Trade Show Journalist, Editor-in-chief Michael Hart Passes Away
March 30, 2021
Michael Hart, best known as the editor-in-chief for Tradeshow Week, died on March 12 at age 67, after a valiant, but tragic battle with cancer.
"I am very sorry to hear of Michael's passing," said Rachel Wimberly, TSNN President and Tarsus, US, EVP of Business Development. "Michael was a passionate advocate of the trade show industry overall. He also was a meticulous editor, who I learned a tremendous amount from during our time working together at Tradeshow Week magazine."
Michael attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., graduating from Raymond College, and as a graduate student pursued journalism at the University of Arizona.
His first job after graduate school was as the editor-in-chief of the Glendale Star and Peoria Times in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Michael’s interest in local journalism landed him a job with The Los Angeles Times in 1998. He edited for the “Our Times” division, which focused on the vast diversity of L.A. neighborhoods.
The L.A. Times’ takeover by The Chicago Tribune ended its neighborhood orientation, but Michael found another “local” niche in the business-to-business magazine realm. He edited, first, the San Fernando Valley edition of The L.A. Business Journal, then moved on to become editor-in-chief of Tradeshow Week.
While at the helm of Tradeshow Week, Michael’s career took a pronounced turn. As the journal’s editor, he proved repeatedly that he was not only a first-rate journalist, but a savvy, candid, and outspoken industry-observer. When business reporters needed a well-informed source, Michael was always the first one they phoned. They knew they could count on him for accurate details, keen insights, and maverick opinions.
Tradeshow Week served as the “must read” news weekly for over 8,000 subscribers until, unable to compete with online news sites, it was shuttered in 2010, along with 25 other trade journals owned by its parent company, Reed Elsevier.
“Michael became the ‘go-to’ journalist for the exhibition industry,” said Steven Hacker, principal of Bravo Management Group and former president of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events. “He was a passionate and reliable spokesman for trade shows in the US and around the world.”
Michael moved next to run the leading education-technology journal and soon after to edit the No. 1 event-industry monthly, EXPO; but that magazine survived only another five years before ceasing publication.
The decline of print journalism was not totally kind to Michael, even though he had the foresight to master digital and online formats. Despite many challenges, he continued to work for a variety of media and event-related businesses firms as an editor, writer, conference producer, and event organizer, until his retirement in 2019.
“Michael was smart, curious and always probing for the ‘story behind the story,’” said Sam Lippman, president of Lippman Connects. “He was successful because he could be trusted. We in the trade show industry appreciated and benefited from his professionalism.”
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
Comments
This is such sad news. I……
This is such sad news. I…
This is such sad news. I hired Michael as EIC at Tradeshow Week in January, 2003 and had the privilege of working with him for five years. Michael was instrumental in reshaping the magazine and helping to launch the TSW Fastest 50. He was a complete and insightful professional who always made valuable contributions. My best to Susan and the family. Michael will be missed.
Dearest Micheal, Rest In…
Dearest Micheal,
Rest In Peace and know you will be missed. I’m sorry we didn’t have the chance to say goodbye or hello another time. You were and will be remembered as kind, energetic, loyal, engaging, and genuine. We offer prayers for your loved ones. There are many
Of us that will remember you and smile. Thank you for being you. Karen
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