Our Company History | Hall Erickson, Inc.

“When our clients succeed, we succeed. We must always act in partnership to innovate and improve our services in helping them achieve greater success.”

- Hub Erickson Jr., Co-Founder, Hall-Erickson

Over 70 Years of Service

The roots of Hall-Erickson, Inc. can be traced back to the depression era in Chicago in 1930 when an entrepreneur by the name of Hubbard Erickson Sr., a marine manufacturer and dealer, successfully launched the first Chicago Boat Mart at Navy Pier. Later on, his son Hub Erickson Jr. joined his father and became a partner in one of the first full-service contractors in the trade show industry known as Exhibition Contractors Company. In 1952, Hub Jr. co-founded Hall-Erickson, Inc. with Ruth Hall.

Over the next 30 years, they built Hall-Erickson into one of the most respected independent exhibition management companies in the United States, providing a range of management and marketing services to professional trade associations. He also went on to be credited as being a founder of the Trade Show Bureau (now CEIR), he was elected President of the National Association of Exposition Managers (now IAEE), and he was inducted into the Convention Liaison Council “Hall of Leaders” in 1988.

A Legacy You Can Trust

Since 1982, Hub’s son Pete has served as President of the organization, supported by a team of trade show professionals with years of industry experience. This executive leadership team is comprised of nine individuals who have extensive knowledge and expertise in developing innovative ideas, groundbreaking programs, and industry-leading procedures.

Our Mission

Dedicated to creating meaningful business events with an uncompromising commitment to integrity, innovation, and collaboration in partnership with our clients and their customers.

1. Success:

Our company exists to create value for our clients. Every decision we make is based on client success.

2. Integrity:

We take responsibility for our actions and our commitments. Our word is our bond.

3. Innovation:

We constantly innovate and ask how we can improve the services we provide. We never settle for doing what was done previously.

4. Collaboration:

We work as a team and recognize that we are best when we do it together. We seek input from all with respect and humility.

5. Diversity:

We strive to build a team with a wide range of voices and experiences. We believe that different perspectives make us stronger.

6. Community:

We acknowledge a responsibility to be a good corporate citizen. We encourage volunteerism in the pursuit of a better world.

“We are an organization that celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and service within the global events in which we work.”

Pete Erickson, President/CEO

We Are Proud to Support

We believe in honoring our rich, 70-year history in the Chicagoland area by donating our time and talent to our neighbors in need. Each year, Hall-Erickson dedicates one day to fulfilling acts of service, whether that be volunteering at a local food drive, or raising money for charities we support. Giving back has been at the core of Hall-Erickson’s mission since its inception, and we honor that through our continued support of the below organizations.

Hall-Erickson, Inc.

Hall-Erickson Inc.