 80%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 15%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 50%; Bigger than 50x50s: 35%
Fabrication Space: 650k
Storage Space: 650k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Google, LEGO, Peloton, Samsung, Salesforce
RFP Contact: Kristy Elisano, [email protected]

From rental to custom, tension fabric to reclaimed wood, walls and doors to double-decks and hung ceilings. From small to medium to large and some of the most extra-large exhibits around. The independent Sparks continues to beef up exhibit offerings for a growing bench of clients, as evidenced by the hiring of more than 100 employees over the past year. Leveraging competitive benchmarks to show performance against industry averages and offering clients programmable reporting that aggregates results and helps with planning.

Website: wearesparks.com

Opened: 1931
HQ: Franklin, MA
US Work: 70%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 20%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 35%; Bigger than 50x50s: 45%
Fabrication Space: 210k
Storage Space: 400k
Rental: Yes  Clients: BMW, Genentech, Intel, Miele, Samsung
RFP Contact: Alph Leydon, [email protected]

An industry fave, the House of (ceo Dean) Marks remains a family-owned partner—and it shows. Some of the longest client relations in the business driven by one of the largest service teams around. Making huge pushes into technology offerings that make trade show programs extra experiential and measurable. Investing in equipment, systems and processes to make programs more effective and efficient. Hiring key new staffers—including new vp Jenish Joseph—to help with client strategies and campaigns.

Website: taylorinc.com

Opened: 1986 
HQ: Carrollton, TX
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 25%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 50%; Bigger than 50x50s: 25%
Fabrication Space: 50k
Storage Space: 50k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Facebook Gaming, Google Nest, Nissan Automotive, Southwest Airlines, Twitch
RFP Contact: Stephanie Chavez, [email protected]

Live streams, championship tournaments and award-winning activations for brands such as Twitch, Facebook Gaming and Blizzard account for Trade Group’s huge success and, even better, a 90 percent retention rate among esports and gaming clients. A new HQ slated to begin construction in 2018 will double its current space and house all operations under one roof, including a healthy employee café, so it will be able to serve growing client needs more quickly and effectively.

Website: tradegroup.com

Opened: 1959 
HQ: Aston, PA
US Work: 90%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 40%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 40%; Bigger than 50x50s: 20%
Fabrication Space: 60k
Storage Space: 202k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Abbott, Comcast, CertainTeed, Samsung, Thales
RFP Contact: Dave Coladonato, [email protected]

Word-of-mouth keeps the work rolling in at Visual, which last year maintained its steady growth. Among its services: An Exhibit Exchange program that allows clients from different industries to share exhibits to create a new look on a limited budget; a Green Advantage program that incorporates rental pieces for waste reduction and environmentally friendly materials; and a semi-annual technology highlights reel that keeps everyone up-to-date on the latest and greatest beyond trade shows.

Website: visitvisual.com

Opened: 2015
HQ: Santa Clarita, CA
US Work: 100%
Portfolio: 20x20s and Smaller: 60%; 20x20s to 50x50s: 30%; Bigger than 50x50s: 10%
Fabrication Space: 20k
Storage Space: 7.5k
Rental: Yes
Clients: Google, Pandora, Relevent, Tool of N. Am., Warner Bros.
RFP Contact: Tyler McJunkins, [email protected]

Excels at temporary builds as well as permanent installations, including interior design for clients’ offices, influencer spaces and real estate locations. Work on Samsung’s Great Launch tour proved its ability to produce quality AND quantity with custom photo booths and display kiosks themed to specific market locations but each with the same set-up. And how’s this for Instagram-worthy: a one-of-a-kind Rainbow Room for client Happy Place that had attendees jumping into a pot of smiley faces.

Website: whitewallsfab.com