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A History Of Excellence The beginning The history of GES includes many founding fathers of the special events and tradeshow decorating business. The company dates back to 1939, when Chuck and Leon Manne founded Manncraft in Kansas City specializing in signs, window trimmings and small displays. During World War II, Ben Rittmaster joined Manncraft as a partner, later becoming its first president. During the 50s and 60s, Manncraft added booth stock as part of its new Exhibitor Service Division and expanded by opening offices in Omaha, Miami, Tampa, Atlanta and New Orleans. In 1969, The Greyhound Corporation purchased Manncraft and growth through acquisitions began. In the early 70’s, offices were opened in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and San Diego through acquisition and organic growth. In 1973, Greyhound acquired Las Vegas Convention Services Company, and the stronghold in Las Vegas began. In 1979, Manncraft changed its name to Greyhound Exposition Services and GES was born. By 1981, Nort Rittmaster, Ben’s son, was named President and CEO of GES. Dramatic Growth in the 90’s GES expanded into the Pacific Northwest in 1991 through acquisitions in Seattle and Portland. By the end of 1992, GES was headquartered in Las Vegas with offices in most major west coast cities. At this point, the company had 500 full-time employees. Recognizing the projected growth of the tradeshow industry, GES decided to establish nationwide service. In May 1993, GES made the largest acquisition in its history; by purchasing United Exposition Service Company whose city operations included virtually every major convention market east of the Mississippi. With the United acquisition, Greyhound Exposition Services changed its name to GES Exposition Services to reflect "The New GES." In August 1993, Nort Rittmaster was promoted to chairman and chief executive officer for GES. In October 1993, GES acquired Andrews, Bartlett & Associates, a major regional contractor based in Hudson, Ohio and in November of the same year acquired Gelco Convention Services, based in Miami, enhancing the Orlando operation. During early 1995, GES expanded into Canada through the acquisition of Panex Show Services and Stampede Display and Convention Services, gaining offices in Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton. By June of that year, Concept Convention Service had joined the GES family, with offices in Phoenix, Tucson and Albuquerque. GES acquired ESR Exposition Services in May 1998, one of New York City's leading tradeshow and event contractors. That same year in June, GES also acquired Puliz of Utah, Inc., a noted tradeshow and corporate events company with locations in Reno and Salt Lake City. In October 1998, Panex, Canada's largest trades and event-marketing company changed its name to GES CANADA Exposition Services Limited. January 2006 brought the appointment of Kevin Rabbitt as President and CEO for GES. Rabbitt joined GES in 2002 and has held the positions of executive vice president Products & Services Group, executive vice president National Operations, and most recently Chief Operations Officer. Today, GES Exposition Services serves more than 3,000 events and shows annually. To meet the growing needs of the industry, GES has invested record amounts in carpet, furnishings and equipment; maintains its leadership in design and production technology; has solid employee training; and provides superior service to its clients throughout the United States and Canada. For Kevin Rabbitt and the team of more than 1,400 GES employees, the goal is to provide high-quality, hassle-free, value-added service for clients throughout the United States and Canada. This is the GES tradition of excellence.
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What our employees say
“The greatest experience I have had while working at GES has been the ability to share my knowledge and experiences with other great people. Together we have made changes in how we do our business and created workflow procedures that help us get things done more efficiently. Together we have made an office that people want to come to work in everyday.” -Scott Stoner Graphics Supervisor Chicago, IL - 2 Years What our customers say
"This letter is to compliment the service and support we received. At the last minutes, we needed to set up an account with GES. You were both prompt in your response to us, and efficient in helping us to take the right steps to establish an account. Your personal involvement made it possible for The Humane Society of the United States to successfully send, store, and deliver exhibit materials to our Pet Fest America Event. We received many compliments on your company's involvement for our latest event in Atlanta. Thanks again for being so very helpful and knowledgeable in helping to get our shipping, storage and delivery efforts of the ground. We are very appreciative and look forward to doing more business with you in the future.”
-The Humane Society of the United States |
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