William T. Glasgow, Sr.(BG), known by many in the trade show industry, passed away peacefully in his home on October 23, 2015.
“BG” was an icon in the trade show industry for more than 65 years. He began his career at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago, while attending Loyola University. In 1967, he became Director of Sales for Hilton Catering at McCormick Place and later returned to McCormick Place as Director of Sales & Marketing for Greyhound Food Management. In 1975 he was hired as Show Manager by the Electronic Industries Association to manage their Winter and Summer Consumer Electronics Shows (held in Chicago and Las Vegas). He was later promoted to Vice President, where he remained in that capacity until he started his own business – W. T. Glasgow, Inc.
In 1984, BG launched his company with the management contract of the former APAA Show. When APAA merged with the Big I Show, Glasgow was awarded the management contract for the combined event, known today as AAPEX, and ranks #29 in Trade Show Week’s prestigious “Trade Show 100” He was the first recipient of the U.S. Department of Commerce E-Certificate for Service in promoting exports through trade shows. Glasgow organized and was the first Chairman of the Major American Trade Show Organizers (MATSO), so that show managers of major trade shows would have a forum to discuss the unique needs and common problems shows experienced by shows of large magnitude. In 2010, BG received the “Outstanding Achievement in Industry Leadership Award” from the International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE). In 2012 he retired, transitioning the leadership of the company to sons Bill and Brian.
He will be greatly missed by his family and those who were privileged to work with him in the trade show industry over his 65 years in the business.
BG is survived by his wife of 61 years, Loretta (nee Kelly) and three children, sons Bill, Jr. (Linda), Brian (Kristen) and daughter, Karen. He is also the proud grandfather of four grandchildren – Kelly, Ryan, Bobby and Ashley and dear brother of Bernie and late Francis.
Visitation Sunday, 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Lawn Funeral Home, 17909 S. 94th Avenue, Tinley Park, IL. Funeral Mass on Monday, 11:15 am at Our Lady of the Woods Parish, 10731 W. 131st Street, Orland Park, IL 708-361-4754. Hilton Garden Inn, located at 18335 S. La Grange Road, Tinley Park, IL 60487, will have available hotel accommodations. To reserve, please call 708-429-2266. In addition, for proper transportation, please contact American Taxi Dispatch at 800-479-0440.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Leo Catholic High School. Info: Leo High School, c/o Dan McGrath/Scholarship, 7901 S. Sangamon Street, Chicago, IL 60620.
