ABOUT
(1).png)
Your Partner in the Exhibitions Industry
Established in 1970, the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) is the unified voice of service contractors and their partners in the exhibition industry. Through a strong network of members across the nation, ESCA works alongside industry organizations to champion the exhibition sector and advance our members' interests.
Our Foundation
ESCA Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
ESCA is committed to advancing the exhibition, meeting, and special event industries. Through education, information exchange, and shared professionalism among members and their customers, ESCA fosters collaboration across all aspects of the exhibitions industry.
Strategic Vision
ESCA's Strategic Plan reflects the Board of Directors' commitment to building a sustainable competitive edge for the organization. It is designed to strengthen organizational alignment and make the most of ESCA's resources — time, money, and effort.
As a living, working plan, it evolves in step with the changing needs of our members and the shifting landscape of the exhibitions industry.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Our mission is to build a community that recognizes, respects, and values every member, regardless of background or demographic. ESCA is dedicated to creating an environment in which all members and customers of the exhibition, meeting, and special events industries feel welcome to connect, learn, and do business with one another.
While our industry unites us in many ways, it is our individuality and distinctness that make the community stronger — and something we must embrace together. As ESCA members, each of us has a role to play in advancing this kind of inclusion.
Who We Are
What ESCA Represents
- A dedicated association for companies providing services and materials to the exhibition, meeting, and event industries.
- A hub for information exchange among members and the broader exhibition, meeting, and event community.
- A trusted source for leading general service contractors and suppliers.
- A reliable provider of guidance and support in today's ever-changing business environment.
- An advocate for service providers on the issues that matter most, including the development and distribution of official position papers.
- A go-to resource for other professional organizations across the industry.
- A guiding force in establishing best practices and ethical standards.
The People Behind ESCA
Meet Our Leaders
Board of Directors
Industry veterans guiding ESCA's strategic direction, advocacy efforts, and long-term vision. Learn more about the ESCA Board of Directors.
ESCA Staff
The dedicated team delivering programs, events, and member support year-round. Get to know the ESCA Staff.
Committees & Councils
Member-led groups shaping education, safety, labor relations, sustainability, and more. Get Involved.
Industry Spotlight
Learn More About the Exhibitions Industry
The Exhibitions Industry Collective — a coalition of ECA, EDPA, ESCA, IAEE, IAVM, and SISO — has partnered with CNTV on a new workforce development video series spotlighting the people and careers behind the exhibitions and events industry, with the goal of inspiring students and professionals to explore the many paths it offers.
What is a Trade Show?
Welcome to the world of trade shows — where industries come together to do business, launch ideas, and shape the future. A trade show is like the Super Bowl of business. From building stages to running lights, designing booths, and creating video, it takes an entire workforce to make it all happen. For millions of Americans, this industry is a pathway to skills, growth, and opportunity. We are technicians and designers, producers, builders, strategists, and problem solvers — because before it all begins for the audience or attendee, the show starts with us.
The Impact of Trade Shows
Did you know that behind every industry, there's a trade show for that? New products for your pets? Trade show. Medical research? Trade show. Pizza, coffee, musical instruments? You guessed it — there's a trade show for that. So what exactly does a job in trade shows look like?
Venues & Career Opportunities
Whether you call it the events industry, the trade show industry, or the exhibition industry, one thing's for certain: it all starts with a venue. Convention centers, arenas, exhibition halls, conference hotels — these aren't just buildings. They're dynamic spaces where connections happen, relationships are built, and business gets done.
Be Part of What's Next
ESCA members shape the future of exhibitions, meetings, and events. Join a community committed to advocacy, education, and shared professionalism — and put your company at the center of the conversation.