About Larry
Industry Awards
Experiential Designers & Producers Association EDPA Hazel Hays Award Acknowledgement of Contributions to the US Exhibit Industry
International Federation of Exhibition Services IFES Roger Taurant Award Acknowledgement of International contributions to the exhibit industry
EDPA President 1997
IFES President 2004
First EDPA Ambassador of the Year Award 2001
Larry Kulchawik has dedicated his entire career to exhibit design and exhibiting services provided at trade shows, in the USA and internationally.
His recent book, The Invisible Industry, was written with co-author-Bob McGlincy. The book outlines the history and evolution of trade show marketing in the USA. The five chapters address- The start of trade shows with World Fairs, Convention Centers, Industry specific Trade Shows, Exhibit Suppliers, Exhibit Design, Influential People and Associations, Economic Impact of the Industry, and the Future of Trade Shows.
The American model of organizing a trade show is different than anywhere else in the world. This book helps to explain why, and why the industry is still considered 'invisible'.
Larry's first book, “Trade Shows from One Country to the Next”, outlines the global venues, regulations, exhibit styles, and cultural differences when exhibiting in any of 45 different countries. One size does not fit all. The books theme...There is no right way, there is no wrong way, there is only a different way. Know and respect what is different in each region to achieve success when exhibiting at a trade show abroad.
While earning a degree in Design at Southern Illinois University, Larry Kulchawik had the privilege to study under Buckminster Fuller. Geodesic Domes and Spaceship Earth concepts influenced his thinking regarding international design and cultural differences. Starting as an exhibit designer and fabrication engineer, Kulchawik has spent his entire 50 year career in the exhibit industry.
He has worked in management for three leading exhibit companies in the USA, with a focus on international trade show marketing. He served on the boards of many industry associations (CEIR, OSPI, World Trade Center) and served as president for IFES (International Federation of Exposition Services), and EDPA (Exhibit Designer and Producers Association).
As president of EDPA he assisted to launch the first masters degree program in exhibit design at FIT/NYC, and led a task force to create UL2301- Standards for Exhibiting Safety with Underwriters Laboratory- safety standards for building and installing trade show exhibits.
Larry has been awarded two of the industry's highest honors- the Hazel Hays Award (EDPA), and the Roger Taurant Award (IFES) for his contributions to the exhibit industry.
Personal Thoughts...
“At this stage of my life I wish to give back and share my trade show experiences to expose this exciting industry we call trade show marketing- The Invisible Industry. Being involved with IFES ( Global exhibit design/builders from 45 countries) I have met many trusted exhibit house owners who I consider friends and partners. They each have been my source of local information when I decided to write the book. "Recalculating your thinking when exhibiting from one country to the next is key to achieving global sales success. The Invisible Industry helps international exhibitors coming to the USA to better understand why the American way of organizing a trade show is so different. Connecting the world with a shared sensitivity about face to face business communication practices will enhance our skills to communicate our needs more clearly when marketing in all global regions.
With this said, I created an international RFP Template when exhibitors are requesting trade show exhibit services from a supplier outside of their country of origin. It is not what you say in English that matters, but what you mean. The template is in English with key word translations in thirteen different languages’.
Click the tab “International RFP Template” for further information on this.
Kulchawik Testimonials
“Larry has been an instrumental part of the development and continued growth of the Graduate Exhibition Design program at FIT for over 10 years. A professional with vital experience in the exhibits industry, Larry's global expertise is unparalleled, covering all aspects of business, communications and creative design. He is a pleasure to work with and continues to be an asset to our exhibit design program dedicated to higher learning.”
Brenda Cowan
Associate Professor
Graduate Exhibition Design at FIT, SUNY/Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC
“Considering the decades of devotion Larry has put into the trade show industry, I would highly recommend him as an international consultant when seeking help abroad.”
Richard Erschik
Speaker, Trainer & Coach, Florida
“I met Larry 10 years ago while he was the IFES President. Ever since, I recognized his dedication with lifetime experiences in the global trade show industry. Every time I travel in the US I am amazed to learn how well known the ‘Larry Kulchawik brand’ is and how beneficial it can be to be Larry’s friend!”
Voicu Sferdianu
President of IFES, International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services
President, Expo Design System, Romania
“I don't think there are enough words to share with peers and industry colleagues which can describe what Larry has done to make the exhibition industry worldwide a better place to work in. Larry always seeks to go beyond someones expectations. He is an individual which is trusted in any country in the world and has the expertise to know what needs be done to succeed with trade show marketing abroad.”
Peter Theodorides
President & CEO of Vision Ltd, Athens, Greece