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photo by steed media service
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President and CEO, Showtime Expo
If there’s a major trade show or convention drawing large numbers of
attendees and sponsors, chances are Will Gilmore was responsible for
managing and facilitating the production. Gilmore’s company, Showtime
Expo, offers full-scale planning and logistic services for several
events, including the National Urban League’s annual conference.
“We’ve been planning the [Urban League’s 2007] conference since
February when I got involved with all of the sponsorship opportunities
and all of the logistics needed to actually put the event on and make
it the success that it is. Everything you see in the exhibition hall –
from the registration down to the equipment – we provided,” boasts the
president and CEO.
Conceptualized eight years ago, Showtime Expo is the result of solid
relationships and experience.
“The biggest [key to success in the industry] is building relationships
and having the core value that people can believe in you; that if you
say you’re going to be somewhere and do something, that’s what you’re
going to do,” says Gilmore. “Consistency and integrity is a big issue
and big step in our business.”
With proper financial structures and research playing a significant
role in Showtime Expo’s success thus far, Gilmore wants to continue his
company’s growth in exciting directions.
“We want to be the largest African American general contractor in the
convention business, nationwide,” he says. “We’d like to expand our
reach to international waters and get [into more] domestic markets. Any
time anyone has an event, I would like to be the first in their mind.”
– jason thompson
