Chicago Trade Show Company

About Us

We turn your dreams into dynamic creative experiences for the world’s leading brands.

Our History

Groundbreaking Design Grounded in a History of Craftsmanship

In 1979, a client who would not settle for mediocrity approached our founder and master cabinetmaker, Franc Tivadar, to design and fabricate an exhibit. His attention to detail and exceptional craftsmanship led to the founding of EDE, a trendsetting exhibit and museum fabricator.

Today, Franc’s son, Greg Tivadar, leads the team as Creative Director and President. Franc still helps out (we can’t keep him out of the workshop) as we test the limits of what’s possible with our clients every day.

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Our Team

We’re a Hardworking, Family-Run Business

Greg apprenticed at EDE throughout his youth, and his wife, Jill Lencioni (she’s been here even longer — now that’s a fun story) is the Director of Operations. In fact, extended family hold roles throughout our 50-odd strong team.

You don’t have to be a Tivadar, though, to feel welcome in our offices, in our homes, and in our lives. We believe the connections and relationships we hold with our clients are our strength, and the gratitude we feel is immeasurable.

Get to know us. You won’t regret it.

Meet the Team

Our Process

Exceptional Exhibits With a Time-Tested Process to Match

Exhibiting at a large, national show? Our team is here to design and build a one-of-a-kind exhibit just for you. Then, we’ll store, pack, and ship it to your show site. We even send a supervisor from our team out to the show to manage shipments, guide installation and dismantle, and provide any other on-site support you need.

But, our work doesn’t stop when the show is over. We track inbound shipments, double-check your invoices, and even try to get you refunds on show services.

Need help with a smaller, regional show? We do that, too! Our services scale to provide high-quality, cost-effective support for your team.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL PROCESS

Process & Planning

What We Do

We Create Personalized Experiences

Whether on the trade show exhibit floor, in your branded environment, or captivating passing museum visitors, our exhibits are dynamic.

We put passion and intricate detail into every exhibit we create — delivering unforgettable, multidimensional experiences.

Trade Show Exhibits

Leave a lasting impression. Dynamic exhibit designs and experiences tell your story, attract the right attendees, and deliver measurable ROI.

Branded Environments

Extend the experience of your brand to interior environments with groundbreaking architecture, design, and craftsmanship that embodies your story.

Museum Cases

Capture the attention of your visitors with exquisite museum cases and detail-oriented exhibits that enthrall, educate, and inspire.

Trusted By

Why EDE

How Do We Create Impactful Exhibit Experiences?

We attend to the details and push the boundaries of what’s been done, so you stand out from the crowd.

Create with Us

Details

We take pride in our work. Over the last four decades, we’ve learned visitors pay attention to the details — and it’s that attention to detail we instill in every project.

Design

If we can think it, we can build. We don’t let what’s been done define what can be — and we’ll deliver unique, unforgettable experiences every time.

Dedication

When you work with us, you’re part of the family. We’ll pull out the vacuum or make the call — whatever is needed so you deliver a better experience for your visitors.

“EDE has been such a great partner for our trade show clients and we couldn’t be more pleased with our experience working with them! Jay and Jill are always on the ball, super organized, great problem solvers — we hit the jackpot with this account team.

If you’re looking for a partner who can hear your vision and produce it to reality, EDE is a great asset to add to the team. We’ll continue to work with them for years to come!”

Ashley Massa, Senior Associate Producer | The Experiential Group

Our Work

Explore Our Portfolio. Start Imagining What’s Possible.

Nothing is impossible. It simply hasn’t been dreamed up yet. See where we’ve taken brands in the past to start imagining where you can go in the future.

Careers

We’re Growing and Need Your Help

Over the last year, we’ve learned that face-to-face conversations aren’t going anywhere. While event attendees at trade shows, in our offices, and in our halls have decreased in number, the value each visitor brings has risen.

We need your help and fresh perspective as we continue to evolve and push boundaries in event and exhibit design marketing.

Join the Family

The Exhibit and Trade Show Marketing Knowledge Hub

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Sustainability: It’s Not Easy Being Green

Sustainability: It’s Not Easy Being Green

TL;DR (But you really should read!) The trade show industry isn't exactly ecofriendly. But down below you'll learn how to be a little bit ecofriendlier. Quick tips: Buy durable crates. Check for reentry programs. Rent plants. Think modular. Recycle...duh. It's Not...

Use Data-Driven Design to Improve Trade Show Performance

Use Data-Driven Design to Improve Trade Show Performance

Is your exhibit failing to deliver? Your trade show booth may be innovative and attractive, but that doesn’t matter if your audience isn’t connecting with it. In the consumer-centric world we live in, exhibits that speak directly to visitors’ needs will gain more...

How Can I Save Our Trade Show Program?

How Can I Save Our Trade Show Program?

QUESTION: Post COVID, our C-suite is questioning whether our company should continue its trade show program. How can I convince them of its relevance and save five people's jobs in the process? ANSWER: Without a doubt, COVID dealt a blow to the trade show and events...