celebrating 80 years of

Condit’s 80^th Anniversary

As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we take pride in a legacy built on quality, innovation, and exceptional service. From our start as Denver’s first graphic design firm in the 1940s to a modern leader in exhibit design and experiential event marketing, we’ve evolved to meet the needs of a changing world. This milestone is not just a reflection of our past but a celebration of the partnerships, creativity, and resilience that will drive us forward into the next part of our story and help us to support yours, too.

Rocky Mountain Origins

Born in 1945 from the creative vision of artist and founder Bill Condit, our Denver-based organization started with two employees working away in a windowless attic on Colfax Avenue. Humble beginnings? Absolutely. But that’s just the first chapter!

With Bill’s artistic talent and passion for quality, Condit’s small team quickly earned a reputation for creativity and craftsmanship. Those early days were defined by hard work, ingenuity, and a determination to bring big ideas to life — no matter the size of the space or the challenge at hand. It was the start of something special, setting the tone for the years to come.

Post-WWII Opportunity

After World War II, America entered a period of rapid economic development and transformation, and Bill Condit wasn’t one to let an opportunity pass him by. Riding the wave of the late 1940s economic boom, he set out to expand his fledgling graphic design firm into uncharted territories. Recognizing the changing needs of businesses in this new era, Bill Condit diversified Condit’s offerings beyond traditional advertising design services.

With companies eager to capture the attention of an increasingly optimistic and consumer-driven market, Condit began branching into new areas like branded fixtures, retail displays, and tradeshow booths. By aligning services with the exploding demand for visual storytelling and marketing, Bill ensured Condit would remain a go-to partner for businesses navigating a rapidly modernizing world. And by the 1960s and 70s, Condit had become a go-to partner for tradeshows and exhibitions, helping businesses make a lasting impact at events.

The Evolution of Marketing in the 1990s

The 1990s ushered in a seismic shift in how brands connected with their audiences. As the internet began to change the communication landscape and consumer expectations evolved, traditional marketing methods were no longer enough. The rise of experiential marketing — a strategy focused on creating immersive, interactive brand experiences at key points in time — redefined the rules of engagement.

Recognizing the power of creating emotional connections with audiences, we expanded our offerings to deliver not just visually striking exhibits but captivating and memorable event experiences. This meant focusing on the customer journey, blending cutting-edge design with storytelling, physical construction, technology, and interpersonal communication. Whether it was a conference exhibit that captivated show attendees or a corporate installation that told an organization’s story in an unforgettable way, Condit made meaningful audience engagement the centerpiece of its work.

Director of Operations Richard Raedeke

For over 30 years, Richard Raedeke served as Condit’s Director of Operations, leaving an indelible mark on our legacy. Under his leadership, Richard introduced groundbreaking production practices that elevated our operational standards. By embracing advanced machinery and new technologies, he streamlined manufacturing processes, improved efficiency, and enhanced the overall quality of Condit’s deliverables as well as our turn-times. His forward-thinking approach not only ensured that we remained at the forefront of the events industry but also set benchmarks for excellence that resonated throughout our business.

Richard’s tenure was also defined by his commitment to sustainability across all aspects of design and manufacturing. Recognizing the increasing importance of environmentally responsible practices, he championed initiatives to reduce waste, optimize material usage, and incorporate eco-friendly solutions into our production processes. At the same time, he cultivated a culture of excellence by setting a powerful example of work ethic, fostering modernization, and encouraging collaboration between all departments.

Economic Challenges in 2001, 2008

Within our organization, our industry, and the broader global economy, we have faced our share of storms over the past eight decades. These include the recessions of 2001 and 2008.

During the 2001 dot-com bust, Condit swiftly adjusted operational strategies, diversifying its client base and reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality, customized solutions that addressed clients’ shifting needs at events and beyond. This approach not only stabilized the company during a period of uncertainty but also strengthened its reputation as a reliable partner during turbulent times.

The Great Recession of 2008 posed yet another significant test. With marketing budgets slashed and industries pulling back on discretionary spending, we increased our investment in cost-effective, modular exhibit solutions and an expansive rental inventory that allowed clients to maintain their presence at tradeshows at a lower cost without compromising their event marketing goals.

CEO Mike McGowan

When CEO Mike McGowan took the helm of Condit Exhibits in 2008, his leadership marked a pivotal turning point. Recognizing the unique potential of combining boutique, client-focused exhibit design with high-quality, large-scale manufacturing, McGowan set out to redefine Condit’s position in the industry. His vision was to create a seamless integration between creative artistry and precision engineering, allowing Condit to deliver exceptional solutions tailored to each client’s specific industry needs and brand vision. By leveraging Condit’s established reputation while investing in cutting-edge production capabilities, McGowan positioned Condit as a leader in experiential design and fabrication, capable of competing on a global scale.

One of McGowan’s most significant achievements was fostering a unified and motivated workforce. He prioritized collaboration and communication across all levels of the organization, ensuring that every team member was aligned with Condit’s mission of delivering excellence, beginning with establishing a dedicated senior leadership team. This culture of unity drove consistent growth even during challenging economic periods and is continuously fostered by team-building activities like elaborate Halloween celebrations, family-friendly outdoor activities, and monthly all-company catered lunches. Under McGowan’s guidance, Condit not only solidified its reputation as a trusted partner for clients worldwide but also set the stage for long-term success, laying the groundwork for our continued evolution and expansion.

Exhibit Source, Inc. Acquisition

In 2019, Condit Exhibits took a bold step by acquiring Exhibit Source, Inc., a well-established exhibit house based in Chicago. This strategic move marked a significant expansion of our geographic footprint, extending our reach into the bustling Midwest region. The acquisition was not just about geography — it was about opportunity. The Midwest, with its concentration of heavy industries and manufacturing events, represented a perfect fit for Condit’s expertise in crafting impactful exhibits tailored to specialized markets.

The integration of Exhibit Source also bolstered Condit’s operational capabilities and diversified its client portfolio. With an expanded presence, including additional storage/maintenance warehousing and manufacturing space, we gained direct access to a broader client base and enhanced our ability to support large-scale, complex exhibits in key vertical markets. Beyond logistical advantages, the acquisition brought together the strengths of two like-minded organizations, each committed to delivering high-quality exhibit fabrication, collaborative designs, and outstanding customer experiences.

Global Pandemic

COVID-19 presented perhaps the most profound challenge of all. The pandemic had significant global impact, disrupting industries, economies, and daily life and health on an unprecedented scale. For businesses, it forced rapid adaptation to virtual exhibit solutions, supply chain challenges, and shifting consumer behaviors, while individuals faced health crises, social isolation, and economic uncertainty. As live events ground to a halt, Condit quickly adapted by developing virtual and hybrid event solutions, leveraging technology to help clients continue engaging with their audiences in meaningful ways.

Returning to Business as Usual

As in-person events returned, Condit capitalized on its expertise in experiential design to help brands reconnect with audiences in impactful ways and return not just to large-scale national and international events but also more regional shows and more specialized conferences/expositions. This post-pandemic rebound not only reinforced our reputation for adaptability but also positioned us for sustained growth in a transformed industry landscape. Like all our colleagues, we’ve been encouraged by the positive reports about exhibitor participation and attendance across all vertical markets as well as the investments in convention centers throughout the country.

Looking Toward the Future

Workforce Development

Condit Exhibits is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of young professionals in the exhibitions and events industry. Through collaborations with local high schools, colleges, and trade programs, we introduce young talent to the diverse opportunities within event marketing. By hosting site visits, mentoring students, offering internships, and participating in career fairs, we engage both creative and technical individuals, from designers and engineers to machinists and wood/metal-workers. Additionally, we support industry-wide workforce development initiatives, such as the Future Workforce Initiative and both the EDPA Northwest and Midwest chapters.

Sustainability

For over 20 years, Condit Exhibits has been a pioneer in integrating sustainability into every aspect of its operations, from exhibit design and fabrication to material recycling and disposal to facility management. Recognizing early the environmental challenges posed by the tradeshow industry, we adopted eco-friendly practices to reduce our footprint while maintaining the high standards clients expect in their components, assembly, and storage. Today, we offer flexible, accessible “green” solutions to align with environmental consciousness on every level.

A Thank You to Our Clients and Partners

As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our clients and partners — because this incredible milestone wouldn’t be possible without you. Your trust, collaboration, and support over the years have been the foundation of our success and growth. Together, we’ve created impactful experiences, overcome challenges, and built lasting relationships that inspire us every day. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey; we look forward to continuing to work and innovate together for many years to come.

Have some thoughts to share? If you’re a past, present or future client, we want to hear from you! Reach out to our team and let us know how your experience has been or how we can better serve your brand in the future – or check out our blog, case study collection, and newsletter to see how we’re shaping the next 80 years across the industry!