Lemont, IL – William “Bill” Glasgow, founder of WT Glasgow Event Management, died October 23 after a long and stellar career in the trade show industry.
The genial Glasgow was part of the trade show industry since the mid-1970s. His family-run business currently organizes the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), one of the Trade Show Executive Gold 100 shows, as well Amusement Expo, the Billiards Congress of America Summit, and the International Formalwear Association Expo.
Glasgow began his career in the trade show industry with a bang in 1975 when he was hired by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) as show manager for the fledgling Winter and Summer Consumer Electronics Show (CES). He oversaw the event until 1984 as it evolved into the annual powerhouse CES.
Gary Shapiro, CEA president and CEO, called Glasgow “a larger-than-life figure who taught me everything I know about trade shows.”
“He was honest, ethical, hard-working, respected, unflappable and always willing to take time to explain things in a patient and thoughtful manner,” Shapiro said. “We send our condolences to the Glasgow family, friends and former colleagues.”
Glasgow was a vice president and CEA when he left to form W.T. Glasgow, Inc., which evolved into WT Glasgow Event Management. The company is currently led by his sons: President Bill Glasgow, Jr., and Senior Vice President Brian Glasgow.
“Bill Glasgow was a compassionate, caring person who valued his family first followed by his customers and friends as a close second,” said Richard Simon, president and CEO of United Service Companies. “He listened to everyone’s ideas and made them feel special for sharing those ideas. Everyone he touched in life was better off for knowing Bill,” said Simon. “We will all miss Bill.”
Glasgow was the first recipient of the U.S. Department of Commerce E-Certificate for Service in promoting exports through trade shows. He was also the first chairman of the Major American Trade Show Organizers (MATSO). He received the 2010 Outstanding Achievement in Industry Leadership Award from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events.
Donations can be sent to Leo Catholic High School, c/o Dan McGrath Scholarship, 7901 S. Sangamon Street, Chicago, IL 60620.
Reach Bill Glasgow, Jr., at (708) 326-5141 or billjr@wtglasgow.com
