Trade Show Impresario Bill Glasgow Sr Dies

MOKENA, IL -- William T. Glasgow Sr., known familiarly as BG, died on Oct. 23 at his home here. He became an icon of the trade show industry, working in the business for 65 years.

Glasgow 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 and marketing for Greyhound Food Management. In 1975 he was hired as show manager by the Electronic Industries Association to manage its winter and summer Consumer Electronics Shows (held in Chicago and Las Vegas). He then was promoted to vice-president and served in that post until he started his own management firm.

In 1984, BG launched W.T. Glasgow Inc. with the management contract for the former APAA Show, which covered automotive parts and accessories. When APAA merged with the Big I Show, W.T. Glasgow was awarded the contract for the combined event, known today as AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Product Expo), which ranks No. 29 in Trade Show Week's prestigious "Trade Show 100."

WTGI produced AAMA's Amusement Showcase International 30 years ago, entering the coin-op realm in 1985. The firm took on management for the AMOA International Expo in 1999, and added Fun Expo in 2000. When the American Amusement Machine Association and Amusement and Music Operators Association created a single show for the coin-op industry in 2010, WTGI was awarded the contract to manage the new Amusement Expo.

"It's a sad day for coin-op and for the trade show industry," AMOA's Jack Kelleher said. "William T. Glasgow was a pioneer in the modern era of trade expositions, and the point man for several of our industry events during the past three decades."

Bill Glasgow was the first recipient of the U.S. Department of Commerce E-Certificate for Service in promoting exports through trade shows. He organized and was the first chairman of the Major American Trade Show Organizers, which gave managers of major trade shows a forum to discuss the unique needs and common problems experienced by shows of large magnitude. In 2010, he received the Outstanding Achievement in Industry Leadership Award from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events. He retired in 2012, transitioning leadership of the company to sons Bill and Brian.

In addition to his two sons, Glasgow is survived by his wife of 61 years, Loretta (nee Kelly); a daughter, Karen; grandchildren Kelly, Ryan, Bobby and Ashley; and his brother Bernie.

Visiting hours will be Sunday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Lawn Funeral Home, 17909 S. 94th Ave., Tinley Park, IL. A funeral mass will be on Monday at 11:15 a.m. at Our Lady of the Woods Parish, 10731 W. 131st St., Orland Park, IL; (708) 361-4754. Hilton Garden Inn (18335 S. La Grange Rd., Tinley Park, IL 60487) will have available hotel accommodations. To reserve, call (708) 429-2266.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Glasgow's memory may be sent to Leo Catholic High School, c/o Dan McGrath Scholarship, 7901 South Sangamon St., Chicago, IL 60620.