It’s no secret that our industry was hit hard during the recession. Although we had to make many tough decisions to adjust to the economic conditions, we never wavered in our belief in the value of face-to-face marketing, especially in a time when communication has become very impersonal.  Due to a strong strategy and incredible commitment by our team of employees, we survived the recession and learned a lot along the way. As we continue to emerge from the recession with a new perspective on an industry so near to my heart, we look for ways to offer our clients not just exceptional customer service but also results that will positively impact those who organize and participate in face-to-face events.

Back in 1927 when my grandfather, Buck Freeman, started Freeman Decorating Company in Des Moines, Iowa, I can only imagine the great vision he had for this company. My dad, Don Freeman, built on the vision by ensuring that we had a strong foundation of cultural values coupled with a focused eye on opportunity.  The industry grew significantly, and under Dad’s leadership, we grew even stronger by adding great talent and establishing trusted relationships with our customers.

Through the years, the face-to-face industry has had many twists and turns as it has grown in sophistication. Today, we look toward encompassing more digital and virtual capabilities into our portfolio. We continue to evolve our creative and out-of-the-box solutions while still understanding that nothing replaces personal interaction.

In the next step toward our future, Freeman announced today that we have acquired Wheelhouse Solutions, uniting two of the best companies in the face-to-face marketing industry. By bringing Champion Exposition Services, George Fern Company and Immersa Marketing into the Freeman family, we are uniting a talented group of people to provide the best customer service, creativity and innovation to our customers.

Our companies share common values and goals. As a more diverse and even better company, we will continue to enable clients to realize the promise of face-to-face, experiential and event marketing, encompassing expositions, conventions, corporate events, trade shows and exhibits of all sizes, as well as digital solutions that enhance their value to marketers.

Integration, like change, is never easy.  Considering the complex business of producing events, very little of what we do is easy, so we are wired to tackle challenges.  What we know is that we are well versed and adept at analyzing complex challenges, creating a thoughtful and comprehensive plan and executing it well.   The long-term rewards will certainly outweigh the shorter term challenges.

Please join me as we welcome the new employees into the Freeman family.

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