John “Jack” Patronski to Retire From GES Next Month
GES Executive Vice President of Industry Development John “Jack” Patronski will retire from the Las Vegas-based global experiential marketing company, effective June 30.
During his 44-year career in the industry, Patronski has dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours working toward its continued success. He has been active in improving labor and exhibitor rights in Chicago; and served as chairman of the board for Choose Chicago from 2007-2009 and as chairman of the board for the PCMA Foundation in 2006. He also served on the boards of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and PCMA, and was a member of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Labor Management Council. Outside the industry, he served as president of Northern Illinois University’s Alumni Association.
“Jack’s distinguished career in the exhibition and events industry extends beyond his 25 years with GES, said GES Executive Vice President of Exhibitions Jeff Quade. “His dedication to GES and the industry includes working tirelessly with clients, industry groups, labor unions and venues to help drive service and operation improvements.”
He continued, “Jack has been a major contributor to GES including early acquisitions in the U.S. and Canada, leading the national sales group, major labor negotiations service initiatives and training. We appreciate Jack’s dedication to GES, our clients and our industry, and we wish him much happiness in his well-deserved retirement.”
Outside the industry, Patronski served as president of Northern Illinois University’s Alumni Association and was recognized for his leadership by IAEE, CEIR, Exhibition Services and Contractors Association and the PCMA Foundation as a recipient of their Visionary, Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I have been fortunate to enjoy a very fulfilling career, learning and working in partnership with clients and colleagues, and making new friends throughout the world,” said Patronski. “Though my plan for retirement has been in the works for some time, my departure comes with mixed emotions as I reflect on the people, projects and initiatives that made my career so rewarding.”
Patronski began his events career in 1976 as director of operations for Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. In 1978, he joined Andrews Bartlett, which GES acquired in 1993.
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